Hail and Damaging Winds in Texas, May 1 to 2, 2011

Name: Hail and Damaging Winds in Texas, May 1 to 2, 2011
Start: 2011-05-01T01:01
End: 2011-05-02T05:02
Location: Texas

May 1 to 2, 2011 · NWS FWD · 81 events in 18 counties and zones

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it. 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: 1
Injuries: 5
Property damage: $471,000
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 81

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.

What happened

The episode as NWS FWD wrote it up.

A prolonged severe weather event began during the early morning hours of May 1st and lasted into the overnight hours of May 2nd. A cold front moved through the northern sections of the Fort Worth County Warning Area, and the initial round of severe thunderstorms occurred north of this boundary during the morning hours of the 1st. These storms produced damaging winds and hail up to the size of baseballs. Additional rounds of severe storms developed north of the boundary during the afternoon and evening hours of the 1st. Little wind damage occurred from these storms but hail up to the size of golfballs were reported. The severe weather primarily affected locations north of a Mills to Ellis to Grayson County line.

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Fort Worth, TX wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Apr 30, 10:32 PM CST, 2 hours 29 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Apr 30, 10:32 PM CST, 2 hours 29 minutes before

AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION...UPDATED
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE FORT WORTH TX
1132 PM CDT SAT APR 30 2011

.AVIATION...
FRONT NOW FROM A LAMPASAS...HILLSBORO...TERRELL...SULHPUR SPRINGS
LINE MOVING ONLY SLOWLY SOUTHEAST OVERNIGHT. LLJ AND WAA EXPECTED
TO CRANK UP BY 09Z AND AFTER BEHIND THE FRONT ACROSS MAINLY THE
DFW TERMINALS...AS FIRST LOBE OF UPPER ENERGY ROTATES THROUGH THE
PLAINS UPPER LOW. VFR CONDS WILL GO QUICKLY TO MVFR BY 07Z-09Z OR
2-4 AM CDT IN THE MORNING WITH DFW SITES INDICATING SOME SHRA/CB
MENTION AS ELEVATED/EMBEDDED CONVECTION OCCURS ABOVE THE FRONTAL
INVERSION. SOME IFR MAY BRIEFLY OCCUR AT ALL TERMINALS AROUND/SHORTLY
AFTER 12Z...BUT WILL BE MORE POSSIBLE BEHIND THE FRONT IN THE
COOLER AIR TO THE NORTH.

WILL ONLY INTRODUCE IFR CIGS FOR A FEW HRS...BUT NEXT TAF ISSUANCE
MAY NEED TO EXTEND IFR CONDS THROUGH AT LEAST 15Z OR LATER DEPENDING
ON HOW THINGS SET UP. OTHERWISE...HAVE CIGS ONLY SLOWLY RISING
INTO HIGH MVFR WITH OCCASIONAL IFR VSBYS AND MVFR CIGS THROUGHOUT
THE DAY SUNDAY...IMPROVING LATE IN THE PERIOD OR 00Z MON/7 PM SUN
EVENING AS WE GET IN BETWEEN DISTURBANCES WITH SUBSIDENCE.

WITH THIS BEING SO PROLONGED OF POTENTIAL ELEVATED THUNDER WITH
ANY ISENTROPIC LIFT/RAIN AND UNCERTAINTY ON WHERE THE CURRENT
FRONT MOVES TOO...CONFIDENCE BEYOND 12Z OR FIRST 6 HOURS IS NOT
HIGH AND WOULD EXPECT MANY AMENDMENTS/CHANGES NEXT 24-30 HRS.

05/

&&

.UPDATE...
WE ARE CANCELING THE TORNADO WATCH WITH THIS EVENING UPDATE.
EXPECT CONVECTION TO RE-INITIATE LATER TONIGHT AS LLJ STRENGTHENS
AND ISENTROPIC UPGLIDE ENCOUNTERS THE QUASI-STATIONARY FRONTAL
BOUNDARY. HAVE CUT POPS DOWN SIGNIFICANTLY THROUGH 1AM.

