Severe Thunderstorm Watch Covers Lubbock County

A severe thunderstorm watch remains in effect for Lubbock and much of the South Plains through 10 p.m. Sunday as scattered thunderstorms move across the region, bringing the threat of damaging wind gusts, large hail, and blowing dust.

The watch, issued by the "Storm Prediction Center," covers Lubbock and surrounding counties after forecasters determined atmospheric conditions were favorable for severe thunderstorms through the evening.

As of about 5:30 p.m., the strongest thunderstorms were tracking northeast and east of Lubbock, prompting several severe thunderstorm warnings. Forecasters reported wind gusts approaching 60 mph in the warned storms, while one storm near Dougherty, east of Floydada, produced golf ball-sized hail.

Meteorologists also reported that thunderstorms generated an outflow boundary, sending a wall of gusty winds and blowing dust southward toward Lubbock. Reduced visibility is possible as the dust moves through the area, especially for motorists traveling during the evening hours.

While not every community will experience severe weather, any storm that develops could produce "damaging wind gusts" and large hail. Heavy rainfall and brief periods of low visibility are also possible beneath stronger thunderstorms.

A severe thunderstorm watch means that conditions are favorable for severe storms to develop. Residents are encouraged to monitor the latest forecasts and be prepared to take shelter if a severe thunderstorm warning is issued for their location.