Alert archive / Texas / Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in 2020

Severe Thunderstorm Warning 30, NWS Lake Charles, LA

April 18, 2020Jefferson County, Orange County, Texas

NWS Lake Charles, LA issued this severe thunderstorm warning at Apr 18, 2020, 6:12 PM CDT for Jefferson County, Orange County, Texas. It was in force for 47 min. 2 reports came from inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The outline as issued, with what was reported inside it.

The facts

Issued: Apr 18, 2020, 6:12 PM CDT (23:12 UTC)
Expired: Apr 18, 2020, 6:59 PM CDT
In force: 47 min
Issued by: NWS Lake Charles, LA
Area: Storm-based polygon
Hail: 1.75 in
Wind: 60.0 mph

Counties Jefferson County, TX, Orange County, TX

The radar

The Lake Charles radar (KLCH), 83 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 23:12 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

What was reported inside it

Time	Report	Where	Remark
Apr 18, 6:33 PM CDT	HAIL 1	6 Nnw Winnie, TX	REPORT RECEIVED VIA SOCIAL MEDIA.
Apr 18, 6:55 PM CDT	HAIL 1.75	W La Belle, TX	ESTIMATED SIZE THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA.

Local storm reports filed while the alert was in force, from inside its polygon or its counties.

Did it verify

Verified. The Iowa Environmental Mesonet's Cow matched 2 storm reports to this severe thunderstorm warning; the first came 21 minutes after it went out.

Cow counts a report within 15 km of the polygon while the warning was in force: a tornado for a tornado warning; hail of 1 inch or more, a gust of 58 mph or more or wind damage for a severe thunderstorm warning; a flash flood report for a flash flood warning.

The nearest sounding before it

Lake Charles Mun, LA (KLCH), launched 12:00Z, 11.2 hours before the alert went out and 85 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-p

Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.

Hodograph

The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.

Mixed-layer CAPE: 334 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN: -142 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL: 519 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear: 54 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity: 39 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity: 171 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter: 0.0
Supercell composite: 0.9

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

304 
WUUS54 KLCH 182312
SVRLCH
TXC245-361-190015-
/O.NEW.KLCH.SV.W.0030.200418T2312Z-200419T0015Z/

BULLETIN - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
National Weather Service Lake Charles LA
612 PM CDT Sat Apr 18 2020

The National Weather Service in Lake Charles has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...
  Central Jefferson County in southeastern Texas...
  Southwestern Orange County in southeastern Texas...

* Until 715 PM CDT.

* At 611 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located 8 miles southeast
  of Devers, or 9 miles southwest of Nome, moving east at 35 mph.

  HAZARD...Golf ball size hail and 60 mph wind gusts.

  SOURCE...Radar indicated.

  IMPACT...People and animals outdoors will be injured. Expect hail 
           damage to roofs, siding, windows, and vehicles. Expect 
           wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees.

* Locations impacted include...
  Beaumont, Port Arthur, Nederland, Groves, Port Neches, Vidor, Nome,
  Hamshire, Central Gardens, China, Rose City, Pine Forest, Port
  Acres, Fannett, La Belle and Southeast Texas Regional Airport.

This includes Interstate 10 in Texas between mile markers 862 and
832.
 
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a
building.

Large hail and damaging winds and continuous cloud to ground
lightning is occurring with this storm. Move indoors immediately.
Lightning is one of nature's leading killers. Remember, if you can
hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning.

&&

LAT...LON 3018 9402 3000 9389 2990 9389 2986 9393
      2984 9392 2985 9394 2984 9395 2982 9394
      2983 9392 2982 9393 2982 9392 2981 9393
      2981 9396 2983 9436 2989 9436 2989 9444
      3005 9444
TIME...MOT...LOC 2311Z 266DEG 32KT 2992 9452 

HAIL...1.75IN
WIND...60MPH
 
$$

TWH

3 follow-up statements

235 
WWUS54 KLCH 182327
SVSLCH

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Lake Charles LA
627 PM CDT Sat Apr 18 2020

TXC245-361-190015-
/O.CON.KLCH.SV.W.0030.000000T0000Z-200419T0015Z/
Jefferson TX-Orange TX-
627 PM CDT Sat Apr 18 2020

...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 715 PM CDT
FOR CENTRAL JEFFERSON AND SOUTHWESTERN ORANGE COUNTIES...

At 627 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Hamshire,
moving east at 35 mph.

HAZARD...Two inch hail and 60 mph wind gusts.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...People and animals outdoors will be injured. Expect hail 
         damage to roofs, siding, windows, and vehicles. Expect wind 
         damage to roofs, siding, and trees.

