Lubbock, Texas – Strong thunderstorms are expected to build across West Texas this afternoon, with the potential for damaging winds and hail stretching into the early hours of Sunday. Drivers and residents in the Lubbock area could face quarter-sized hail and wind gusts near 60 mph beginning after 3 p.m. Saturday.
According to the National Weather Service in Lubbock, storms are expected to strengthen late in the day, spreading from the western South Plains into the Rolling Plains. Communities including Lubbock, Plainview, Matador, and Childress are at risk of severe conditions as the system tracks east overnight.
Travelers on U.S. 84, U.S. 87, and Interstate 27 should prepare for rapidly changing conditions, including reduced visibility and slick roadways. Power outages are possible if stronger wind gusts take down lines, and residents are urged to secure outdoor items ahead of the storms.
Emergency managers recommend avoiding unnecessary travel late Saturday, charging cell phones in advance, and monitoring weather alerts through Sunday morning. While tornado activity is not expected, isolated severe storms will remain a risk until daybreak.
Severe weather alerts remain in effect through early Sunday morning, with updates expected from the National Weather Service overnight.
