Power Outage in Wolfforth, TX

A power pole was blown over from thunderstorm winds causing a widespread power outage across the cities of Lubbock and Wolfforth.

A Texas Tech University West Texas Mesonet station located six miles south-southwest of Wolfforth recorded a period of intense rear flank downdraft winds on the periphery of a mesocyclone. A peak gust of 96 mph occurred at 2230 CST followed by 72 mph at 2235 CST, 67 mph at 2240 CST, and 68 mph at 2245 CST. NWS employees observed damage to trees and power poles particularly along County Road 41 near the mesonet station. Some rural homes throughout far southwest Lubbock County suffered varying degrees of damage, mostly to roofs and fences.

A downburst on the periphery of a mesocyclone produced estimated wind gusts as high as 75 mph from about three miles west of Wolfforth to four miles southeast of Wolfforth. Several power outages were noted across this swath as at least 34 power poles collapsed. Some areas remained without power for two days until utility crews could replace poles that were previously inaccessible by swollen playa lakes. Wind damage was most prevalent in a subdivision south of Wolfforth where many roofs and fences would require repair or complete replacement. Some north-facing windows were completely shattered by these high winds along with large hail reported to be as big as tennis balls. Various rural residences suffered similar damages. Many tree limbs were downed in addition to some trees being completely uprooted.

The Texas Tech University West Texas Mesonet site near Wolfforth initially measured a 65 mph wind gust at 18:55 CST. Localized severe winds then spread northeastward with their parent virga showers over the city of Lubbock. At 19:20 CST, a 65 mph wind gust was measured at the KCBD-TV studios in south Lubbock. The winds caused minor roof damage, downed tree limbs and utility lines, and caused extensive damage to a local car wash facility. Blinding blowing dust also accompanied the winds. Portions of Avenue A between 45th and 50th Streets were briefly closed due to a downed power line.

Strong thunderstorm wind destroyed several billboards, damaged the roofs of a number of homes, and blew down power lines, power poles, and trees. An NWS storm survey indicated that the wind gusts associated with this damage were likely in the 70 to 90 mph range. Wind-driven hail caused extensive property and crop damage.

Strong thunderstorm wind snapped power poles.