Severe Storms Threaten Big Spring, More on Horizon

Several tornado sightings were reported north of Big Spring on Sunday evening. The severe thunderstorm that developed into tornadoes ravaged West Texas from Big Spring south to Garden City. The storm was accompanied with golf ball to baseball sized hail and heavy rains that triggered flash floods in the affected area. Unfortunately, this terrible storm is only one of the several major storms expected by the National Weather Service (NWS) in late May and early June.

According to NWS forecaster Matt Groh, there is a risk for severe thunderstorms across West Central Texas this evening and again on Thursday and Friday. The storms will be scattered, but the few that will occur will have the capability to produce large hail and damaging winds. There is even an “isolated tornado threat.”

NWS warning and coordination meteorologist Hector Guerrero claims that the first and most important step in preparing for these storms is to be aware of the weather conditions in the present as well as the immediate future.

“You want to have at least two ways to receive all National Service warnings,” Guerrero said. “Make sure you have a good cell phone app, [and] tune into a weather radio. Keep abreast of the weather, [and] keep an eye on what’s going on.”

A resource that Guerrero recommended to all families is the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Weather Radio All Hazards (NWR), a network that alerts its owners of any severe weather watch or warning issued by the NWS.

After families are aware of the NWS warnings, they must find a safe place to weather the storm. Guerrero encourages the public to identify their ideal shelters in preparation for these storms. Of course, a storm shelter is the best possible refuge, but other methods of protection are available.

“You always want to be on the lowest floor if you can help that,” Guerrero said. “Protect your whole body from flying debris. Get down low; cover up with blankets and pillows--maybe a mattress if you can get that in there.”

The NWS’s forecast expects a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms on Saturday and Sunday. The Climate Prevention Center also predicts that precipitation will be above normal from May 30to June 5. According to Groh, “That would suggest that we will have additional possibilities for showers and thunderstorms during that time.”

In other words, the NWS recommends for the public to prepare for severe thunderstorms in the coming weeks.