TOMORROW CONTINUES TO LOOK WET AND STORMY AS A HEALTHY MOIST FEED
CONTINUES AND RIPPLES OF LOW PRESSURE MOVE UP AND ALONG THE FRONTAL
BOUNDARY. EXTENDED OUTLOOKS FOR VERY HEAVY 5 DAY RAINFALL TOTALS
ALONG THE I-30 CORRIDOR FROM FORT WORTH TO LITTLE ROCK AND INTO
THE CONFLUENCE OF THE OHIO/MISSISSIPPI REMAINS VALID. 75

&&

.PREV DISCUSSION... /ISSUED 345 PM CDT SAT APR 30 2011/
A COLD FRONT WILL BECOME NEARLY STATIONARY ACROSS NORTH TEXAS THIS
EVENING. SHOWERS AND A FEW THUNDERSTORMS WILL CONTINUE TO DEVELOP
LATE THIS AFTERNOON AS SURFACE HEATING HELPS TO DESTABILIZE THE
LOWER LEVELS OF THE ATMOSPHERE. THERE IS STILL SOME UNCERTAINTY ON
WHETHER THE CAP WILL COMPLETELY BREAK AND SURFACE BASED STORMS CAN
DEVELOP. SHORT RANGE GUIDANCE SUGGESTS THAT THE CAP HAS WEAKENED
SIGNIFICANTLY JUST AHEAD OF THE STALLING COLD FRONT WHICH WAS NEAR
A GAINESVILLE...FORT WORTH...TO COMANCHE LINE AT 3 PM. THE LEADING
EDGE OF THE FRONT HAS BECOME VERY WEAK DUE TO VIGOROUS MIXING ON
THE LEADING EDGE. THEREFORE...WE WILL KEEP CHANCE POPS FOR THE
LATE AFTERNOON/EARLY EVENING HOURS JUST AHEAD OF THE FRONT. SINCE
THE UPPER LEVEL SUPPORT WILL REMAIN WELL TO THE WEST NEAR THE FOUR
CORNERS REGION THIS EVENING AND CONVERGENCE ALONG THE FRONT WILL
BE WEAK...STORM DEVELOPMENT AND COVERAGE MAY BE LIMITED.
HOWEVER...IF ANY STORMS CAN DEVELOP...THERE IS ENOUGH INSTABILITY
AND SHEAR TO SUPPORT SEVERE STORMS. THE PRIMARY HAZARD WILL BE
HAIL AND DAMAGING WIND.

STORMS COVERAGE SHOULD INCREASE OVERNIGHT INTO SUNDAY AS LARGE
SCALE LIFT AS WELL AS LIFT OVER THE SURFACE BOUNDARY INCREASES.
STORMS TONIGHT/SUNDAY MORNING WILL BE ELEVATED AND WILL POSE A BIT
LESS OF A SEVERE WEATHER THREAT BUT STILL MAY CONTAIN SOME HAIL
AND STRONG WINDS. THE COLD FRONT WILL REMAIN STALLED OVER THE
REGION SUNDAY WITH WIDESPREAD RAIN AND THUNDERSTORMS ALONG AND
NORTH OF IT. THERE WILL BE A THREAT OF SEVERE STORMS SUNDAY
...WITH THE BEST CHANCES ALONG AND JUST AHEAD OF THE BOUNDARY OVER
THE SOUTHEAST COUNTIES OF NORTH TEXAS.

