Tornadoes and Hail in Texas, May 11, 1994

Name: Tornadoes and Hail in Texas, May 11, 1994
Start: 1994-05-11T00:00
End: 1994-05-11T23:55
Location: Texas

May 11, 1994 · 54 events in 24 counties and zones

41 hail, 7 thunderstorm wind, 6 tornado, as filed by the National Weather Service.

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it; 48 filed by county or forecast zone are drawn at its center, in a lighter ring. Tap one for its entry below.

Tornadoes
Tropical storms and surge
Floods
Wind
Hail
Winter weather
Heat and drought
Cold
Fire, smoke and dust
Marine and coastal
Other

Open the live radar over this ground

The toll

Deaths: 0
Injuries: 4
Property damage: $637,000
Crop damage: $6,000
Events: 54

Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.

Event by event

41 hail, 7 thunderstorm wind, 6 tornado. Local standard time, as filed.

Hail, Martin

When: May 11, 12:00 AM CST
Where: Martin County, Stanton
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Property damage: $5,000
Crop damage: $500
Coordinates: 32.306, -101.951 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Hail, Howard

When: May 11, 12:56 AM CST
Where: Howard County, Big Spring
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Coordinates: 32.306, -101.435 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Hail, Howard

When: May 11, 1:03 AM CST
Where: Howard County, Big Spring
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Coordinates: 32.306, -101.435 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Hail, Mitchell

When: May 11, 1:40 AM CST
Where: Mitchell County, Westbrook
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Coordinates: 32.306, -100.921 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Tornado, Mitchell

When: May 11, 2:30 AM CST to 2:45 AM CST
Where: Mitchell County, Coahoma to to Westbrook
Rating: F0
Path length: 3.5 mi
Path width: 50 yd
Coordinates: 32.250, -101.150

Hail, Erath

When: May 11, 2:30 AM CST
Where: Erath County, Three Way
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Property damage: $50,000
Coordinates: 32.236, -98.218 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Wind-driven golf ball-size hail did considerable window and roof damage in southeast Erath County at Three Way.

Thunderstorm Wind, Erath

When: May 11, 2:30 AM CST
Where: Erath County, Three Way
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph)
Property damage: $5,000
Coordinates: 32.236, -98.218 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Wind-driven golf ball-size hail did considerable window and roof damage in southeast Erath County at Three Way.

Hail, Mitchell

When: May 11, 3:00 AM CST
Where: Mitchell County, Colorado City
Measured: 1 in hail
Coordinates: 32.306, -100.921 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Hail, Nolan

When: May 11, 4:30 AM CST
Where: Nolan County, Maryneal
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Coordinates: 32.304, -100.406 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Widespread severe thunderstorms and flash flooding occurred across the eastern Permian Basin, northern Concho Valley, and Big Country from the afternoon of the 10th to the early morning of the 11th. Severe wind gusts occurred in Nolan County, Blackwell, and northeast Coke County, Oak Creek Reservoir. Two homes and several sheds were damaged near the reservoir, with trees and power lines also downed in the area. Damages were estimated at $75,000. One home was damaged in Blackwell. This storm moved into northwest Runnels County, where winds slightly damaged a home in Wingate. Flash flooding near Lake Sweetwater closed Farm-to-Market Road 1856 at 1350 CST. Low water crossings were flooded on Highway 70 east of Maryneal at 1350 CST. More heavy rains caused additional flash flooding on roads near Maryneal at 1710 CST, temporarily isolating that community. Two separate flash floods occurred in southern Mitchell County along Beals Creek and the Colorado River. This caused the closure of Highway 163 south of Colorado City. In Howard County, rainfall in excess of five inches caused widespread flooding in Big Spring. SKYWARN spotters reported a tornado in Howard County six miles east-southeast of Coahoma at 0230 CST. This tornado moved northeast for over three miles. It ended in extreme western Mitchell County about nine miles southwest of Westbrook at 0245 CST. At 0430 CST, Nolan County Sheriff's Office reported flooding over most roads in southern Nolan County.

