A big, upper level low was just west of the area near the four corners region of the United States.  There was a surface trough across Southeast New Mexico and far West Texas with a retreating dryline across the Permian Basin and the lower Trans Pecos.  A Pacific front moved through the area after sunset.  The collision of the front with the dryline along with good shear and instability provided a ripe environment for severe thunderstorm development.  A line of convection developed, and the storms went on to produce a tornado near Gardendale, TX and severe hail across the Permian Basin.

Tornado in ECTOR, TEXAS
From 18-MAR-12 23:28:00 to 18-MAR-12 23:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: GARDENDALE
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Property damage: 1.00M
Reported by: Law Enforcement

A line of severe thunderstorms moved into Ector County around 11:20 PM CDT March 18th and progressed eastward.  At 12:28 AM CDT March 19th, a tornado touched down in the Gardendale community and remained on the ground for two minutes.  This tornado produced damage along County Road 30 (Goldenrod Drive) primarily between Chinaberry Avenue and Alfalfa Avenue.  As the tornado developed, it moved just south of an RV Park located near the intersection of County Road 30 and China Berry Ave.  This resulted in a large camper being toppled by severe northwest winds flowing into the tornado.  One minor injury was noted at this location.  As the tornado intensified and progressed northeastward, strong inflow winds from the south resulted in a cinder block fence being blown over to the north.  Finally, as the tornado crossed County Road 30 (Goldenrod Drive), it reached its peak intensity.  This resulted in significant damage to a residential home, along with a 20' x 30' travel trailer and a barn being destroyed.  Widespread damage was noted in this area, which also served as a collection point for a great amount of debris from other locations upwind back to the southwest.  South of County Road 30, power poles with broken cross members were noted.  This was indicative of EF1 tornado damage.  However, the tornado intensified after crossing to the north side of County Road 30 (Goldenrod Drive).  There was a home that shifted slightly off its foundation.  Also, there was significant loss of roof decking and major shingle loss.  Some small pieces of debris became projectiles, sticking into the walls of the home.  Based on this information, winds for this event were estimated to be 90-110 mph.   The Gardendale tornado at its most intense - north of County Road 30 - was rated as a low end EF-2 tornado.

Hail in WINKLER, TEXAS
From 18-MAR-12 21:45:00 to 18-MAR-12 21:55:00 (CST-6)
Location: KERMIT
Magnitude: 1.00 
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Hail in MARTIN, TEXAS
From 19-MAR-12 00:50:00 to 19-MAR-12 01:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: LENORAH
Magnitude: 2.00 
Reported by: COOP Observer

Hail in MIDLAND, TEXAS
From 19-MAR-12 03:20:00 to 19-MAR-12 03:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: GREENWOOD
Magnitude: 1.75 
Reported by: Public

Hail in DAWSON, TEXAS
From 19-MAR-12 01:45:00 to 19-MAR-12 01:55:00 (CST-6)
Location: ACKERLY
Magnitude: 1.00 
Reported by: Post Office

Hail in GLASSCOCK, TEXAS
From 19-MAR-12 03:45:00 to 19-MAR-12 03:55:00 (CST-6)
Location: GARDEN CITY
Magnitude: 1.00 
Reported by: COOP Observer

Hail in HOWARD, TEXAS
From 19-MAR-12 03:53:00 to 19-MAR-12 04:03:00 (CST-6)
Location: BIG SPRING
Magnitude: 1.00 
Reported by: COOP Observer