THE WEATHER PATTERN WILL REMAIN UNSETTLED SUNDAY NIGHT THROUGH
MONDAY NIGHT AS THE UPPER LEVEL TROUGH MOVES EAST AND LOW LEVEL
MOISTURE IS LIFTED OVER THE COOL AIR AT THE SURFACE. WE EXPECT
AREAS OF RAIN AND THUNDERSTORMS OVER MUCH OF THE REGION SUNDAY
NIGHT THROUGH MONDAY NIGHT WITH MUCH LESS OF A THREAT OF SEVERE
WEATHER. SOME LOCALLY HEAVY RAINFALL IS LIKELY WITH THIS EVENT BUT
DUE TO THE RECENT RAINFALL DEFICIT...THE EXPECTED QPF AND DURATION
OF THE EVENT...WE DO NOT FEEL A FLASH FLOOD WATCH IS WARRANTED AT
THIS TIME. WE WILL HAVE TO WATCH THE EVOLUTION OF THE SYSTEM OVER
THE NEXT 24 HOURS SINCE SOME AREAS COULD RECEIVE RAINFALL TOTALS
THROUGH TUESDAY MORNING BETWEEN 2 AND 3 INCHES. THE RAINFALL
SHOULD COME TO AN END TUESDAY AS THE UPPER SYSTEM EXITS THE REGION
AND MUCH DRIER AND MORE STABLE AIR MOVES IN BEHIND IT.

TUESDAY NIGHT THROUGH SATURDAY SHOULD BE QUIET OVERALL WITH DRY
WEST TO NORTHWEST FLOW ALOFT AND SLOWLY RETURNING LOW LEVEL
MOISTURE. THERE ARE NO STRONG SIGNALS FOR SHOWERS AND
THUNDERSTORMS IN THE EXTENDED PORTION OF THE FORECAST SO WILL
REMOVE ANY MENTION OF POPS THE LATTER HALF OF THE WEEK.  79

&&

.PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS...
DALLAS-FT. WORTH, TX  63  68  47  55  43 /  60  90  50  70  50
WACO, TX              71  76  48  57  42 /  30  70  60  60  50
PARIS, TX             61  66  48  54  43 /  60  90  60  70  50
DENTON, TX            58  61  46  57  39 /  60  90  50  70  40
MCKINNEY, TX          61  66  45  56  38 /  60  90  60  70  50
DALLAS, TX            66  70  47  55  44 /  60  90  60  70  50
TERRELL, TX           67  72  49  56  42 /  50  80  60  70  50
CORSICANA, TX         70  78  50  56  45 /  40  70  60  60  50
TEMPLE, TX            72  79  48  56  41 /  30  60  60  60  50
MINERAL WELLS, TX     59  60  43  53  38 /  60  70  40  70  30

&&

.FWD WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
NONE.

&&

05/75

Hazardous weather outlook, Apr 30, 8:07 PM CST, 4 hours 54 minutes before

HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK...UPDATED
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE FORT WORTH TX
907 PM CDT SAT APR 30 2011

TXZ091>095-100>107-115>123-129>135-141>148-156>162-174-175-020215-
MONTAGUE-COOKE-GRAYSON-FANNIN-LAMAR-YOUNG-JACK-WISE-DENTON-COLLIN-
HUNT-DELTA-HOPKINS-STEPHENS-PALO PINTO-PARKER-TARRANT-DALLAS-
ROCKWALL-KAUFMAN-VAN ZANDT-RAINS-EASTLAND-ERATH-HOOD-SOMERVELL-
JOHNSON-ELLIS-HENDERSON-COMANCHE-MILLS-HAMILTON-BOSQUE-HILL-NAVARRO-
FREESTONE-ANDERSON-LAMPASAS-CORYELL-BELL-MCLENNAN-FALLS-LIMESTONE-
LEON-MILAM-ROBERTSON-
907 PM CDT SAT APR 30 2011

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR NORTH TEXAS.

.DAY ONE...TONIGHT.
THUNDERSTORMS WILL BECOME MORE LIKELY AFTER MIDNIGHT. SOME STORMS
COULD BECOME SEVERE. LARGE HAIL AND DAMAGING WINDS IN EXCESS OF 60
MPH WILL BE THE MAIN SEVERE THREATS. A FEW ISOLATED TORNADOES ARE
ALSO POSSIBLE...ESPECIALLY OVER NORTHEASTERN PORTIONS OF THE AREA.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...SUNDAY THROUGH FRIDAY.
THUNDERSTORM CHANCES WILL CONTINUE SUNDAY AND MONDAY. SOME STORMS
COULD AGAIN BECOME SEVERE WITH LARGE HAIL...DAMAGING WINDS...AND
ISOLATED TORNADOES. PERIODS OF HEAVY RAIN COULD ALSO OCCUR BOTH
SUNDAY AND MONDAY.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...
LIMITED SPOTTER ACTIVATION MAY BE REQUESTED BEGINNING IN EASTERN
NORTH TEXAS THIS EVENING.

