Persistent southwest flow aloft and a dryline allowed scattered thunderstorms to develop again on the South Plains. Although atmospheric flow continued to be weak, substantial instability supported severe thunderstorms, mostly in the form of strong destructive winds. The most intense storms took aim on Lamb and Hale Counties where they generated large hail and destructive outflow winds. One brief tornado was reported in Hale County to the northwest of Hale Center. Late in the evening, thunderstorms evolved into bowing lines producing severe, damaging winds. These intense winds destroyed several center pivots in Hale County north of Cotton Center. Winds were estimated at 80-90 mph based on an NWS storm survey.

Thunderstorm Wind in HALE, TEXAS
From 26-MAY-21 21:11:00 to 26-MAY-21 21:16:00 (CST-6)
Location: HALFWAY
Magnitude: 78.00 EG
Property damage: 1.00M
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

An NWS storm survey revealed extensive damage in Hale County about seven miles northwest of Hale Center. Thunderstorms began bowing out across Lamb and western Hale Counties creating a line of destructive winds. According to a local agricultural producer, at least 35 irrigation center pivots were flipped in the area. An NWS storm survey found an out building that had been destroyed as well as a flipped RV. Several of the flipped irrigation center pivots were also found around the intersection of Farm to Market Roads 179 and 1071. Based on the damages observed, winds were estimated between 80 and 90 mph.

Tornado in HALE, TEXAS
From 26-MAY-21 20:32:00 to 26-MAY-21 20:37:00 (CST-6)
Location: HALE CENTER
Tornado F-scale: EFU
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Storm Chaser

A few reports of a brief tornado were received from storm chasers and the public. The tornado remained over an open field and did not cause any known damage, therefore, an EF-Unknown was assigned.

Thunderstorm Wind in HOCKLEY, TEXAS
From 26-MAY-21 21:15:00 to 26-MAY-21 21:20:00 (CST-6)
Location: ANTON
Magnitude: 62.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

A Texas Tech University West Texas mesonet measured a severe wind gust to 71 mph from 2115 CST through 2120 CST.

Hail in CASTRO, TEXAS
From 26-MAY-21 17:40:00 to 26-MAY-21 17:40:00 (CST-6)
Location: HART
Magnitude: 0.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Thunderstorm Wind in LAMB, TEXAS
From 26-MAY-21 18:30:00 to 26-MAY-21 18:36:00 (CST-6)
Location: AMHERST
Magnitude: 59.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

A Texas Tech West Texas mesonet site near Amherst measured intermittent severe wind gusts from 1830 CST through 1836 CST. A peak wind gust of 68 mph was measured at 1836 CST.

Hail in HALE, TEXAS
From 26-MAY-21 19:40:00 to 26-MAY-21 19:40:00 (CST-6)
Location: EDMONSON
Magnitude: 1.75 
Reported by: Public

A report was received of golf ball size hail about seven miles northwest of Cotton Center. No damage was reported.

Thunderstorm Wind in LAMB, TEXAS
From 26-MAY-21 20:37:00 to 26-MAY-21 20:38:00 (CST-6)
Location: AMHERST
Magnitude: 74.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

A Texas Tech University West Texas mesonet site near Amherst measured severe wind gusts of 85 mph from 2037 CST through 2038 CST.

Thunderstorm Wind in LAMB, TEXAS
From 26-MAY-21 20:55:00 to 26-MAY-21 21:05:00 (CST-6)
Location: OLTON
Magnitude: 60.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

A Texas Tech University West Texas mesonet site near Olton measured severe wind gusts from 2055 CST through 2105 CST. A peak wind gust of 69 mph was measured at 2105 CST.

Thunderstorm Wind in HALE, TEXAS
From 26-MAY-21 21:55:00 to 26-MAY-21 21:55:00 (CST-6)
Location: (PVW)HALE CO ARPT
Magnitude: 54.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

An AWOS station at Plainview measured a wind gust to 62 mph.