Locations impacted include...
Beaumont, Port Arthur, Nederland, Groves, Port Neches, Vidor, Nome,
Hamshire, Central Gardens, China, Rose City, Port Acres, Fannett, La
Belle and Southeast Texas Regional Airport.

This includes Interstate 10 in Texas between mile markers 857 and
856, and between mile markers 852 and 832.
 
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

This storm is producing large hail. SEEK SHELTER NOW inside a sturdy
structure and stay away from windows.

Continuous cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Move indoors immediately. Lightning is one of nature's leading
killers. Remember, if you can hear thunder, you are close enough to
be struck by lightning.

&&

LAT...LON 3002 9444 3012 9397 3000 9389 2990 9389
      2986 9393 2984 9392 2985 9394 2984 9395
      2982 9394 2983 9392 2982 9393 2982 9392
      2981 9393 2981 9396 2983 9436 2989 9436
      2989 9444
TIME...MOT...LOC 2327Z 268DEG 32KT 2991 9435 

HAIL...2.00IN
WIND...60MPH
 
$$

TWH

288 
WWUS54 KLCH 182340
SVSLCH

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Lake Charles LA
640 PM CDT Sat Apr 18 2020

TXC245-361-190015-
/O.CON.KLCH.SV.W.0030.000000T0000Z-200419T0015Z/
Jefferson TX-Orange TX-
640 PM CDT Sat Apr 18 2020

...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 715 PM CDT
FOR CENTRAL JEFFERSON AND SOUTHWESTERN ORANGE COUNTIES...

At 639 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Fannett, or
near Hamshire, moving east at 35 mph.

HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to 
         roofs, siding, and trees.

Locations impacted include...
Beaumont, Port Arthur, Nederland, Groves, Port Neches, Vidor,
Hamshire, Central Gardens, Fannett, La Belle, Port Acres and
Southeast Texas Regional Airport.

This includes Interstate 10 in Texas between mile markers 850 and
832.
 
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a
building.

Continuous cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Move indoors immediately. Lightning is one of nature's leading
killers. Remember, if you can hear thunder, you are close enough to
be struck by lightning.

&&

LAT...LON 2983 9435 3001 9435 3011 9396 3000 9389
      2990 9389 2986 9393 2984 9392 2985 9394
      2984 9395 2982 9394 2983 9392 2982 9393
      2982 9392 2981 9393 2982 9407
TIME...MOT...LOC 2339Z 266DEG 32KT 2992 9422 

HAIL...1.00IN
WIND...60MPH
 
$$

TWH

499 
WWUS54 KLCH 182359
SVSLCH

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Lake Charles LA
659 PM CDT Sat Apr 18 2020

TXC245-361-190008-
/O.CAN.KLCH.SV.W.0030.000000T0000Z-200419T0015Z/
Jefferson TX-Orange TX-
659 PM CDT Sat Apr 18 2020

...THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR CENTRAL JEFFERSON AND
SOUTHWESTERN ORANGE COUNTIES IS CANCELLED...
                
The storm which prompted the warning has weakened below severe
limits, and no longer poses an immediate threat to life or property.
Therefore, the warning has been cancelled.  However small hail and
gusty winds are still possible with this thunderstorm.

LAT...LON 2983 9435 3001 9435 3011 9396 3000 9389
      2990 9389 2986 9393 2984 9392 2985 9394
      2984 9395 2982 9394 2983 9392 2982 9393
      2982 9392 2981 9393 2982 9407
TIME...MOT...LOC 2357Z 266DEG 32KT 2993 9402 

$$

TWH

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before this severe thunderstorm warning went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Lake Charles, LA wrote its last area forecast discussion before this severe thunderstorm warning went out at Apr 18, 5:38 PM CDT, 34 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Apr 18, 5:38 PM CDT, 34 minutes before

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Lake Charles LA
538 PM CDT Sat Apr 18 2020

.DISCUSSION...
Just a quick note to users - we have been made aware of a comms
failure that is affecting transmission of our radar data (both
KLCH and KPOE)...at this time, there are no other issues within
the office and products (namely, potential severe weather
products) continue to flow out as needed.

25

&&

.PREV DISCUSSION... /issued 320 PM CDT Sat Apr 18 2020/

DISCUSSION...
Wx map shows weak front beginning to move back north across the
20-60nm marine zones this afternoon. Radar showing increased
showers and thunderstorms continuing near and just north of the
frontal zone, a couple of strong storms noted with hail earlier
this afternoon.