In the hours before

Local storm report, Apr 30, 7:38 PM CST, 5 hours 23 minutes before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE FORT WORTH TX
838 PM CDT SAT APR 30 2011

..TIME..    ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE..    ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0814 PM     HAIL             KLONDIKE                33.33N  95.77W
04/30/2011  E1.00 INCH       DELTA              TX   LAW ENFORCEMENT

            QUARTER SIZED HAIL NEAR KLONDIKE

Local storm report, Apr 30, 7:43 PM CST, 5 hours 18 minutes before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE FORT WORTH TX
843 PM CDT SAT APR 30 2011

..TIME..    ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE..    ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0800 PM     HAIL             MESQUITE                32.77N  96.60W
04/30/2011  M1.50 INCH       DALLAS             TX   TRAINED SPOTTER

            HALF DOLLAR HAIL IN MESQUITE (2 MILES SW OF MESQUITE
            AIRPORT)

Special weather statement, May 1, 12:32 AM CST, 29 minutes before

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE FORT WORTH TX
132 AM CDT SUN MAY 1 2011

TXZ115-116-129-010700-
PALO PINTO TX-STEPHENS TX-EASTLAND TX-
132 AM CDT SUN MAY 1 2011

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR...
  NORTHEASTERN EASTLAND COUNTY
  SOUTHWESTERN PALO PINTO COUNTY
  SOUTHERN STEPHENS COUNTY

AT 133 AM CDT...NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE METEOROLOGISTS DETECTED A
STRONG THUNDERSTORM 10 MILES NORTH OF CISCO...MOVING EAST AT 35 MPH.

CITIES IN THE PATH OF THIS STORM INCLUDE RANGER...GUNSIGHT AND
NECESSITY.

PENNY-SIZED HAIL AND WIND GUSTS TO 40 MPH CAN BE EXPECTED FROM THIS
STORM.

LAT...LON 3261 9900 3287 9844 3251 9844 3251 9847
      3239 9847 3243 9898
TIME...MOT...LOC 0633Z 264DEG 32KT 3253 9887

The radar

The Dyess AFB radar (KDYX), 56 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 06:59 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

64 hail, 14 thunderstorm wind, 2 lightning, 1 heavy rain. Local standard time, as filed.

Hail, Stephens

When: May 1, 1:01 AM CST
Where: Stephens County, 3 mi SSE of La Casa
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 32.560, -98.660

Thunderstorm Wind, Palo Pinto

When: May 1, 1:20 AM CST
Where: Palo Pinto County, 1.5 mi N of Strawn
Measured: 59 kt (68 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Other Federal Agency
Coordinates: 32.572, -98.500

A 68 MPH wind gust was measured 1.5 miles north of Strawn.

Hail, Palo Pinto

When: May 1, 1:32 AM CST
Where: Palo Pinto County, 0.69 mi N of Gordon
Measured: 2.75 in hail
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 32.560, -98.370

Hail, Palo Pinto

When: May 1, 1:39 AM CST
Where: Palo Pinto County, 2.71 mi SE of Santo
Measured: 2.5 in hail
Property damage: $3,000
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 32.570, -98.190

Hail, Hood

When: May 1, 1:56 AM CST
Where: Hood County, Lipan
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Property damage: $3,000
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 32.520, -98.050

Hail, Hood

When: May 1, 2:02 AM CST
Where: Hood County, 3.76 mi ENE of Lipan
Measured: 2 in hail
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 32.540, -97.990

Thunderstorm Wind, Hood

When: May 1, 2:20 AM CST
Where: Hood County, 1.81 mi NE of Granbury
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 32.470, -97.780

Winds were estimated to be 60 MPH northeast of Granbury.

