A cold front brought a round of thunderstorms to North and Central Texas during the pre-dawn hours of October 22. Small hail and frequent cloud-to ground lightning accompanied the storms.
Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.
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.
The episode as NWS FWD wrote it up.
A cold front brought a round of thunderstorms to North and Central Texas during the pre-dawn hours of October 22. Small hail and frequent cloud-to ground lightning accompanied the storms.
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 Oct 21, 11:55 PM CST, 5 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion...UPDATED National Weather Service Fort Worth TX 1255 AM CDT Sun Oct 22 2017 .AVIATION... A cold front extended southeast of a KGYI-KDTO-KGZN line as of 05Z. An outflow boundary that extended just southeast of the front will be effectively overtaken by the front during the next couple of hours. Showers and thunderstorms will continue to spread southeast ahead of and an hour or two behind the cold front. The outflow boundary/cold front was moving into the Metroplex around TAF issuance time, so have started the TAFs with 32015G25KT. Expect conditions to improve to VFR 08-09z in the Metroplex as the showers/thunderstorms move to the southeast and skies will be clearing by 14z. Northwest winds 20 to 25 mph will become more northerly by 09z and these winds will prevail through most of the daytime hours. Some gusts to around 30 knots are possible at times through 19z. Winds will decrease to around 12 knots by 00z Monday. At Waco, MVFR ceilings are expected to spread north into the airport between 06 and 07z. Winds will shift to the northwest at 15 to 20 knots 0730-0830z and some gusts up to 30 knots possible through 10z with showers and thunderstorms. VFR conditions are expected to return around 11z with clearing skies after 13z. Northerly winds will decrease to around 12 knots by 00z Monday. 58 && .SHORT TERM... /Issued 300 PM CDT Sat Oct 21 2017/ /Tonight and Tomorrow/ The focus of the short-term forecast lies on the much-anticipated cold front and squall line arriving during the overnight hours. Strong or severe storms are expected to affect most of the forecast area with the highest severe threat north of I-20. While damaging winds will be the main threat with the squall line, hail and a couple brief spin-up tornadoes are also possible given the environmental conditions discussed below. An unseasonably warm and humid airmass is in place across North and Central TX today with temperatures climbing to near-record values across parts of Central TX this afternoon. These conditions have contributed to ample instability across most of the area. However, a stout cap remains in place which will continue to suppress deep convection through the next several hours. Ascent is still relatively weak with the upper trough displaced well to the northwest at this time. As a result, only the weak lift from warm advection has been able to generate isolated showers across areas east of I-35 so far this afternoon. An isolated storm is possible in this area through the late afternoon or early evening hours when instability will be maximized, although the lack of vigorous ascent should keep activity fairly tame. By 6-7pm, we should see a marked increase in convective activity through southwest OK and the TX Panhandle region along the southward-advancing cold front with aid from an intense shortwave trough. Additional cells may develop a bit farther south along the dryline and near the dryline/front intersection around Abilene. Initial development will consist primarily of discrete cells, many of which will be capable of becoming severe, although this activity will likely remain 50+ miles west/northwest of our forecast area. Convection should grow upscale rather quickly as cold pools congeal, especially given that storm motion and deep- layer shear vectors are nearly parallel to the frontal boundary. A QLCS should develop by late evening, prior to any convection arriving in our forecast area from the northwest. By 9-10pm, the squall line should be moving into our northwest counties along the fast-moving front. As the strong shortwave approaches, lapse rates will steepen and the cap will lift/cool. This will allow for continued surface-based convection during the overnight hours which means all modes of severe weather will be possible. The main concern will be the potential for damaging straight line winds, especially associated with any bowing segments within the line. Some severe winds in excess of 60 mph are likely within the forecast area overnight. Given the steep lapse rates, stronger cells within the line will also have the potential to produce severe hail as well. In addition, widely- curved hodographs are expected to be supportive of a QLCS tornado threat