Alert archive / Texas / Flash Flood Warnings in 2026

Flash Flood Warning 150, NWS Midland/Odessa, TX

July 18, 2026Dawson County, Texas

NWS Midland/Odessa, TX issued this flash flood warning at Jul 18, 2026, 5:39 PM CDT for Dawson County, Texas. It was in force for 3 hr. No storm report in the archive falls inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The outline as issued.

The facts

Issued: Jul 18, 2026, 5:39 PM CDT (22:39 UTC)
Expired: Jul 18, 2026, 8:45 PM CDT
In force: 3 hr
Issued by: NWS Midland/Odessa, TX
Area: Storm-based polygon
Flood severity: None

County Dawson County, TX

The radar

The Midland/Odessa radar (KMAF), 80 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 22:42 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.

Did it verify

Not verified. The Iowa Environmental Mesonet's Cow found no qualifying storm report inside this flash flood warning while it was in force. That is not proof nothing happened: reports are thin where few people live.

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

Midland Regional, TX (KMAF), launched 12:00Z, 10.7 hours before the alert went out and 80 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: 1524 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN: -63 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL: 864 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear: 8 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity: 115 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity: 213 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter: 0.0
Supercell composite: 0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

871 
WGUS54 KMAF 182239
FFWMAF
TXC115-190145-
/O.NEW.KMAF.FF.W.0150.260718T2239Z-260719T0145Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Flash Flood Warning
National Weather Service Midland/Odessa TX
539 PM CDT Sat Jul 18 2026

The National Weather Service in Midland/Odessa has issued a

* Flash Flood Warning for...
  Southwestern Dawson County in western Texas...

* Until 845 PM CDT.

* At 539 PM CDT, Doppler radar and automated rain gauges indicated
  thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between
  0.5 and 1 inch of rain has fallen. The expected rainfall rate is
  0.75 to 1.25 inches in 1 hour. Additional rainfall amounts up to 1
  inch are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or
  expected to begin shortly.

  HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms.

  SOURCE...Radar and automated gauges.

  IMPACT...Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas,
           highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor
           drainage and low-lying areas.

* Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
  Lamesa, Lamesa Municipal Airport, Los Ybanez, Tenmile, Patricia,
  Klondike, Arvana and Hancock.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood
deaths occur in vehicles.

&&

LAT...LON 3252 10218 3282 10210 3283 10196 3283 10182
      3253 10193 3252 10209

FLASH FLOOD...RADAR AND GAUGE INDICATED
EXPECTED RAINFALL RATE...0.75-1.25 INCHES IN 1 HOUR

$$

11

2 follow-up statements

026 
WGUS74 KMAF 190048
FFSMAF

Flash Flood Statement
National Weather Service Midland/Odessa TX
748 PM CDT Sat Jul 18 2026

TXC115-190145-
/O.CON.KMAF.FF.W.0150.000000T0000Z-260719T0145Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
Dawson TX-
748 PM CDT Sat Jul 18 2026

...FLASH FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 845 PM CDT THIS
EVENING FOR SOUTHWESTERN DAWSON COUNTY...

At 748 PM CDT, Doppler radar indicated heavy rain had fallen across
the warned area. Between 1.5 and 2.5 inches of rain have fallen.
Flooding impacts will continue, but little to no additional rainfall
is expected. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly.

HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas,
         highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor
         drainage and low-lying areas.

Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
  Lamesa, Lamesa Municipal Airport, Los Ybanez, Tenmile, Patricia,
  Klondike, Arvana and Hancock.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood
deaths occur in vehicles.

Be aware of your surroundings and do not drive on flooded roads.

&&

LAT...LON 3252 10218 3282 10210 3283 10196 3283 10182
      3253 10193 3252 10209

FLASH FLOOD...RADAR INDICATED

$$

13

817 
WGUS74 KMAF 190148
FFSMAF

Flash Flood Statement
National Weather Service Midland/Odessa TX
848 PM CDT Sat Jul 18 2026

TXC115-190158-
/O.EXP.KMAF.FF.W.0150.000000T0000Z-260719T0145Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
Dawson TX-
848 PM CDT Sat Jul 18 2026

...FLASH FLOOD WARNING HAS EXPIRED FOR SOUTHWESTERN DAWSON COUNTY...

The heavy rain has ended. Flooding is no longer expected to pose a
threat. Please continue to heed remaining road closures.

&&

LAT...LON 3252 10218 3282 10210 3283 10196 3283 10182
      3253 10193 3252 10209

$$

13

What forecasters said that day

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

NWS Midland/Odessa, TX wrote its last area forecast discussion before this flash flood warning went out at Jul 18, 1:28 PM CDT, 4 hours 11 minutes earlier. Its key messages:

Updated at 116 PM CDT Sat Jul 18 2026
Isolated to widely scattered showers/storms could produce locally heavy rain, gusty winds, and frequent lightning this afternoon. Localized flash flooding will be possible in the heaviest storms that develop.
Rain chances persist in the forecast through Tuesday evening, mainly favoring the western higher terrain. Localized flash flooding remains of concern in the event of occasionally heavy rainfall.
Warmer and drier conditions return areawide by the middle of next week.