Thunderstorm Wind, Young

When: May 1, 2:30 AM CST
Where: Young County, Olney
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $50,000
Reported by: Newspaper
Coordinates: 33.370, -98.770

Two local businesses were damaged, homes suffered minor damage, and numerous trees were uprooted around Olney.

Hail, Hood

When: May 1, 2:39 AM CST
Where: Hood County, Cresson
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 32.530, -97.630

Hail, Tarrant

When: May 1, 2:50 AM CST
Where: Tarrant County, 3 mi SSW of Wheatland
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 32.580, -97.540

Quarter sized hail was reported 9 miles south-southeast of Aledo in Tarrant County.

Hail, Johnson

When: May 1, 2:55 AM CST
Where: Johnson County, Burleson
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 32.530, -97.320

Hail, Tarrant

When: May 1, 2:55 AM CST
Where: Tarrant County, 4.25 mi NW of Birds
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 32.567, -97.429

Penny sized hail was reported an FM 1187 and FM 1902, west of Crowley.

Thunderstorm Wind, Johnson

When: May 1, 2:55 AM CST
Where: Johnson County, Burleson
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 32.530, -97.320

Winds were estimated to be 65 MPH in Burleson.

Hail, Johnson

When: May 1, 3:00 AM CST
Where: Johnson County, 2.87 mi WNW of Joshua
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 32.492, -97.421

Quarter sized hail fell at the intersection of Farm-to-Market Road 1902 and County Road 920.

Hail, Tarrant

When: May 1, 3:01 AM CST
Where: Tarrant County, 0.9 mi SE of Crowley
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 32.570, -97.310

Hail, Ellis

When: May 1, 3:40 AM CST
Where: Ellis County, 1.75 mi E of Midlothian
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 32.480, -96.950

Hail, Wise

When: May 1, 3:43 AM CST
Where: Wise County, 8 mi WNW of Alvord
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 33.414, -97.808

Half dollar sized hail was reported 8 miles north-northwest of Alvord.

Thunderstorm Wind, Wise

When: May 1, 3:43 AM CST
Where: Wise County, 0.9 mi NE of Park Spgs
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 33.410, -97.810

Thunderstorm winds were estimated to be near 65 MPH approximately 8 miles west-northwest of Alvord.

Hail, Ellis

When: May 1, 3:45 AM CST
Where: Ellis County, Ovilla
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 32.530, -96.880

Hail, Dallas

When: May 1, 3:50 AM CST
Where: Dallas County, Desoto
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 32.580, -96.850

Thunderstorm Wind, Wise

When: May 1, 3:50 AM CST
Where: Wise County, 1.8 mi NW of Alvord
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 33.390, -97.700

A large oak tree was blown down and a cedar post was driven into the attic of a house just northwest of Alvord.

Hail, Ellis

When: May 1, 4:00 AM CST
Where: Ellis County, 1.58 mi WNW of Red Oak
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 32.533, -96.823

Quarter sized hail fell near the intersection of Interstate 35 and Ovilla Road.

Hail, Ellis

When: May 1, 4:07 AM CST
Where: Ellis County, Ferris
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 32.530, -96.670

Hail, Montague

When: May 1, 4:40 AM CST
Where: Montague County, 2.76 mi S of Ringgold
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 33.780, -97.950

Hail, Montague

When: May 1, 5:01 AM CST
Where: Montague County, 4.02 mi E of Nocona
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 33.780, -97.660

Thunderstorm Wind, Grayson

When: May 1, 5:12 AM CST
Where: Grayson County, 3 mi SW of Pottsboro
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 33.719, -96.707

Winds were estimated to be near 60 MPH 3 miles southwest of Pottsboro.

