Lubbock, Texas – West Texas is bracing for severe thunderstorms Tuesday evening as a widespread watch stretches across more than 60 counties, including Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene, and San Angelo. Damaging winds and large hail are the primary threats through 11 p.m.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, Severe Thunderstorm Watch 159 was issued at 3:15 p.m. CDT and remains active until 11:00 p.m. Central Time. The watch covers a wide swath of West Texas, including Armstrong, Howard, Midland, Lubbock, and Pecos counties. Scattered storms could intensify rapidly, bringing wind gusts over 60 mph and hail larger than quarters.
Cities like Lubbock, Odessa, and Amarillo may see strong cells by early evening. Highways including I-27, U.S. 84, and I-20 could be affected by reduced visibility and debris. Emergency officials advise residents to secure outdoor objects, avoid unnecessary travel, and stay alert for warnings.
This system marks one of the first widespread thunderstorm events this spring across the region, signaling an uptick in severe weather risk as April closes. Power outages and localized flooding are also possible in rural areas with limited drainage.
The thunderstorm watch remains in effect until 11 p.m. Tuesday. Additional warnings could follow as the system pushes east overnight.