The front will continue northward this afternoon and evening,
coupled with the weak shortwave moving across the area, to
continue generating scattered showers and thunderstorms further
inland. The Storm Prediction Center has all of SE TX/C and S LA in
a Marginal Risk of severe thunderstorm. Looks like the continued
threat would be hail with the elevated convection.

Weather Prediction Center has all of SE TX/C and S LA in a Marginal
Risk of of Excessive Rainfall, especially if training thunderstorms
commence. Really not looking for widespread areal rainfall with
precipitation totals in the 0.25-0.75" range along the I-10
corridor, locally higher if training commences. Also, most of this
area has been fairly dry lately with either in D0 (Abnormally
Dry) to D1 (Moderate Drought) conditions, which means our soils
have some absorption capacity for the light to moderate rainfall.
Again, heavy rainfall, especially training over urban areas, can
still cause flooding.

The next and most significant upper level shortwave will be
moving eastward across the Gulf states Sunday and Sunday night,
with the surface low expected to track from west to east over the
ArkLaTex region. Guidance continues to show a significant severe
weather threat late Sunday morning into the afternoon/early
evening hours, especially north of the I-10/U.S. 190 corridor.
Still not specific if either an larger MCS or individual
supercells develops, or both. But realize the potential will be
the highest from late Sunday morning across SE TX and the
afternoon hours across C and SC LA. SPC has outlined a Moderate
Risk from the northern sections of Rapides/Avoyelles parishes
eastward into MS/AL, the rest of the region along and north of
U.S. 190 in an Enhanced Risk, and a Slight Risk south of U.S. 190
into the coastal waters. All modes of severe weather (tornadoes,
damaging wind, and large hail) will be possible.

For Monday through early Wednesday, tranquil weather expected
behind the departing storm system. However, another significant
storm system is possible late Wednesday night into Thursday across
the southern U.S.

DML

MARINE...
A weak front will continue northward this afternoon and evening,
allowing onshore flow to resume through Sunday. A significant
upper level disturbance and Pacific cold front will move across on
Sunday night, with a chance of strong to possibly severe thunderstorms
ahead of and along the front. Expect brief offshore flow for Monday,
with onshore flow resuming for Tuesday. The next chance of showers
and thunderstorms is expected Wednesday.

DML

&&

.PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS...
AEX  63  80  60  78 /  50  90  30   0
LCH  69  81  63  82 /  40  50  10   0
LFT  70  84  65  81 /  50  40  30   0
BPT  70  81  63  83 /  30  40   0   0

&&

.LCH WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
LA...None.
TX...None.
GM...None.
&&

Hazardous weather outlook, Apr 18, 3:24 PM CDT, 2 hours 48 minutes before

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Lake Charles LA
324 PM CDT Sat Apr 18 2020

LAZ027>033-041>045-052>055-073-074-TXZ180-201-215-216-259>262-192030-
Vernon-Rapides-Avoyelles-Beauregard-Allen-Evangeline-St. Landry-
Calcasieu-Jefferson Davis-Acadia-Lafayette-Upper St. Martin-
Vermilion-Iberia-St. Mary-Lower St. Martin-West Cameron-East Cameron-
Tyler-Hardin-Jefferson-Orange-Northern Jasper-Northern Newton-
Southern Jasper-Southern Newton-
324 PM CDT Sat Apr 18 2020

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for central Louisiana, south
central Louisiana, southwest Louisiana, west central Louisiana and
southeast Texas.

.DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight.
Scattered showers and thunderstorms will continue to develop across
the coast and advance northward this afternoon and evening. There is
a Marginal Risk of severe weather, with a threat of strong to
marginally severe wind gusts and small hail possible.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Sunday through Friday.
A significant storm system will move through the region Sunday,
bringing numerous to widespread showers and thunderstorms. Portions
of Rapides and Avoyelles parishes are outlined in a Moderate Risk,
the rest of the region along and north of U.S. 190 in an Enhanced
Risk, and a Slight Risk south of U.S. 190 to the coast. Damaging wind
gusts, large hail and tornadoes will be possible, mainly from midday
Sunday through late afternoon or early evening. The greatest
potential for severe storms will be north of I-10, where a few
significant severe storms capable of producing large hail or strong
tornadoes will be possible.

Thunderstorms will also be capable of producing frequent lightning
along with torrential downpours. A Marginal risk for excessive
rainfall is outlined for portions of upper southeast Texas and
central Louisiana.

Another rather potent storm system could affect the region next
Wednesday.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...
Spotter activation will likely be needed.

