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Severe Thunderstorms Expected Across Permian Basin As Tornado Watch Issued

Thunderstorms, along with other severe weather, are expected to hit the Midland - Odessa area along with much of the rest of the Permian Basin Monday evening through Tuesday morning. 

The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch until 11 p.m. this evening and expects large hail and high winds throughout the night. 

By Mitch Borden

The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for much of the Permian Basin and parts of the lower Trans-Pecos region until at least 11 p.m. 

Officials from the NWS’ Midland office expect supercells that could produce high winds and drop softball-size hail on the Midland-Odessa area Monday afternoon. Devin Chehak, a meteorologist with the weather service said storms could last until 7 a.m. Tuesday morning. 

Chehak said, “[NWS] expecting very large hail and severe wind gusts, frequent lightning, potentially heavy rain, localized flooding and a few tornadoes are not out of the question either.”

Chehak suggests those living in the Permian Basin and parts of the lower Trans-Pecos area have a plan in case they need to take shelter because of  the severe weather. Chehak recommends West Texans have a charged cell phone, a working flashlight and urges locals to keep track of the weather Monday afternoon and through the night. 

NWS states that if individuals need to take shelter in response to a tornado they should head to a basement if possible or sturdy building and should stay away from windows.

Mitch Borden is Permian Basin Reporter & Producer at Marfa Public Radio.