Forecasters predict a severe weather outbreak Wednesday that would spread from southern Oklahoma to central and western Texas, with golf ball-sized hail, destructive 60 mph gusts, and localized flooding in the evening and midnight hours.
The Storm Prediction Center has identified a broad danger zone that stretches from Lubbock and Midland to Fort Worth, Brownwood, and Abilene, where a few strong to severe thunderstorms are predicted to form Wednesday afternoon and travel east into the night.
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- 1 Where the Greatest Threat Lies
- 2 Timing and Development
- 3 Flood Risk Adds Another Layer of Concern
- 4 Social Media Reactions Show Growing Concern
- 5 What to Expect After the Storm
Where the Greatest Threat Lies
The latest risk map shows a huge swath of Texas shaded in dark brown, indicating areas with the highest danger of severe storms.
Meteorologists predict supercell thunderstorms to form during peak heating hours Wednesday afternoon before clustering later in the evening. These storms will pose hazards to the following areas:
- Golf ball size hail capable of denting cars and damaging roofs
- 60 mph wind gusts that may down trees or power lines
- Heavy rainfall that could cause localized flash flooding, especially in low-lying areas
Lubbock, Abilene, Brownwood, Fort Worth, and San Angelo are all in the storm zone, with severe weather expected as far south as Austin and San Antonio and north into southern Oklahoma.
“We’re looking at a classic setup for large hail and damaging winds,” one Texas meteorologist explained. “Even a single supercell could pack a serious punch if it holds together into the evening.”
Storms are forecast to develop by mid-afternoon, first in the western counties between Midland and San Angelo, then moving eastward into the I-35 corridor by evening.
Timing and Development
Storms may consolidate into a larger line by late Wednesday evening, bringing widespread heavy rain and frequent lightning to central Texas. The flood risk will increase after dusk when storms track over the same locations.
Forecasters caution that if storms intensify, they could issue severe weather watches as early as Wednesday afternoon.
Flood Risk Adds Another Layer of Concern
In addition to the hail and wind hazard, the most recent guidance indicates a flood risk, particularly where storms “train” over the same areas.
Rivers, creeks, and small streams could rise dramatically overnight, making low-water crossings risky for drivers. Meteorologists caution that turning back on flooded roads is the safest option, as even a few inches of flowing water can wash a vehicle away.
Social Media Reactions Show Growing Concern
Texans in the affected areas have already taken to social media to prepare. A Lubbock resident wrote:
“I just put the car in the garage — I’m not dealing with hail damage again.”
Another user in Abilene shared:
“Last time we had a storm like this, the wind took half my fence. Praying it’s not that bad tonight.”
Meanwhile, forecast pages in Texas and Oklahoma have been inundated with radar images depicting increasing storm cells and recommendations to secure outdoor furniture, charge phones, and have weather radios nearby.
What to Expect After the Storm
Forecasters predict that the front responsible for Wednesday’s storms will move east by Thursday morning, resulting in cooler and drier weather for the weekend. However, meteorologists warn that another system might form early next week, so this brief quiet may not last long.
