High Wind — Roberts, Texas

2021-12-15 · Roberts, Texas

Event narrative

The Mesa Vista Ranch AWOS measured multiple gusts of 58 mph between 1235 CST and 1255 CST.

Wider weather episode

A potent storm system raced across Colorado and Kansas through the day, causing strong to extreme southwest to west winds across the area, but especially across the northern Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles. By mid-morning, winds were already gusting to well over 60 mph across the northwest half of the Panhandles. Wind gusts were measured at 70 to 90 mph by observation sites during the peak of the wind event which occurred between 11 am and 3 pm. Sustained winds ranged from 40 to 50 mph during this period and some site briefly measured sustained winds close to 60 mph. These winds led to damage to trees, powerlines, and roofs in areas where strongest winds occurred. In addition, there were several reports of semi trucks being overturned over in the area. Blowing dust caused widespread visibilities of 1 to 3 miles and there were reports of localized visibilities of less than a 1/4 mile that led to several additional major accidents in the area, which led to road closures. The combination of high winds, ongoing drought, and very dry conditions also led to 6 or more wildfires across the area which was on the southern end of a significant wildfire outbreak that extended well into Kansas. Three of the fires in the Panhandles were classified as significant wildfires as they raced uncontrolled across the landscape. The Parker Creek Fire (7000 acres as of Dec 16th) started in northwest Oldham county, briefly threatened the city of Channing in southeast Hartley County and crossed into southwest Moore County before being contained with the help of agricultural barriers. The Cobb fire (7,987 acres as of Dec 16) started in Texas County and raced east threatening Guymon, prompting evacuations and the issuance of Fire Warnings for the west side of the city before being controlled. The North 207 Fire (15,000 acres as of Dec 16th) started along Highway 207 in northern Carson County between Borger and Panhandle. This fire raced east, moved across a canyon area, and threatened Skellytown, prompting evacuations and the issuance of Fire Warnings. This fire finally slowed its progress near the Pampa Airport and Wayside as winds subsided in the evening.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 996301. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.