A weather alert is in place today for another round of severe thunderstorms. We had a taste of our first severe weather event yesterday, with more coverage of storms expected later on today. Severe weather season usually begins in mid-March and runs through early June. This year, things are starting right on schedule with that timing. Be sure to have a way to receive warnings tonight, because the storms will be affecting most of us after dark and when many have already gone to bed. A NOAA Weather Radio is the best thing to have for severe weather season. It will alert you when cell phones won't, especially if your phone is on 'do not disturb' mode. The weather radio will sound the second the Storm Prediction Center, or local National Weather Service office, issues a watch, or warning. It's $29.99 and is available at both Academy Sports and Outdoors locations in Lubbock. Be sure to get one and keep your family safe.
The above photo is the latest outlook for severe thunderstorms today. The orange areas are at a high risk to see severe storms capable of 70-75 mph wind, golf ball size hail and a few, isolated, tornadoes. The yellow shaded areas are still at risk for these same hazards, so you should not ease up just because you're not in the orange counties; this includes Lubbock. Golf ball size hail and 70-75 mph wind will cause damage to homes, trees, power lines and vehicles. Have a plan ready to go in case the power goes out tonight. The timing of these storms is going to be from 4:00 pm-midnight. After midnight, the storms will move off to the east and out of our area.
Nocturnal severe storms and tornadoes are the most deadly, because a lot of people are at home and asleep. I can't stress enough how important it is to be weather alert tonight. I will be on KLBK with all of the latest watches and warnings tonight to keep you, the viewer, safe and informed. I won't go to sleep tonight until the severe threat is over! So please pay attention to the weather before you go to bed and have a way to get these warnings that will wake you up!
Should anything change, I will have updated information here on my website.