Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued September 15 at 6:01PM CDT until September 15 at 6:15PM CDT by NWS Lubbock TX

The storm sat 8 miles south of Cotton Center and 9 miles west of Abernathy at 6:01 p.m., crawling northeast at just 5 mph. That slow pace means the area sits under threat longer than a typical fast-moving system, giving the hail and wind more time to do damage before it clears out.

Forecasters warned the storm could cause considerable tree damage and hail large enough to dent vehicles. Wind damage is also likely to mobile homes, roofs, and outbuildings along the path through Cotton Center.

For anyone caught in that stretch between Abernathy and Cotton Center, get vehicles under cover if possible and stay away from windows. Quarter size hail can shatter windshields and strip paint, while the wind gusts are strong enough to snap tree limbs and peel back roofing material.

The warning covers a tight window, but a storm crawling at 5 mph can make fifteen minutes feel a lot longer than it sounds.