String of Severe Storms Move Toward San Angelo, Watch for Warnings

The possibility of more heavy rain, hail and high winds is anticipated to continue throughout the afternoon intermittently, as a string of small thunderstorms moves into the area just east of San Angelo, reports meteorologist Steve Lyons of the local National Weather Service.

“Right now the dry-line is moving into the area, that’s dry winds coming from the west and they’re merging with this moisture and there’s and unstable upper disturbance,” Lyons said. “We had that one thunderstorm area just move through. It’s moving at about 32 miles an hour, so it came in hurry.”

Lyons said wind gusts by the base were measured at 58 miles per hour by a spotter, and there was a possibility of hale in that area.

“That system is small,” Lyons said. “It’s going to move out fairly quickly, but there’s some others behind it and this afternoon we’ll have scattered thunderstorms, some possibly severe, with some hail exceeding one inch and wind gusts up to 60 or maybe higher miles per hour.”

Lyons said it should die down sometime later today, but we are in an odd pattern that could bring in scattered storms on Saturday, but the chance of rain is higher throughout Friday afternoon.

A severe thunderstorm warning was issued for the storm that blew through at around 11:30 a.m., and others may be issued throughout the day, Lyons said.

“If we put out a severe thunderstorm warning, that means that the hail is an inch or larger,” Lyons explained. “Usually, that’s damaging to something. It’ll dimple your car, potentially. It’ll do some damage to some thin objects outside, some cheap plastic stuff. It could break a window if it comes in with strong winds.”

Lyons said when those warnings are issued the region inside the warning is at risk of winds that could cause tree branches to fall, heavy rain and damaging hail.

A string of small thunderstorms is blowing in to the east of San Angelo fairly quickly, Lyons said, so motorists coming in on 87 should beware ponds of water on the roadways and limited visibility.

“That will change throughout the course of the day,” Lyons said. “Thunderstorms will randomly flare up and we’ll be issuing warnings on them if they’re severe enough. But even if they’re not issued with warnings, be careful because any thunderstorm can cause lightening, which is deadly. “

Lyons also advised individuals to move their cars into garages or under awnings during severe thunderstorms and to remember the outdoor pets.

Regular updates and warnings will be posted on the National Weather Service webpage, on Facebook and on Twitter.