Rain Coming to Drought-Stricken Southern U.S.

A storm tracking across the Southern U.S. will bring heavy to excessive rainfall over portions of west-central Texas into tonight then from central Texas through the central Gulf Coast on Friday. The Southeast U.S. will see heavier rain Saturday. While much of this rainfall will be beneficial to the drought, excessive rainfall may bring areas of flash and urban flooding. Read More >

Sanderson Severe Weather July 4

A severe thunderstorm produced damaging winds that blew down large circus-style tents, severely damaged a trailer home, blew trees into power lines, and damaged other light weight objects in Sanderson (Terrell County, Texas) Sunday evening. The large tents were part of a Fourth of July celebration. Seven minor injuries were reported as a result of the damage at the festival.

The National Weather Service in Midland/Odessa issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning that specifically mentioned a threat of "destructive winds in excess of 70 MPH" for the city of Sanderson at 6:29 PM CDT. The warning was updated with a Severe Weather Statement at 6:38 PM CDT emphasizing "This is a dangerous storm. Prepare immediately for damaging winds and perhaps hail..."

The Terrell County Sheriff's Office reported that damaging winds and hail up to the size of quarters began at 6:55 PM CDT. These reports indicate that the Severe Thunderstorm Warning provided Sanderson officials and residents a 26 minute lead time before the onset of the damaging winds and hail.

Radar image of the severe thunderstorm over Sanderson minutes before severe winds and hail caused damage and injuries at a large Fourth of July celebration.

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Rain Coming to Drought-Stricken Southern U.S.

Severe Weather in Sanderson, July 4