High Wind in Texas, March 7, 2000

A strong upper level disturbance over southern Arizona moved northeast into New Mexico during the day on the 7th. Low pressure quickly deepened over southeastern Colorado in response to the approach of this system. As a result, the pressure gradient strengthened over the Southern Plains. The dryline surged east of the Caprock during the late morning hours leaving very dry air over much of the South Plains, Southern Panhandle, and Low Rolling Plains. Deep mixing into this dry air combined with a strong pressure gradient resulted in very strong west winds of 35-45 mph with gusts exceeding 50-60 mph at times. Numerous reports of downed power lines and trees were received across the South Plains, Southern Panhandle, and Low Rolling Plains as well as minor damage to lightweight structures such as barns and tin roofs. ASOS units at KLBB and KCDS measured wind gusts of 56 mph and 64 mph, respectively, during this event while a 60 mph gust was measured at the NWS forecast office on the south side of Lubbock. A few specific damage reports included: power lines were blown down in Denver City at 1210 pm; several sprinkler pivot systems were blown onto roadways in Hockley County between 1230 pm and 100 pm; in Levelland at around 100 pm, a piece of tin debris from a roof hit a woman causing a minor injury; tin roofs were removed from several buildings and power lines were blown down in Brownfield at 140 pm; a sign at a gas station was damaged in Spur at around 830 pm. Major damage was reported in Childress as a 400 foot tower valued at over half a million dollars was destroyed at around 930 pm. The strong wind resulted in widespread blowing dust, which reduced visibility to less than 1/4 of a mile in many areas.