with 20-30 kts of 0-1 km shear in place. The northern flanks of any bowing segments will need to be monitored closely for tornadic potential, especially north of I-20 where the QLCS may be oriented slightly more perpendicular to the frontal boundary and where the most vigorous lift will occur from the shortwave trough. At this point, there does not seem to be much of a potential for discrete cells to develop ahead of the front. This would further limit the tornado/hail risk if discrete cells are not present. It appears most of the forcing will be positioned immediately along the front which will be surging rather quickly to the southeast. Since storm motions should be roughly parallel to the front, any cells ahead of the front will quickly become engulfed by the line. That being said, some embedded supercell structures would be able to survive within the QLCS given the strong deep-layer shear. If any cells do manage to sustain themselves ahead of the QLCS (which again, appears unlikely), they could pose a high-end severe threat. The front/squall line should affect the DFW Metroplex around midnight or later, the Waco/Temple area by 3-4am, and should be clearing the forecast area to the southeast around daybreak. Lingering stratiform rain may persist through mid-morning across our southeastern zones before drier post-frontal air scours out remaining moisture, leaving a pleasant fall Sunday with near/below normal temperatures and clearing skies. North winds will remain breezy through the afternoon at 10-20 mph. -Stalley && .LONG TERM... /Issued 300 PM CDT Sat Oct 21 2017/ /Sunday Night through Saturday/ The cold front and precipitation will have moved through the area by Sunday night leaving drying conditions and pleasant temperatures headed into early Monday morning. High pressure will settle into the southern Plains on Monday with diminishing winds and temperatures in the lower 80s during the afternoon. A strong upper trough will continue to amplify over the eastern half of the U.S. late Monday into Tuesday. As it does, a reinforcing cold front will move through North Texas Monday night. North winds will increase through the night and it will become gusty during the day Tuesday with cooler air filtering into the region. Highs on Tuesday will only manage the lower 70s. A brief warmup will occur on Wednesday and Thursday with highs in the 80s, then a stronger cold front will move through on Friday. At this time, it appears that the Friday cold front will have limited moisture to work with, so we'll maintain some very low PoPs. There are also some timing differences among the guidance, but it appears that it'll be noticeably cooler for next weekend. Dunn && .PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS... Dallas-Ft. Worth 51 82 54 72 48 / 0 0 0 0 0 Waco 49 82 52 75 46 / 0 0 0 0 0 Paris 49 77 50 69 43 / 5 5 5 0 0 Denton 49 82 51 72 45 / 0 0 0 0 0 McKinney 49 80 52 71 45 / 0 0 0 0 0 Dallas 52 82 54 73 49 / 0 0 0 0 0 Terrell 48 81 51 73 43 / 0 0 0 0 0 Corsicana 49 79 52 72 46 / 0 0 0 0 0 Temple 49 82 52 76 47 / 0 0 0 0 0 Mineral Wells 47 83 49 72 44 / 0 0 0 0 0 && .FWD WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... None. && 58
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Fort Worth TX 1026 PM CDT Sat Oct 21 2017 TXZ091>095-100>107-115>123-129>135-141>148-156>162-174-175-221100- 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- 1026 PM CDT Sat Oct 21 2017 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for North and Central Texas. .DAY ONE...Tonight. A line of strong to severe thunderstorms will move southeast across North and Central Texas overnight tonight ahead of a strong cold front. Damaging winds will be the main threat, but large hail may also occur. In addition, a few tornadoes may be embedded within the line. These type of tornadoes are usually fast moving and difficult to see. Heavy rainfall may also result in localized flash flooding. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Sunday through Friday. There will be an elevated fire weather danger on Tuesday with gusty north winds and low humidity. There is a low chance of thunderstorms east of I-35 on Friday. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation may be needed across North and Central Texas overnight as the line of strong to severe storms move across the region.
PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE FORT WORTH TX
1148 PM CDT SAT OCT 21 2017
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
1130 PM HAIL 9 ESE BRYSON 33.12N 98.24W
10/21/2017 E0.75 INCH JACK TX PUBLICSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Fort Worth TX
1151 PM CDT SAT OCT 21 2017
TXZ102>104-117-118-220545-
Parker TX-Collin TX-Denton TX-Tarrant TX-Wise TX-
1151 PM CDT SAT OCT 21 2017
...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SOUTHEASTERN WISE...DENTON...