Area forecast discussion, Jul 18, 1:28 PM CDT, 4 hours 11 minutes before

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Midland/Odessa TX
128 PM CDT Sat Jul 18 2026

...New SHORT TERM, LONG TERM...

.KEY MESSAGES...
Updated at 116 PM CDT Sat Jul 18 2026

- Isolated to widely scattered showers/storms could produce
  locally heavy rain, gusty winds, and frequent lightning this
  afternoon. Localized flash flooding will be possible in the
  heaviest storms that develop.

- Rain chances persist in the forecast through Tuesday evening,
  mainly favoring the western higher terrain. Localized flash
  flooding remains of concern in the event of occasionally heavy
  rainfall.

- Warmer and drier conditions return areawide by the middle of
  next week.

&&

.SHORT TERM...
(This afternoon through Sunday night)
Issued at 116 PM CDT Sat Jul 18 2026

Current satellite and radar imagery shows some leftover cloud
cover from earlier this morning along with developing storms near
the Davis Mountains and Big Bend region. The upper low looks to
be located across the northwest Permian Basin, while other
mesoscale low features are prevalent across portions of west
Texas. These features will continue to supply lift for additional
shower/development. The highest coverage of showers/storms look to
be for areas west of the Pecos River, while slightly less
coverage across portions of the northern Permian Basin and far
southeast New Mexico than previously indicated by high resolution
models. Regardless, there remains the threat of flash flooding in
areas that have received significant rainfall. The 12Z MAF
sounding showed a near-record daily PWAT (1.73"), slow storm
motions, and a moist vertical profile especially in the mid-levels
of the atmosphere. These parameters indicate that showers/storms
will be efficient heavy rainfall producers, therefore, increasing
the flash flood threat. Daytime heating this afternoon will mix
out moisture in the lower levels where forecast soundings show
inverted-V profiles and sufficient DCAPE supporting the threat of
strong downbursts (gusty winds) with the strongest storms.

Tonight, the upper low remains over west Texas and far southeast New
Mexico. Like last night and earlier this morning, remnant
showers/storms are forecast to linger mainly across far West Texas
and the higher terrain. Overnight cloud cover once again will keep
lows in the 60s to mid 70s for most. Tomorrow, the aforementioned
upper low shifts southwest near portions of the Upper Trans Pecos by
the afternoon. A similar setup is in store where scattered
showers/storms are expected across portions of the forecast area
with the highest rain chances over the Davis, Guadalupe Mountains,
and Big Bend region. Heavy rainfall leading to localized flash
flooding with gusty winds remain the primary concerns. Similar
high temperatures are anticipated both today and Sunday ranging
from the 80s to low 90s for most locations.

Lamberson

&&

.LONG TERM...
(Monday through Friday)
Issued at 116 PM CDT Sat Jul 18 2026

The previous forecast package remains unchanged. The upper-level low
continues to shift west early next week. As a result, additional
chances of scattered rain/storms are forecast each afternoon with
greatest coverage mainly across the higher terrain and far West
Texas through Tuesday. Surface troughing extending from the Rockies
will also provide extra lift for shower/storm development. These
chances will gradually decrease heading into Tuesday as the upper
low pivots farther away from the region. Temperatures are also going
to return back into the 90s for most early in the week. Ensemble
guidance suggest PWAT values ranging between 1-2" across our region
through Tuesday evening, signaling a continued heavy rainfall
threat. Given some areas have already seen several rounds of
rainfall, the risk of flash flooding shall continue to be a
concern in the event of occasional heavy rainfall. The threat
itself is not expected to be as extensive as previous days. By mid
next week, an upper-level ridge becomes the dominant weather
feature favoring much warmer and drier conditions areawide.
Guidance has been trending towards many locations hitting the
triple digits by late next week.

Lamberson

&&

.AVIATION...
(18Z TAFS)
Issued at 1205 PM CDT Sat Jul 18 2026

VFR has returned to the terminals for now. More thunderstorm
development is likely across the area today, but low confidence
remains in timing and locations due to multiple boundaries around.

&&

.PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS...
Big Spring               91  70  91  70 /  20  20  30  10
Carlsbad                 95  69  94  70 /  40  20  50  40
Dryden                   94  72  94  73 /  20  10  40  10
Fort Stockton            93  70  91  70 /  50  10  70  20
Guadalupe Pass           87  65  85  66 /  50  30  60  50
Hobbs                    92  66  91  67 /  50  40  40  30
Marfa                    87  60  85  60 /  60  30  70  30
Midland Intl Airport     90  70  90  71 /  40  30  50  10
Odessa                   90  70  90  70 /  40  20  50  10
Wink                     94  70  93  70 /  40  20  40  20

&&

.MAF WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
TX...None.
NM...None.
&&

SHORT TERM...11
LONG TERM....11
AVIATION...29

In the hours before

Special weather statement, Jul 18, 2:52 PM CDT, 2 hours 47 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Midland/Odessa TX
252 PM CDT Sat Jul 18 2026

TXZ278-182030-
Davis Mountains Foothills TX-
252 PM CDT Sat Jul 18 2026

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTHWESTERN BREWSTER AND
SOUTHEASTERN JEFF DAVIS COUNTIES THROUGH 330 PM CDT...

