Lubbock, TX – Strong winds sweeping across the Texas Panhandle, South Plains and Rolling Plains on Sunday could create dangerous travel conditions, push dust across highways and leave scattered power outages in their wake.
According to the National Weather Service in Lubbock, a High Wind Warning is in effect from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday for a broad stretch of West Texas, including Lubbock, Plainview, Levelland, Brownfield, Tulia, Childress, Post, Tahoka and Jayton. Northwest winds will shift north and increase to 35 to 45 mph, with gusts reaching 65 mph.
The strongest impacts are expected on exposed east-west roads and open country where blowing dust can quickly lower visibility. That could be a problem for drivers on U.S. 84, U.S. 87, Interstate 27 and rural highways across the South Plains and southern Texas Panhandle. High-profile vehicles, including semis, pickups with trailers and delivery trucks, may be especially vulnerable to sudden crosswinds.
Loose outdoor items could be blown into roads or damaged, and isolated power outages are possible if gusts down small limbs or affect utility equipment. Residents should secure patio furniture, trash cans and lightweight equipment before daybreak Sunday. Drivers should delay non-essential travel during peak winds, slow down in dusty areas and be ready for abrupt visibility drops. The warning remains in effect through Sunday evening, and additional advisories may be issued if dust becomes more widespread.