Hail, Yoakum

When: May 11, 7:35 AM CST
Where: Yoakum County, Denver City
Measured: 1 in hail
Coordinates: 33.173, -102.828 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Hail, Gaines

When: May 11, 8:30 AM CST
Where: Gaines County, Seminole
Measured: 1 in hail
Coordinates: 32.741, -102.635 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Hail, Lubbock

When: May 11, 10:05 AM CST to 10:15 AM CST
Where: Lubbock County, Lubbock
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Coordinates: 33.610, -101.820 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Hail, Jones

When: May 11, 12:00 PM CST
Where: Jones County, Hawley
Measured: 1 in hail
Coordinates: 32.740, -99.879 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Storm spotters reported a tornado touchdown on the northeast side of Lake Fort Phantom. This storm first appeared as a funnel cloud over the west side of Abilene, then moved northeast into Jones County before briefly touching down at Lake Fort Phantom. No damage was reported.

Hail, Stonewall

When: May 11, 1:00 PM CST
Where: Stonewall County, Aspermont
Measured: 1 in hail
Coordinates: 33.179, -100.253 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Hail, Haskell

When: May 11, 2:00 PM CST
Where: Haskell County, Haskell
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Coordinates: 33.178, -99.730 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Hail, Ector

When: May 11, 2:17 PM CST
Where: Ector County, Odessa
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Coordinates: 31.869, -102.543 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Hail, Ector

When: May 11, 2:40 PM CST
Where: Ector County, Odessa
Measured: 2.75 in hail
Coordinates: 31.869, -102.543 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Tornado, Taylor

When: May 11, 2:45 PM CST
Where: Taylor County, Weather Service to Office Abi
Rating: F0
Path length: 0.1 mi
Path width: 10 yd
Coordinates: 32.350, -99.770

A tornado was spotted by National Weather Service employees six miles southwest of the Abilene Municipal Airport. No damage was reported.

Hail, Knox

When: May 11, 2:45 PM CST
Where: Knox County, Vera
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Coordinates: 33.606, -99.741 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

An isolated severe thunderstorm in Knox County during the afternoon hours on the 11th produced hail up to nickel-size.

Hail, Ector

When: May 11, 2:58 PM CST
Where: Ector County, Odessa
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Coordinates: 31.869, -102.543 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Hail, Midland

When: May 11, 3:08 PM CST
Where: Midland County, Midland
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Coordinates: 31.869, -102.032 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Hail, Midland

When: May 11, 3:27 PM CST
Where: Midland County, Midland
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Coordinates: 31.869, -102.032 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Hail, Crane

When: May 11, 3:40 PM CST
Where: Crane County, Imperial
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Coordinates: 31.429, -102.516 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Hail, Crane

When: May 11, 3:51 PM CST
Where: Crane County, Crane
Measured: 1 in hail
Coordinates: 31.429, -102.516 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Hail, Pecos

When: May 11, 3:51 PM CST
Where: Pecos County, Ft. Stockton
Measured: 1 in hail
Coordinates: 30.781, -102.724 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Hail, Midland

When: May 11, 4:00 PM CST
Where: Midland County, Midland
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Property damage: $50
Coordinates: 31.869, -102.032 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Hail, Upton

When: May 11, 4:12 PM CST
Where: Upton County, McCamey
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Coordinates: 31.369, -102.043 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Hail, Midland

When: May 11, 4:22 PM CST
Where: Midland County, Midland
Measured: 1 in hail
Coordinates: 31.869, -102.032 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Hail, Crane

When: May 11, 4:23 PM CST
Where: Crane County, Monahans
Measured: 1 in hail
Coordinates: 31.429, -102.516 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Hail, Young

When: May 11, 4:24 PM CST
Where: Young County, Graham
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Coordinates: 33.177, -98.688 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Heavy rains resulted in water over Highway 380 and Highway 79 in western Young County.