Thunderstorm Wind, Grayson

When: May 1, 5:18 AM CST
Where: Grayson County, Sherman Denison Arpt
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) measured gust
Reported by: AWOS
Coordinates: 33.720, -96.670

The automated weather station at North Texas Regional Airport (KGYI) measured a 60 MPH wind gust.

Thunderstorm Wind, Grayson

When: May 1, 5:19 AM CST
Where: Grayson County, Sherman Denison Arpt
Measured: 65 kt (75 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $50,000
Reported by: Newspaper
Coordinates: 33.720, -96.670

Two hangars at North Texas Regional Airport (KGYI) sustained minor damage to the walls and doors, a 30,000 square foot warehouse lost much of its roof, and a small storage building and restaurant suffered roof damage on the airport grounds. Two trailers were flipped on their sides, and numerous large trees and power lines were toppled. At least one power pole was leaning.

Thunderstorm Wind, Grayson

When: May 1, 5:25 AM CST
Where: Grayson County, 2 mi WNW of Denison
Measured: 60 kt (69 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $15,000
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 33.759, -96.583

The 95-foot steeple of the Parkside Baptist Church was knocked over due to high winds. Other parts of the roof were also damaged.

Thunderstorm Wind, Grayson

When: May 1, 5:25 AM CST
Where: Grayson County, 0.69 mi N of Denison
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph) measured gust
Property damage: $150,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 33.760, -96.550

A 65 MPH wind gust was measured in northern Denison. Throughout the city, numerous trees were uprooted, large limbs were knocked down, damage occurred to outbuildings, and minor damage to local businesses was reported. The awning of a gas station at Highway 75 and FM 120 was torn off.

Lightning, Wise

When: May 1, 5:30 AM CST
Where: Wise County, Bridgeport
Property damage: $100,000
Reported by: Newspaper
Coordinates: 33.220, -97.770

Lightning struck six tank batteries near an injection well in Bridgeport igniting a massive oil fire.

Hail, Grayson

When: May 1, 6:35 AM CST
Where: Grayson County, 1.38 mi S of Collinsville
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 33.550, -96.920

Thunderstorm Wind, Palo Pinto

When: May 1, 7:03 AM CST
Where: Palo Pinto County, 1.16 mi W of Gordon
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Utility Company
Coordinates: 32.550, -98.390

A 60 MPH wind gust was estimated west of Gordon.

Hail, Palo Pinto

When: May 1, 7:15 AM CST
Where: Palo Pinto County, Lone Camp
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 32.700, -98.270

Hail, Palo Pinto

When: May 1, 7:30 AM CST
Where: Palo Pinto County, 4.12 mi S of Brazos
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 32.611, -98.113

Golfball sized hail fell at the intersection of Highway 281 and Interstate 20 south of Mineral Wells.

Hail, Parker

When: May 1, 7:51 AM CST
Where: Parker County, 4.22 mi S of Weatherford
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 32.709, -97.794

Thunderstorm Wind, Tarrant

When: May 1, 8:05 AM CST
Where: Tarrant County, 2 mi SW of Benbrook
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 32.660, -97.474

A 65 MPH wind gust was estimated 2 miles southwest of Benbrook.

Thunderstorm Wind, Tarrant

When: May 1, 8:16 AM CST
Where: Tarrant County, Benbrook
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 32.680, -97.450

A 60 MPH wind gust was estimated in Benbrook.

Hail, Tarrant

When: May 1, 8:30 AM CST
Where: Tarrant County, 1.8 mi NW of (Ftw)meacham Arpt Ft
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 32.840, -97.370

Penny sized hail was reported 2 miles south of Saginaw.

Hail, Tarrant

When: May 1, 8:32 AM CST
Where: Tarrant County, 1.95 mi SSW of Keller Alta Vista Ar
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 32.873, -97.290

Penny sized hail fell at the intersection of Beach Street and Basswood Blvd.

