Texas South Plains, Panhandle see severe weather, tornado watch

Much of the Texas South Plains and Panhandle have an elevated risk for severe weather, including tornadoes, high winds and hail, through Tuesday evening.

A large portion of the South Plains and southern Panhandle, including Lubbock, Plainview and Dimmitt, have an enhanced risk for severe weather through Tuesday evening, with a chance for tornadoes, baseball-size hail and storms packing winds greater than 80 mph, according to the National Weather Service.

Severe thunderstorms, large hail move through South Plains | 7:25 p.m.

The National Weather Service in Lubbock issued a severe thunderstorm warning until 7:45 p.m. for a potent storm that was moving west into the county.

"A severe thunderstorm with the threat of very large hail is moving toward western Lubbock and Wolfforth," reads a statement form the weather service. "If you are in or close to the current path of this storm it's time to take action to gather pets and head to a sturdy structure."

Weather spotters in south Lubbock county reported hail in excess of 1 inch in diameter with the storm.

Another severe thunderstorm warning was issued for Garza County until 7:30 p.m. for a separate storm, with hail the size of tennis balls expected in that storm near Justiceburg.

Severe-warned storm threatens 4-inch hail in Levelland area | 6:45 p.m.

The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Hockley County, including Pettit, Whitharral, Levelland and Opdyke West just after 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, in effect until 7:30.

The weather service warns of hail larger than 4 inches and winds ranging from 60 to 80 mph.

Heavy rain prompts flash flood warning for Bailey, Cochran, Hockley, Lamb counties | 4:45 p.m.

The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning for southeast Bailey, northeast Cochran, northwest Hockley and southwest Lamb counties — including Pep and Bula — just before 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, where a slow-moving storm dumbed up to 2 inches of rain over the area. The warning expires at 6:30 p.m.

The weather service predicts up to 3 additional inches could fall across the warned area.

"Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas" is possible, the statement reads.

Severe thunderstorm watch for western Texas Panhandle, Oklahoma, New Mexico | 3 p.m.

The National Weather Service office in Amarillo issues a severe thunderstorm watch for western portions of the Texas Panhandle - including Amarillo, Hereford, Dalhart, Borger and Spearman - along with northeastern New Mexico, the Oklahoma Panhandle and southwestern Kansas.

"Severe thunderstorms will be possible across the Panhandles from mid afternoon through this evening," according to the weather service. "Large hail to the size of tennis balls, damaging winds to around 80 mph and heavy rain, which could lead to isolated areas of flooding will all be possible. A tornado can also not be ruled out."

Texas South Plains under tornado watch Tuesday | 2:45 p.m.

A tornado watch is in effect through 9 p.m. Tuesday for Lubbock County and much of the South Plains and southern Panhandle.

A line of storms was already developing in the western South Plains and Panhandle by mid-Tuesday afternoon, moving east across the region.

"Severe thunderstorms will develop this afternoon and persist through the evening hours," reads a statement from the weather service in Lubbock. "The primary hazards will include very large hail to the size of baseballs, damaging wind gusts up to 80 mph, and a few tornadoes, especially along the Interstate 27 corridor. Flash flooding will also accompany storms this afternoon and evening."

A heightened threat of severe weather is expected to continue through the week across West Texas and portions of Oklahoma, according to the weather service office in Amarillo.

"Thunderstorms will be possible across the Panhandles Tuesday through Sunday," reads a hazardous weather outlook. "Strong to severe storms will be possible again on Thursday with all hazards possible. Localized flash flooding from very heavy rainfall will continue to be a threat with thunderstorms."

Here are some safety tips to keep you prepared:

What's the difference between a watch and a warning?

A watch means conditions are favorable for a tornado to happen, according to the NWS.

A warning means a tornado has been seen or indicated by weather radar, and individuals should seek shelter immediately.

Where do I seek shelter?

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, one should do the following.

If you are in a mobile home — get out and head to a study structure or storm shelter.

If you are in a one or multistory building — Go to the lowest level and the interior room with the fewest windows.

If you are outside or in a car — lie in a low spot of ditch with your hands covering your head.

Avalanche-Journal reporter Mateo Rosiles contributed to this story.

This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Texas South Plains, Panhandle see severe weather, tornado watch issued