Tornado, Jones

When: May 11, 4:30 PM CST
Where: Jones County, Lake Fort Phantom
Rating: F0
Path length: 0.1 mi
Path width: 10 yd
Coordinates: 32.730, -99.880

Tornado, Mitchell

When: May 11, 4:32 PM CST
Where: Mitchell County, Colorado City
Rating: F0
Path length: 0.1 mi
Path width: 10 yd
Coordinates: 32.320, -100.850

Hail, Ward

When: May 11, 4:50 PM CST
Where: Ward County, Monahans
Measured: 1 in hail
Property damage: $500
Coordinates: 31.510, -103.102 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Thunderstorm Wind, Palo Pinto

When: May 11, 5:30 PM CST
Where: Palo Pinto County, Mineral Wells
Property damage: $5,000
Coordinates: 32.753, -98.313 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Five storage tanks, weighing two to three tons each, were blown across a road and a 10 by 12-foot storage building was destroyed.

Tornado, Nolan

When: May 11, 5:30 PM CST
Where: Nolan County, Roscoe
Rating: F0
Path length: 0.1 mi
Path width: 10 yd
Coordinates: 32.330, -100.650

Hail, Martin

When: May 11, 5:39 PM CST
Where: Martin County, Stanton
Measured: 1 in hail
Property damage: $500
Coordinates: 32.306, -101.951 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Tornado, Pecos

When: May 11, 5:40 PM CST to 5:50 PM CST
Where: Pecos County, Girvin
Rating: F0
Path length: 2.5 mi
Path width: 50 yd
Coordinates: 31.150, -102.450

Hail, Jack

When: May 11, 5:50 PM CST
Where: Jack County, Perrin
Measured: 1 in hail
Coordinates: 33.234, -98.172 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Hail, Nolan

When: May 11, 5:53 PM CST to 6:00 PM CST
Where: Nolan County, Sweetwater
Measured: 1 in hail
Coordinates: 32.304, -100.406 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Hail, Pecos

When: May 11, 6:20 PM CST
Where: Pecos County, Ft. Stockton
Measured: 1 in hail
Property damage: $500
Coordinates: 30.781, -102.724 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Hail, Howard

When: May 11, 6:25 PM CST
Where: Howard County, Big Spring
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Coordinates: 32.306, -101.435 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Thunderstorm Wind, Taylor

When: May 11, 6:25 PM CST
Where: Taylor County, Tye
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph)
Property damage: $5,000
Coordinates: 32.301, -99.890 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Wind gusts to 70 mph were reported by the sheriff's office at the Tye Truck Stop on Interstate 20. Wind damage to signs and parked trucks occurred.

Thunderstorm Wind, Jones

When: May 11, 6:45 PM CST
Where: Jones County, Anson
Property damage: $5,000
Coordinates: 32.740, -99.879 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Strong winds damaged trees and signs in Anson.

Hail, Upton

When: May 11, 6:49 PM CST
Where: Upton County, Rankin
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Coordinates: 31.369, -102.043 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Hail, Crane

When: May 11, 6:50 PM CST
Where: Crane County, Crane
Measured: 1.5 in hail
Coordinates: 31.429, -102.516 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Thunderstorm Wind, Wise

When: May 11, 6:57 PM CST
Where: Wise County, Cottondale
Property damage: $5,000
Coordinates: 33.216, -97.654 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Barns were unroofed by high winds.

Thunderstorm Wind, Wise

When: May 11, 6:57 PM CST
Where: Wise County, Rhome
Property damage: $5,000
Coordinates: 33.216, -97.654 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Numerous trees were blown down by thunderstorm winds.

Thunderstorm Wind, Wise

When: May 11, 6:57 PM CST
Where: Wise County, Cottondale
Injuries: 4 direct, 0 indirect
Property damage: $500,000
Coordinates: 33.216, -97.654 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

At 2.3 miles north of Cottondale one house was destroyed, and at least two mobile homes were destroyed by high winds. Damage was reported to four other mobile homes. A car and a truck were also destroyed. The sheriff's office reported four injuries, one of which was serious.