Hail, Parker

When: May 1, 8:37 AM CST
Where: Parker County, 1 mi N of Springtown
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 32.984, -97.680

Hail, Denton

When: May 1, 9:32 AM CST
Where: Denton County, 3 mi W of Ponder
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 33.180, -97.352

Hail, Denton

When: May 1, 9:44 AM CST
Where: Denton County, Denton Muni Arpt
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 33.200, -97.200

Hail, Denton

When: May 1, 9:45 AM CST
Where: Denton County, Denton
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 33.220, -97.150

Hail, Denton

When: May 1, 9:45 AM CST
Where: Denton County, 0.69 mi S of Denton
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 33.210, -97.150

Hail, Denton

When: May 1, 9:53 AM CST
Where: Denton County, 1.63 mi SW of Mingo
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 33.233, -97.090

Half-dollar sized hail fell at the intersection of Highway 380 and Highway 288.

Hail, Denton

When: May 1, 10:02 AM CST
Where: Denton County, Aubrey
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 33.300, -96.980

Hail, Grayson

When: May 1, 11:02 AM CST
Where: Grayson County, Whitesboro
Measured: 1.5 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 33.650, -96.920

Quarter to half dollar sized hail was reported in Whitesboro.

Hail, Grayson

When: May 1, 11:16 AM CST
Where: Grayson County, 0.9 mi NE of Fink
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 33.810, -96.670

Hail, Comanche

When: May 1, 2:40 PM CST
Where: Comanche County, De Leon
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 32.120, -98.550

Hail, Parker

When: May 1, 4:15 PM CST
Where: Parker County, 6.22 mi S of Weatherford
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 32.680, -97.800

Hail, Parker

When: May 1, 4:45 PM CST
Where: Parker County, Weatherford
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 32.770, -97.800

Hail, Tarrant

When: May 1, 4:55 PM CST
Where: Tarrant County, 1 mi E of Haslet
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 32.970, -97.333

Hail, Tarrant

When: May 1, 5:15 PM CST
Where: Tarrant County, Azle
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 32.900, -97.530

Hail, Denton

When: May 1, 5:25 PM CST
Where: Denton County, Denton
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 33.220, -97.150

Hail, Denton

When: May 1, 5:45 PM CST
Where: Denton County, 1.73 mi WNW of Argyle
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 33.132, -97.207

Nickel sized hail fell at the intersection of Crawford Road and Interstate 35W.

Hail, Denton

When: May 1, 5:48 PM CST
Where: Denton County, Argyle
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 33.120, -97.180

Heavy Rain, Tarrant

When: May 1, 7:45 PM CST
Where: Tarrant County, 0.95 mi SSW of Ft Worth
Deaths: 0 direct, 1 indirect
Injuries: 0 direct, 5 indirect
Property damage: $8,000
Reported by: Newspaper
Coordinates: 32.737, -97.356

A truck carrying eight people hit standing water on the eastbound lanes of I-30 and lost control. The vehicle flipped over the guardrail and traveled another 200 feet before stopping. A 20 year old male passenger was killed and 5 others were transported to the hospital.

Hail, Denton

When: May 1, 9:00 PM CST
Where: Denton County, 0.9 mi NW of Carney
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 33.090, -96.890

Hail, Denton

When: May 1, 9:00 PM CST
Where: Denton County, 5.64 mi NNE of Carney
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 33.150, -96.830

Quarter sized hail fell in Frisco.

Hail, Collin

When: May 1, 10:03 PM CST
Where: Collin County, 1.16 mi W of Plano
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 33.020, -96.740

Hail, Collin

When: May 1, 10:05 PM CST
Where: Collin County, Plano
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 33.020, -96.720

Hail, Hood

When: May 1, 10:13 PM CST
Where: Hood County, 3.61 mi SSE of Lake Granbury South
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 32.353, -97.674

Hail, Johnson

When: May 1, 10:58 PM CST
Where: Johnson County, Burleson
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 32.530, -97.320

Hail, Eastland

When: May 1, 11:08 PM CST
Where: Eastland County, Cisco
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Property damage: $3,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 32.380, -98.970

Hail, Tarrant

When: May 1, 11:15 PM CST
Where: Tarrant County, 1.68 mi SSE of Tate Spgs
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: NWS Employee
Coordinates: 32.658, -97.167

Quarter sized hail was reported near Park Springs Road and Green Oaks Blvd in Arlington. Quarter sized hail was also reported near FM 157 and Sublett Road in Arlington.