GMZ430-432-435-450-452-455-470-472-475-192030-
Sabine Lake-Calcasieu Lake-Vermilion Bay-
Coastal waters from Cameron LA to High Island TX out 20 NM-
Coastal waters from Intracoastal City to Cameron LA out 20 NM-
Coastal waters from Lower Atchafalaya River to Intracoastal City LA
out 20 NM-Waters from Cameron LA to High Island TX from 20 to 60 NM-
Waters from Intracoastal City to Cameron LA from 20 to 60 NM-
Waters from Lower Atchafalaya River to Intracoastal City LA from
20 to 60 NM-
324 PM CDT Sat Apr 18 2020

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for the Gulf of Mexico and the
coastal lakes and bays of the Gulf of Mexico.

.DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight.
Scattered showers and thunderstorms will continue to develop across
the coastal waters this afternoon. There is a Marginal Risk of
severe weather, with a threat of strong to marginally severe wind
gusts and small hail possible.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Sunday through Friday.
Some strong thunderstorms may develop on Sunday afternoon and
evening with locally higher winds and seas. Southerly winds look to
increase late Tuesday into Wednesday ahead of the next storm system,
and could become rather strong nearing Small Craft Advisory
conditions.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...
Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

In the hours before

Special weather statement, Apr 18, 1:45 PM CDT, 4 hours 27 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Lake Charles LA
145 PM CDT Sat Apr 18 2020

LAZ054-055-181915-
Lower St. Martin LA-St. Mary LA-
145 PM CDT Sat Apr 18 2020

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR EAST CENTRAL ST. MARY AND
SOUTHEASTERN ST. MARTIN PARISHES UNTIL 215 PM CDT...

At 145 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 8
miles south of Patterson, moving northeast at 45 mph.

Nickel size hail and winds in excess of 30 mph will be possible with
this storm.

Locations impacted include...
Morgan City, Berwick and Amelia.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm, and may lead
to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.

&&

LAT...LON 2961 9114 2959 9116 2961 9118 2958 9122
      2955 9124 2955 9128 2953 9129 2951 9127
      2948 9128 2948 9130 2949 9134 2957 9140
      2981 9110 2975 9109 2974 9110 2969 9110
      2964 9111 2963 9108
TIME...MOT...LOC 1845Z 235DEG 39KT 2958 9130

Jones

Special weather statement, Apr 18, 5:53 PM CDT, 19 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Lake Charles LA
553 PM CDT Sat Apr 18 2020

LAZ042-074-182315-
Jefferson Davis-East Cameron-
553 PM CDT Sat Apr 18 2020

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL AFFECT NORTHEASTERN CAMERON AND
SOUTHEASTERN JEFFERSON DAVIS PARISHES...

At 552 PM CDT, a strong thunderstorm was located over Lacassine
National Wildlife Refuge, moving east at 35 mph.

Penny size hail is possible with this storm.

Locations impacted include...
Welsh, Lake Arthur, Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge, Klondike,
Thornwell, Lowry and Roanoke.

This includes Interstate 10 in Louisiana between mile markers 56 and
58.

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

LAT...LON 2992 9299 2999 9305 3008 9296 3008 9289
      3011 9291 3014 9289 3016 9289 3028 9278
      3012 9262 3009 9262 3007 9264 3008 9265
      3006 9268 3006 9269 3004 9272 3004 9262
      2991 9262
TIME...MOT...LOC 2252Z 259DEG 31KT 3000 9291

TWH

Special weather statement, Apr 18, 6:05 PM CDT, 7 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Lake Charles LA
605 PM CDT Sat Apr 18 2020

LAZ073-074-182330-
West Cameron-East Cameron-
605 PM CDT Sat Apr 18 2020

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL AFFECT CENTRAL CAMERON PARISH...

At 605 PM CDT, a strong thunderstorm was located near Holly Beach, or
near Sabine National Wildlife, moving east at 25 mph.

Winds in excess of 30 mph and penny size hail are possible with this
storm.

Locations impacted include...
Cameron, Sabine National Wildlife, Holly Beach, Heberts Marina,
Hackberry and Constance Beach.

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

LAT...LON 2989 9361 2997 9334 2985 9335 2987 9335
      2988 9339 2986 9344 2980 9335 2984 9332
      2984 9326 2990 9323 2999 9327 3001 9321
      2976 9314 2978 9327 2976 9334 2979 9332
      2980 9334 2976 9335 2976 9358
TIME...MOT...LOC 2305Z 256DEG 23KT 2982 9351

TWH

Nearby

Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in Texas, 2020 Every severe thunderstorm warning in 2020

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; local storm reports from the same archive; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.