Hail, Upton

When: May 11, 7:50 PM CST
Where: Upton County, Rankin
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Coordinates: 31.369, -102.043 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Hail, Upton

When: May 11, 8:37 PM CST
Where: Upton County, McCamey
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Property damage: $50,000
Crop damage: $5,000
Coordinates: 31.369, -102.043 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Hail, Pecos

When: May 11, 8:40 PM CST
Where: Pecos County, McCamey
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Coordinates: 30.781, -102.724 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Hail, Sterling

When: May 11, 10:05 PM CST
Where: Sterling County, Sterling City
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Coordinates: 31.828, -101.050 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Hail, Sterling

When: May 11, 10:22 PM CST
Where: Sterling County, Sterling City
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Coordinates: 31.828, -101.050 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Hail, Nolan

When: May 11, 11:55 PM CST
Where: Nolan County, Roscoe
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Coordinates: 32.304, -100.406 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

After a short respite from yesterday's storms, severe weather and flash flooding developed again over parts of West Texas due to a stalled upper level low pressure system to the west. This day's thunderstorms, combined with the previous day's, brought very heavy rainfall totals to much of the area. In particular, six to eight inches fell in a swath from near Denver City to Lubbock and Crosbyton. Six to eight inches also fell in an area from Andrews County across Big Spring to near Sweetwater; within this area there were isolated reports to near 12 inches. This day's rain caused more flash flooding, this time in Terry County (especially at Brownfield and also in Union, where a school was flooded), in Lubbock County (especially in Lubbock where several main roads were closed due to water for two to three days), in Lynn and Crosby Counties (where the sheriff's offices reported many roads under water), in Midland County (especially in Midland where many roads were flooded and cars stranded; some by as much as three feet of water), and in Mitchell, Nolan, and Howard Counties (where many roads were flooded in each county). The extreme rainfall caused river flooding along Beals Creek (in eastern Howard and southern Mitchell Counties) and on the Colorado River (in southern Mitchell and northwest Coke Counties). Witnesses reported that the Colorado River was 1.5 miles wide at the peak of flooding about 1900 CST on the 11th. No significant flood damage was reported. There were also many reports of severe weather. Large hail fell in Ector County (west of Odessa), and golf ball-size hail fell in Upton County (in McCamey) and in Sterling County (near Sterling). There were also reports of up to quarter-size hail in many areas. Three tornadoes occurred this day. In Pecos County, the Girvin Fire Department reported a tornado that lasted about 10 minutes, but caused no damage. An Abilene TV film crew reported a brief tornado in Mitchell County about five miles south of Colorado City, and storm spotters reported another brief tornado in Nolan County about eight miles southwest of Roscoe. Lightning caused about $12,000 damage to a house in Lubbock. This occurred when lightning struck the garage, causing a fire that also damaged a car in the garage.

What these are

Hail: Hail three-quarters of an inch or larger, or smaller hail that caused damage, filed with the largest stone measured.
Tornado: A violently rotating column of air in contact with the ground and extending from a thunderstorm, filed with its path, width and Fujita or Enhanced Fujita rating from the damage survey.
Thunderstorm Wind: Winds from a thunderstorm of 50 knots (58 mph) or more, or lower winds that caused damage or casualties. Measured gusts are marked MG, estimated EG.

After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in Texas in 1994 Every state in 1994 This day in weather history The tornado archive for Texas, 1994 Warnings in Texas, May 1994

Sources

NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 10354353, 10350084, 10350085, 10350801, 10350802, 10351536, 10351537, 10350803, 10354239, 10355599, 10351846, 10354449, 10350465, 10352653, 10351078, 10352427, 10352428, 10352913, 10354587, 10352429, 10353831, 10353832, 10352002, 10352003, 10353474, 10353833, 10355698, 10353834, 10352004, 10355654, 10350493, 10350804, 10356048, 10354212, 10354240, 10354354, 10353475, 10350230, 10354241, 10353476, and more.