At 252 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Alpine, moving northeast at 5 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects.

Locations impacted include...
Alpine.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

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

This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.

&&

LAT...LON 3058 10360 3040 10338 3036 10357 3037 10357
      3038 10359 3036 10360 3035 10363 3045 10372
TIME...MOT...LOC 1952Z 229DEG 5KT 3041 10363

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...55 MPH

11

Special weather statement, Jul 18, 4:03 PM CDT, 1 hour 36 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Midland/Odessa TX
403 PM CDT Sat Jul 18 2026

TXZ045-046-182145-
Dawson TX-Gaines TX-
403 PM CDT Sat Jul 18 2026

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT EAST CENTRAL GAINES AND WEST
CENTRAL DAWSON COUNTIES THROUGH 445 PM CDT...

At 403 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 15
miles south of Welch, or 15 miles west of Lamesa, moving north at 5
mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph and penny size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is
         possible.

Locations impacted include...
McKenzie Lake and Punkin Center.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

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

&&

LAT...LON 3262 10213 3261 10231 3286 10239 3287 10204
TIME...MOT...LOC 2103Z 180DEG 5KT 3272 10223

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.75 IN
MAX WIND GUST...55 MPH

11

Special weather statement, Jul 18, 4:33 PM CDT, 1 hour 6 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Midland/Odessa TX
433 PM CDT Sat Jul 18 2026

TXZ075-082-279-282-182230-
Pecos TX-Terrell TX-Central Brewster County TX-
Lower Brewster County TX-
433 PM CDT Sat Jul 18 2026

...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT SOUTH CENTRAL PECOS...
NORTHEASTERN BREWSTER AND WESTERN TERRELL COUNTIES THROUGH 530 PM
CDT...

At 432 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from 36 miles east of Marathon to 14 miles southwest
of Sanderson to 33 miles southwest of Dryden. Movement was northeast
at 25 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects.

Locations impacted include...
Sanderson, Dryden, and Terrell County Airport.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

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

Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with these storms.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.

These storms may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.

&&

LAT...LON 2995 10284 3029 10312 3049 10225 3019 10212
      2980 10201 2980 10204 2979 10205 2979 10212
      2982 10218 2985 10219 2984 10222 2988 10232
      2985 10237 2976 10239 2979 10249 2975 10255
      2977 10257 2973 10262 2975 10267 2969 10270
TIME...MOT...LOC 2132Z 240DEG 21KT 3030 10265 2998 10256 2969 10250

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...55 MPH

11

The office that day

Everything else NWS Midland/Odessa, TX issued on the same UTC day.

Issued	Product	Office	Counties	Lasted
Jul 17, 7:01 PM CDT	Severe Thunderstorm Warning	MAF	Brewster	21 min
Jul 17, 7:03 PM CDT	Flash Flood Warning	MAF	Brewster	117 min
Jul 18, 2:08 PM CDT	Flash Flood Warning	MAF	Jeff Davis	5 hr
Jul 18, 2:52 PM CDT	Special Weather Statement	MAF		38 min
Jul 18, 3:28 PM CDT	Flash Flood Warning	MAF	Brewster, Jeff Davis	3 hr
Jul 18, 3:39 PM CDT	Flash Flood Warning	MAF	Brewster, Pecos	3 hr
Jul 18, 4:03 PM CDT	Special Weather Statement	MAF	Dawson	42 min
Jul 18, 4:27 PM CDT	Flash Flood Warning	MAF	Dawson, Gaines	3 hr
Jul 18, 4:33 PM CDT	Special Weather Statement	MAF	Terrell	57 min
Jul 18, 4:46 PM CDT	Severe Thunderstorm Warning	MAF	Brewster, Pecos, Terrell	44 min
Jul 18, 4:48 PM CDT	Severe Thunderstorm Warning	MAF	Reeves	42 min
Jul 18, 5:07 PM CDT	Severe Thunderstorm Warning	MAF	Terrell	38 min
Jul 18, 5:25 PM CDT	Flash Flood Warning	MAF	Brewster, Pecos, Terrell	3 hr
Jul 18, 5:44 PM CDT	Special Weather Statement	MAF	Terrell	46 min
Jul 18, 6:00 PM CDT	Severe Thunderstorm Warning	MAF	Brewster	32 min

Nearby

Flash Flood Warnings in Texas, 2026 Every flash flood warning in 2026

Sources

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