We had a few rounds of severe thunderstorms in the area, including Lubbock, yesterday and into last night. The 11:45 am update from the Storm Prediction Center has now upgraded most of the area to a level three enhanced risk for severe storms today. We're going to see thunderstorms developing this afternoon by 3:00-5:00 pm. 2-3" size hail, 70 mph wind and isolated tornadoes are possible, especially in the orange counties. We need to be weather alert all day long today. These storms could be ongoing through 10:00 pm.
Today is the last day of school here in Lubbock and around the region, so I know the kids are warning to get out and about this afternoon and into the weekend. Make sure you have several ways to get warnings over the next three days, especially if you're going to be outside this Memorial Day weekend.
Severe thunderstorms are expected in the area on Saturday, as well. The highest risk is going to be in the orange counties, where a level three enhanced risk is located. However, the yellow counties do have a risk to see severe thunderstorms Saturday afternoon and evening. We're looking at the possibility for 2-3" size hail, 70 mph wind and a few tornadoes can't be ruled out. These storms will also produce a lot of rainfall. Therefore, more flooding is expected across these yellow counties on Saturday. The enhanced area was updated as of 1:00 pm on Friday and moved farther south into our viewing area.
The entire area also has a risk for severe thunderstorms on Sunday. We're looking at the same setup; 70 mph wind, 2-3" size hail and isolated tornadoes. Flooding will also be possible with the storms that get going on Sunday afternoon and evening. So please be weather alert all weekend long. This could be a pretty bad situation if the same areas get severe storms all three days. Obviously if anything changes I will be sure to keep you updated.