An anomalously dynamic upper level system caused a rare severe weather outbreak during the afternoon and evening hours of December 14th. This outbreak was very dynamically driven with very minimal instability values. However this lack of instability was overcome by a 150 mph tropical jet streak, a negatively tilted mid-level trough, 45 mph low level jet, and the presence of a surface warm front and cold front.
Thunderstorm initiated over eastern New Mexico as single cells, but transitioned into a linear structure along the leading edged of a surface cold front as they entered the western Texas Panhandle.  Once transitioned into a linear structure, severe thunderstorm wind gusts became the primary threat. This was reflected in the storm reports as numerous thunderstorm wind gusts and wind damage were received, but only one report of 1 inch hail was received. The first report of damage for the outbreak was south-southwest of the town of Vega (Deaf Smith County) where thunderstorm downdrafts blew over center pivots used for irrigation. Several more reports of thunderstorm winds gusts between 60 and 70 mph were received from Deaf Smith, Randall, Potter, and Oldham Counties as the line of thunderstorms moved across the southern Texas Panhandle. In Oldham County three tractor trailers were overturned on US Highway 385 north of the city of Vega.
As the thunderstorms moved across Potter and Randall County thunderstorm wind gusts of 60 to 70 mph were reported all across the counties. Two additional tractor trailers rollover accidents were reported on Interstate 27 between Amarillo (Randall County) and Canyon (Randall County), and at the intersection of McAfee Road and Washington Street on the southeast side of Amarillo (Randall County). The accident at McAfee Road and Washington Street resulted in one fatality. Given the west to east track of the line of thunderstorms, vehicles on north-south running roads faced the most hazardous driving conditions due to cross winds, and as a result all rollovers reported occurred on north-south roads.
Also the turbulent winds near this line of thunderstorm contributed to an aircraft mishap over Armstrong County. The pilot, a locally known dentist from Colorado Springs, Co, and the passenger, the pilot���s father, were killed when their double prop Beechcraft E-90 airplane had an in-flight break-up according to a preliminary report released by the National Transportation Safety Board. The report went on to state that the turbulent air flows caused the aircraft to experience updrafts and downdrafts that tore the fuselage apart. Wreckage from the aircraft were located near the city of Claude (Armstrong County).
As the line of thunderstorms reached the eastern edge of Potter and Randall County, they reached the intersection of the cold front and warm front. The additional low level shear provided by this intersection allowed for three brief tornadoes to form in southern Carson County and central Donley County. The tornado in Carson County lasted 5 minutes and traveled three miles without causing any damage. However a trained spotter provided photographic evidence of its occurrence. Two tornadoes occurred in Donley County; one near Clarendon and another near Lelia Lake. Both lasted a minute in duration but were able to produce noticeable structural damage. All three tornadoes were classified as EF-0.
By 6 PM CST, the line of thunderstorms became disorganized as the upper level dynamics moved further to the northeast, and no further reports of damage or severe gusts were received.

Thunderstorm Wind in RANDALL, TEXAS
From 14-DEC-12 16:01:00 to 14-DEC-12 16:02:00 (CST-6)
Location: AMARILLO
Magnitude: 53.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A member of the public on the southwest Amarillo estimated a thunderstorm wind gust of 61 mph as the line of thunderstorms moved over his location.

Thunderstorm Wind in RANDALL, TEXAS
From 14-DEC-12 16:10:00 to 14-DEC-12 16:14:00 (CST-6)
Location: CANYON
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

As the thunderstorms moved through Canyon, downdrafts produced by the storms blew power lines onto the intersection of 15th Street and the railroad tracks.

Thunderstorm Wind in RANDALL, TEXAS
From 14-DEC-12 16:00:00 to 14-DEC-12 16:02:00 (CST-6)
Location: TIMBERCREEK CANYON
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The Amarillo Emergency Manager reported a radio tower being blown down onto railroad tracks. A thunderstorm wind gust of 69 mph was estimated using radar images from the time the damage occurred.

