LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – Scattered thunderstorms are expected to develop across the Caprock on Friday afternoon before moving eastward by evening, with some storms potentially turning severe.
The primary threats include damaging wind gusts up to 70 mph and large hail ranging from golf ball to up to hen egg size. Isolated instances of very large hail up to tennis ball size are possible as storms move over the Rolling Plains. Locally heavy rainfall will also accompany the storms.
Instability along and just east of the dryline for the afternoon will aid in the development of severe thunderstorms. Wind gusts of 70 mph or stronger are possible with some storms, particularly from virga showers.
Friday’s conditions
Highs on Friday will be in the 80s for most of the viewing area with lower 90s expected for the southwestern South Plains. Light southerly winds will start the day, shifting to the west and southwest as the dryline moves through the region.
Storm development is expected to begin mid-Friday afternoon, around 3 p.m. at the earliest, just west of the I-27 corridor. As a cold front approaches from the west, scattered storms may combine into a line of thunderstorms that will push east/northeast across the South Plains through the evening.
Most thunderstorm activity is expected to clear the region around midnight as the cold front completely moves through. However, isolated showers thunderstorms may linger overnight into Saturday, the severe potential will be low…