Storms bring winds, hail, and rain from West Texas to Delta; hampering outside activities

Parts of West Texas received light to moderate rain late yesterday and into the overnight hours as another round of thunderstorms developed. Gusting winds, hail, and brief, heavy downpours were reported in some of the more severe weather. Cloudy, cooler conditions are expected today, and scattered showers are possible. Mostly sunny skies and more seasonable temperatures in the 70°s (F) are forecast this weekend. However, there is a 50 to 80 percent chance of thunderstorms developing early next week, and rain accumulations of between 0.75’’ and 2.00’’ are projected. Hence, soil moisture levels will further improve.

As the storm system marched eastward across the state yesterday, thunderstorms intensified in central locales, and tennis ball-sized hailstones and damaging winds were reported. Generally, only light rain fell, and coverage was spotty. Cloudy, much cooler temperatures are being reported today, and there is a 60 to 100 percent chance of storms developing this afternoon, with some possibly becoming severe.

Strong thunderstorms entered the Memphis Territory overnight and earlier this morning, bringing gusting winds to as many as 60 mph, hail, and brief, heavy downpours. Cloudy, skies and cooler temperatures are expected today, and there is a 40 to 90 percent chance of additional storms in the near-term forecast. Between 0.50’’ and 1.00’’ rain has already fallen, and any additional precipitation could cause flash flooding. Since soils are already soft in many fields, planting activities will be at a standstill for a few days. A mix of sun and clouds and highs in the 70°s (F), though, are forecast this weekend, which will allow soft soils to begin to firm.

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