Lubbock gets one more warm, breezy day before severe thunderstorms and possible flooding rain move into West Texas late Tuesday.
Tuesday highs should run about 10 degrees above average, with southwesterly winds of 10 to 20 mph and occasional stronger gusts. This evening brings a slight chance of isolated showers or storms, mainly west of I-27 and Highway 87 on the Caprock. Most of the area stays dry, and overnight lows dip into the cool 60s.
Then a strong storm system moves in Tuesday night, and thunderstorms are likely, some of them severe. Damaging large hail, wind gusts and heavy rain top the list of threats. The Storm Prediction Center has issued a Slight Risk for severe weather across the area. The tornado threat is very low, but forecasters can't rule out an isolated tornado or two.
Rain may be the bigger problem. Heavy rainfall could stretch from Wednesday through Thursday, especially in the southeastern part of the area. Totals of 2 to 3 inches are possible, and some spots could pick up more than 4. Fast rain like that can cause localized flooding, particularly where drainage is poor or the ground already took on water recently.
If you have plans late Tuesday, check the sky first.
Summer-level moisture is arriving in the middle of October.
Common questions
When will severe storms move into Lubbock?
- Severe thunderstorms are expected to move into West Texas late Tuesday, with a strong storm system arriving Tuesday night. Before that, Lubbock gets one more warm, breezy day. A slight chance of isolated showers or storms exists Tuesday evening, mainly west of I-27 and Highway 87 on the Caprock, but most areas stay dry.
What are the biggest threats from Tuesday night's storms?
- Damaging large hail, wind gusts and heavy rain top the list of threats from Tuesday night's storms. The Storm Prediction Center has issued a Slight Risk for severe weather across the Lubbock area. Thunderstorms are likely, and some could be severe. Possible flooding rain is also part of the forecast for West Texas.
Is a tornado possible in Lubbock Tuesday night?
- The tornado threat is very low, but forecasters can't rule out an isolated tornado or two Tuesday night. Hail, wind and heavy rain are the bigger concerns. The Storm Prediction Center has the area under a Slight Risk for severe weather, so Lubbock residents should keep an eye on the forecast as the storm system moves in.
