National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Atmospheric River to Begin to Impact the Northwest U.S.; Gusty Winds in the Northeast U.S.

A strong atmospheric river moving into northern California later Tuesday will bring a threat for moderate to heavy rainfall and flooding, gusty to high winds, and mountain snows for parts of the Northwest U.S. through at least Wednesday. Gusty winds and isolated rain and snow showers will continue in the Northeast U.S. Tuesday behind a cold front. Read More >

April 26, 2012 Severe Storms
 
As a strong upper-level disturbance encountered a moist, unstable air mass across the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles, severe thunderstorms rapidly developed during the afternoon and evening hours of April 26. Most of the severe weather reports were concentrated around Potter and Randall Counties in Texas, including Amarillo.  One severe thunderstorm in particular produced wind damage near Joy Avenue and I-27, approximately 4-5 miles north of Canyon.  A storage unit at this location was heavily damaged (images below), and a storm survey estimated straight line wind speeds were likely between 70 and 75 mph.  Large hail was also reported with some of the storms, including ping pong ball size (1.50 inches) hail near Washburn, TX and the Lake Tanglewood community in Randall County.  In addition, heavy rain resulted in flash flooding issues in Amarillo and once again along Highway 287 between Amarillo and Dumas.
April 26, 2012 Severe Reports
 
RADAR IMAGES
KAMA velocity image KAMA base reflectivity
KAMA base velocity at 5:16 p.m. KAMA base reflectivity at 5:16 p.m.
 
DAMAGE IMAGES
Straight line wind damage south of Rockwell Road at
Joy Avenue and I-27
Same building, looking east northeast.
Roof damage on east side of storage building Debris blew out windows in this manufactured home.