EF1 tornado in Andrews County, Texas

A line of thunderstorms moved across Andrews County with small circulations called meso-vortices along this line. By 9:51 pm CDT, as the storm crossed Highway 385 south of Andrews, the presence of a hook echo was noted on radar. The survey team noted that damage extended from along County Road 2601 from SE 650 Road to SE 1000 Road, and then northeastward to just north of Hamrick Loop. The survey team also noted the majority of the damage coincided with the radar location of the meso-circulation and hook echo. The survey team determined that the damage was the result of a tornado. Damage to outbuildings, residential structures, power poles, and to a 300-foot transmission tower suggest that the most significant damage is indicative of a moderate to high end EF-1 tornado, with wind speeds estimated at 80-100 mph. The tornado was estimated to be 1/5 mile wide. Based on radar and damage information, it is believed that the tornado had a life span of 6 minutes, from approximately 9:55 pm to 10:01 pm. The cost of damage is a very rough estimate.

A strong upper low was over Arizona with the associated upper trough beginning to move over West Texas and southeast New Mexico providing lift. Plentiful moisture was across the area as well as good wind shear. Instability was kept lower across most of the area for much of the day due to persistent cloud cover, but the cloud cover cleared out across western portions of the area later in the day which increased instability. Low cloud bases were present and there was rotational spin in the atmosphere. These conditions resulted in severe thunderstorms with large hail, strong winds, and tornadoes.