Thunderstorm Wind in RANDALL, TEXAS
From 14-DEC-12 16:00:00 to 14-DEC-12 16:01:00 (CST-6)
Location: TIMBERCREEK CANYON
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A 69 mph thunderstorm winds gusts estimated via radar caused a tractor trailer rollover accident at the intersection of McAfee Road and Washington Street in Amarillo (Randall County). The tractor trailer was traveling south along Washington Street as a line of thunderstorms moved from west to east across Amarillo. The line of thunderstorms produced a downdraft which struck the tractor trailer perpendicular to its path of travel causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle. The driver of the semi-tractor trailer died as a result of the rollover.

Thunderstorm Wind in RANDALL, TEXAS
From 14-DEC-12 15:50:00 to 14-DEC-12 15:52:00 (CST-6)
Location: CANYON
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Hazardous cross winds where produced on north-south running roads as the line of thunderstorms moved across Randall County. A tractor trailer was blown over on Interstate 27 between Amarillo and Canyon. The time of the accident and wind speed were estimated using radar. No injuries were reported in this vehicle accident.

Thunderstorm Wind in OLDHAM, TEXAS
From 14-DEC-12 15:32:00 to 14-DEC-12 15:33:00 (CST-6)
Location: BOYS RANCH
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

As the line of thunderstorms moved across Oldham County from west to east it caused hazardous cross winds on north-south running roads, three tractor trailers on US Highway 385 were overturned. No injuries or fatalities were reported with these vehicle accidents.

Thunderstorm Wind in DEAF SMITH, TEXAS
From 14-DEC-12 15:20:00 to 14-DEC-12 15:21:00 (CST-6)
Location: SIMMS
Magnitude: 56.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A line of thunderstorms moved into Oldham County and produced multiple thunderstorm wind gusts across the county. Center pivots used in irrigation were blown over 12 miles to the south-shoutwest of Vega. These winds were estimated to be between 60 mph and 70 mph by radar. At the same location pea size hail was also observed.

Tornado in DONLEY, TEXAS
From 14-DEC-12 16:53:00 to 14-DEC-12 16:54:00 (CST-6)
Location: LELIA LAKE
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 20.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado touched down five miles south-southeast of Clarendon in Donley County at 4:53 PM CST. The tornado was on the ground for less than one mile with a maximum width of 50 yards. The tornado dissipated at 4:54 PM CST, five miles southeast of Clarendon. This tornado has been rated an EF-0 with winds of 80 mph. There was considerable damage to a metal barn, overhead doors were blown in and part of the roof was blown off. In addition, a small shed was destroyed, and empty diesel tank was blown off the stand and shingles on the roof of a nearby house were blown off.

Tornado in CARSON, TEXAS
From 14-DEC-12 16:17:00 to 14-DEC-12 16:22:00 (CST-6)
Location: PANTEX
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The tornado touched down three miles northeast of Washburn in Carson County at 4:17 PM CST. The tornado was on the ground for three miles with a maximum width of 200 yards. The tornado dissipated at 4:22 PM CST six miles northeast of Washburn. This tornado was rated an EF-0 with winds of 65 mph. No damage was reported with this tornado but photographic evidence was provided by BJ Shipp, a local storm spotter.

Hail in OLDHAM, TEXAS
From 14-DEC-12 15:29:00 to 14-DEC-12 15:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: ADRIAN
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A trained spotter in Boys Ranch reported 1 inch hail.

Tornado in DONLEY, TEXAS
From 14-DEC-12 16:58:00 to 14-DEC-12 16:59:00 (CST-6)
Location: LELIA LAKE
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 10.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado touched down one mile northwest of Lelia Lake in Donley County at 4:58 PM CST. The tornado was on the ground for less than one half mile with a maximum width of 50 yards. The tornado dissipated at 4:59 PM CST, one mile north-northwest of Lelia Lake. This tornado has been rated as an EF-0 with winds of 80 mph. There was significant tree damage with large limbs down. Irrigation pipe supply lines were blown out of position. Another irrigation pipe was blown 100 yards into a field.