Hail, Tarrant

When: May 1, 11:23 PM CST
Where: Tarrant County, 1.49 mi NW of Webb
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 32.645, -97.088

Golfball sized hail was reported near Arlington Municipal Airport.

Hail, Tarrant

When: May 1, 11:25 PM CST
Where: Tarrant County, Arlington
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 32.730, -97.120

Hail, Erath

When: May 1, 11:25 PM CST
Where: Erath County, 1.17 mi W of Lingleville
Measured: 1.5 in hail
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 32.250, -98.390

Hail, Dallas

When: May 1, 11:30 PM CST
Where: Dallas County, Grand Prairie
Measured: 2 in hail
Property damage: $15,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 32.750, -96.980

Hail, Dallas

When: May 1, 11:40 PM CST
Where: Dallas County, Grand Prairie
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Property damage: $15,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 32.750, -96.980

Hail, Dallas

When: May 2, 12:00 AM CST
Where: Dallas County, 0.9 mi SE of Addison
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 32.940, -96.810

Hail, Dallas

When: May 2, 12:04 AM CST
Where: Dallas County, 2.35 mi NNW of Reinhardt
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 32.849, -96.702

Half dollar sized hail fell in the Lake Highlands community.

Hail, Collin

When: May 2, 12:18 AM CST
Where: Collin County, Wylie
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 33.020, -96.550

Hail, Tarrant

When: May 2, 12:22 AM CST
Where: Tarrant County, 0.69 mi N of Benbrook
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Property damage: $7,000
Reported by: NWS Employee
Coordinates: 32.690, -97.450

Hail, Tarrant

When: May 2, 12:31 AM CST
Where: Tarrant County, 2.15 mi SSE of River Oaks
Measured: 1.5 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 32.750, -97.390

Hail, Erath

When: May 2, 12:48 AM CST
Where: Erath County, Dublin
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Property damage: $3,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 32.080, -98.330

Hail, Mills

When: May 2, 1:01 AM CST
Where: Mills County, Democrat
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 31.680, -98.670

Hail, Denton

When: May 2, 1:15 AM CST
Where: Denton County, 0.9 mi NE of Carney
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 33.090, -96.870

Hail, Collin

When: May 2, 1:20 AM CST
Where: Collin County, 1.04 mi E of Frisco
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 33.152, -96.812

The COOP observer in Frisco reported penny sized hail.

Lightning, Denton

When: May 2, 5:02 AM CST
Where: Denton County, 2.4 mi ENE of Little Elm
Property damage: $20,000
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates: 33.164, -96.932

Lightning struck a church in Little Elm and caused a fire in the attic. The attic was damaged and the interior of the building sustained water damage.

The people who died

As the offices recorded each death: direct deaths were caused by the weather itself, indirect ones by something it set in motion.

Event	Date	Age	Sex	Where	Kind
Heavy Rain, Tarrant	2011-05-01	20	Male	Vehicle/Towed Trailer	Indirect

What these are

Hail: Hail three-quarters of an inch or larger, or smaller hail that caused damage, filed with the largest stone measured.
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.
Lightning: A lightning strike that killed, injured or caused damage.
Heavy Rain: Rainfall totals unusual for the place and season that did not produce a flood.

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

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in Texas in 2011 Every state in 2011 This day in weather history Warnings in Texas, May 2011

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: 310844, 310845, 310846, 310847, 310848, 310849, 310850, 310856, 310858, 310859, 310860, 310862, 310863, 311187, 311179, 311180, 311181, 311182, 311183, 311184, 311185, 312522, 311186, 311188, 311192, 311193, 311195, 311196, 311197, 311199, 312022, 311200, 311433, 311434, 311436, 311438, 311439, 311440, 311441, 311442, and more.