Large hail, tornadoes possible from storm system expected to pass through Scurry County today
Extremely bad weather is taking aim at our area.
High winds and severe weather are forecast for the Scurry County area tonight and early Tuesday as an “anomalous” weather system capable of generating tornadoes and large to giant-sized hail is expected to pass through this area starting this afternoon.
Scott Kleebauer, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service (NWS) station in Midland, said Scurry County is considered at “high risk” for hazardous weather today and tonight.
“We haven’t seen this type of high-risk situation in your area for more than 10 years,” Kleebauer said. “The environment has been set for one of the most active days the Permian Basin has seen in a number of years.”
Kleebauer said that a “very anomalous” high pressure trough currently centered over Nevada is heading east and bringing hazardous weather with it.
“This is something we usually don’t see,” he said.
A NWS bulletin issued this morning stated that the greatest risk for significant severe weather today into tonight will be across the eastern Permian Basin and western Low Rolling Plains. Very large to giant hail will be possible, along with tornadoes, some of which could be significant.
In addition, high winds of between 25-40 mph, with gusts up to 50 mph, are likely to accompany the storm system.
The weather service forecast includes a 50 percent chance of thunderstorms today, increasing to a 100 percent chance tonight.
NWS stated that weather spotter activation is likely today, especially into the late night.
Heading into Tuesday, thunderstorms, some probably severe, will be possible across much of the area during the afternoon and evening hours and will remain in the forecast through Sunday.
In preparation for the anticipated severe weather, Scurry County Judge Dan Hicks said emergency management system personnel will open a shelter location at the Snyder Fire Department station. The Coliseum is not used as a storm shelter, but will be available if people are displaced by the storm, Manager Darla Wiggins said.
Ira ISD Superintendent Brian Patterson said the school’s elementary wing will be open as an emergency storm shelter today.
Hermleigh ISD also will be available as a storm shelter, officials said.
Hicks said other emergency preparation discussions are ongoing and details will be released as they become available.
Residents who lose electrical power may report outages to Big Country Electric Cooperative by calling 573-3161. Oncor customers may call 1 (888) 313-4747 to report an outage and, if they have signed up for My Oncor alerts, can text OUT to 6627.
Snyder Junior High School’s awards assembly scheduled for tonight has been rescheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday.
Snyder ISD’s ceremony for retiring staff has been moved to 4-6 p.m. Wednesday.