May 20 Severe Thunderstorm Event Summary...Scattered high based thunderstorms over the west Texas South Plains resulted in a series of damaging downbursts during the afternoon and early evening hours of the 20th. The storms produced little to no measurable rainfall, but severe winds, blinding dust, and frequent cloud to ground lightning threatened those participating in weekend outdoor activities. The most significant damage occurred in northeastern Lubbock County, where numerous reports of damage were received from the Idalou vicinity. Damage reports also were received from the Mackenzie Reservoir area of western Briscoe County. An 81 MPH wind gust was measured by the West Texas Mesonet over rural areas of Crosby County between Crosbyton and White River Lake.

Thunderstorm Wind in BRISCOE, TEXAS
From 20-MAY-06 16:30:00 to 20-MAY-06 16:30:00 (CST)
Location: SILVERTON
Magnitude: 52 EG
Property damage: 2K
Crop damage: 0
Reported by: LAW ENFORCEMENT

Local law enforcement officials reported that damaging thunderstorm winds destroyed large tents and blew down utility poles at Mackenzie Reservoir in western Briscoe County. No injuries were reported.

Thunderstorm Wind in LYNN, TEXAS
From 20-MAY-06 17:00:00 to 20-MAY-06 17:00:00 (CST)
Location: TAHOKA
Magnitude: 52 EG
Property damage: 0
Crop damage: 0
Reported by: LAW ENFORCEMENT

The public reported that thunderstorm wind gusts exceeded 60 MPH along County Road 400 in central Lynn County. No damage was reported.

Thunderstorm Wind in LUBBOCK, TEXAS
From 20-MAY-06 17:20:00 to 20-MAY-06 17:25:00 (CST)
Location: IDALOU
Magnitude: 65 EG
Property damage: 275K
Crop damage: 0
Reported by: FIRE DEPT/RESCUE SQUAD

A National Weather Service damage survey and post-event analysis indicated that damaging thunderstorm microbursts resulted in a second round of severe winds in the Idalou vicinity just before 17:30 CST. Winds estimated to exceed 75 MPH destroyed a central pivot unit used for agricultural irrigation. A large barn also sustained extensive roof damage, and at least 10 utility poles were blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind in LUBBOCK, TEXAS
From 20-MAY-06 15:28:00 to 20-MAY-06 16:29:00 (CST)
Location: LUBBOCK
Magnitude: 54 MG
Property damage: 100K
Crop damage: 0
Reported by: AWOS,ASOS,MESONET,ETC

A cluster of high based thunderstorms produced a series of microbursts from near Lubbock International Airport to Idalou. At 15:28 CST a 62 MPH gust was recorded by the Lubbock International Airport Automated Surface Observing System as the initial downburst activity began just north of Lubbock. Public and law enforcement officials reported severe winds and thick blowing dust during the next hour as the complex of storms produced continuous microbursts along its eastward path. Shortly before 16:30 CST the Idalou Police Chief reported that a well-developed gustnado formed along the leading edge of a microburst dust foot. The gustnado struck a portion of the city and resulted in minor damage. Power lines and poles, fences, and other light weight objects were blown down. More than 1,500 residents temporarily lost electrical power. A few vehicles also suffered damage from wind-blown debris.

Thunderstorm Wind in CROSBY, TEXAS
From 20-MAY-06 18:10:00 to 20-MAY-06 18:10:00 (CST)
Location: CROSBYTON
Magnitude: 70 MG
Property damage: 0
Crop damage: 0
Reported by: AWOS,ASOS,MESONET,ETC

High based thunderstorms produced locally severe winds over southern Crosby County. The West Texas Mesonet site near White River Lake measured a severe gust of 81 MPH. The extreme winds were very localized. Public reports from the lake indicated that estimated gusts did not exceed 45 MPH. No damage was reported.