Thunderstorm Wind in RANDALL, TEXAS
From 14-DEC-12 16:00:00 to 14-DEC-12 16:02:00 (CST-6)
Location: LAKE TANGLEWOOD
Magnitude: 67.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A member of the public in Lake Tanglewood estimated a 77 mph wind gusts which also caused the corner of a metal shed to peel back.

Thunderstorm Wind in POTTER, TEXAS
From 14-DEC-12 15:57:00 to 14-DEC-12 15:58:00 (CST-6)
Location: AMARILLO
Magnitude: 56.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

The KVII schoolnet mesonet site on the northwest side of Amarillo recorded a 64 mph thunderstorm wind gust.

Thunderstorm Wind in ARMSTRONG, TEXAS
From 14-DEC-12 16:26:00 to 14-DEC-12 16:28:00 (CST-6)
Location: CLAUDE
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

A 60 mph thunderstorm wind gust was estimated by law enforcement officers in Claude.

Thunderstorm Wind in RANDALL, TEXAS
From 14-DEC-12 15:54:00 to 14-DEC-12 15:56:00 (CST-6)
Location: AMARILLO
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

A NWS employee estimated a 60 mph thunderstorm wind gust as the line of thunderstorms moved over his residence.

Thunderstorm Wind in RANDALL, TEXAS
From 14-DEC-12 15:54:00 to 14-DEC-12 15:55:00 (CST-6)
Location: AMARILLO
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

A NWS employee reported pea size hail and estimated a 70 mph thunderstorm wind gust as the line of thunderstorms moved over his residence.

Thunderstorm Wind in RANDALL, TEXAS
From 14-DEC-12 15:52:00 to 14-DEC-12 15:54:00 (CST-6)
Location: CANYON
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

As the line of thunderstorm moved over the city of Canyon a member of the public reported a 60 mph thunderstorm wind gust at Canyon Junior High School.

Thunderstorm Wind in RANDALL, TEXAS
From 14-DEC-12 15:44:00 to 14-DEC-12 15:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: BUFFALO LAKE
Magnitude: 59.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

The KVII schoolnet mesonet site southeast of Buffalo Lake in Randall County recorded a 68 mph thunderstorm wind gust.

Thunderstorm Wind in DEAF SMITH, TEXAS
From 14-DEC-12 15:30:00 to 14-DEC-12 15:31:00 (CST-6)
Location: HEREFORD
Magnitude: 57.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

The KVII schoolnet mesonet site in Hereford recorded a thunderstorm wind gust of 66 mph.

Thunderstorm Wind in DEAF SMITH, TEXAS
From 14-DEC-12 15:30:00 to 14-DEC-12 15:31:00 (CST-6)
Location: HEREFORD
Magnitude: 53.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

The West Texas Mesonet site in west-northwest of Hereford recorded a 61 mph thunderstorm wind gust.

Thunderstorm Wind in RANDALL, TEXAS
From 14-DEC-12 16:02:00 to 14-DEC-12 16:03:00 (CST-6)
Location: PALO DURO CANYON STATE PARK
Magnitude: 52.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

The West Texas Mesonet site in Palo Duro Canyon recorded a thunderstorm wind gust of 60 mph.

Thunderstorm Wind in OLDHAM, TEXAS
From 14-DEC-12 15:29:00 to 14-DEC-12 15:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: WILDORADO
Magnitude: 51.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

The KVII schoolnet mesonet two miles to the east-southeast of Wildorado recorded a thunderstorm winds gust of 59 mph.

Thunderstorm Wind in COLLINGSWORTH, TEXAS
From 14-DEC-12 17:34:00 to 14-DEC-12 17:35:00 (CST-6)
Location: WELLINGTON
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

A NWS cooperative observer reported a fifth wheeler trailer blown over while being pulled by a pickup at the intersection of U.S. Highway 83 and Highway 203. Also reported were tree limbs on U.S. Highway 203 that were 8 to 12 inches in diameter.