NORTHEASTERN PARKER...NORTHERN TARRANT AND NORTHWESTERN COLLIN
COUNTIES UNTIL 1245 AM CDT...
At 1149 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms from
near Decatur to Sanger. This activity was moving towards the east at
around 40 to 50 MPH
Dime size hail and wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph will be possible with
these storms. Some of these strong winds will be associated with the
outflow boundary which may precede rain or thunder.
Locations impacted include...
Fort Worth, Plano, McKinney, Carrollton, Frisco, Denton, Lewisville,
Allen, Flower Mound, Bedford, Grapevine, Haltom City, Keller,
Coppell, Hurst, The Colony, Southlake, Watauga, Colleyville and
Corinth.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm, and may lead
to minor flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
&&
A severe thunderstorm watch remains in effect until 200 AM CDT for
North Texas.
LAT...LON 3339 9639 3335 9639 3323 9649 3299 9686
3299 9703 3291 9704 3270 9753 3315 9774
3343 9731
TIME...MOT...LOC 0449Z 271DEG 48KT 3297 9713
24-BainSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Fort Worth TX
1158 PM CDT SAT OCT 21 2017
TXZ104-118>120-220545-
Collin TX-Rockwall TX-Tarrant TX-Dallas TX-
1158 PM CDT SAT OCT 21 2017
...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR ROCKWALL...SOUTHERN TARRANT...
COLLIN AND DALLAS COUNTIES UNTIL 1245 AM CDT...
At 1158 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Coppell, moving southeast at 45 mph.
Half inch hail and wind gusts up to 50 mph will be possible with this
storm.
Locations impacted include...
Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington, Plano, Garland, Irving, Grand Prairie,
Mesquite, McKinney, Carrollton, Frisco, Richardson, Allen, Mansfield,
Rowlett, Euless, Desoto, Bedford, Grapevine and Cedar Hill.
A severe thunderstorm watch remains in effect until 200 AM CDT for
North Texas.
LAT...LON 3340 9639 3334 9638 3335 9630 3282 9630
3281 9652 3255 9652 3256 9755 3270 9754
3291 9705 3290 9703 3299 9703 3299 9684
3340 9683
TIME...MOT...LOC 0458Z 302DEG 40KT 3295 9699
24-BainSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Fort Worth TX
1212 AM CDT SUN OCT 22 2017
TXZ094-220615-
Fannin TX-
1212 AM CDT SUN OCT 22 2017
...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR NORTHERN FANNIN COUNTY UNTIL 115
AM CDT...
At 1211 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Bonham, moving northeast at 30 mph.
Dime size hail and wind gusts up to 50 mph will be possible with this
storm.
Locations impacted include...
Bonham, Caddo National Grassland, Dodd City, Ravenna, Telephone,
Tulip, Monkstown and Bonham State Park.
A severe thunderstorm watch remains in effect until 200 AM CDT for
North Texas.
LAT...LON 3384 9585 3366 9586 3350 9614 3364 9628
3375 9621 3377 9617 3382 9617 3382 9615
3384 9615 3383 9610 3385 9608 3384 9605
3386 9603 3385 9602 3384 9602 3385 9600
3387 9600 3385 9598 3386 9594 3389 9593
TIME...MOT...LOC 0511Z 229DEG 26KT 3362 9614
24-BainSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Fort Worth TX
1246 AM CDT SUN OCT 22 2017
TXZ095-220630-
Lamar TX-
1246 AM CDT SUN OCT 22 2017
...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR NORTHERN LAMAR COUNTY UNTIL 130
AM CDT...
At 1245 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 12
miles west of Paris, moving northeast at 55 mph.
Dime size hail and wind gusts up to 50 mph will be possible with this
storm.
Locations impacted include...
Paris and Toco.
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.
&&
A severe thunderstorm watch remains in effect until 200 AM CDT for
North Texas.
LAT...LON 3393 9556 3388 9554 3389 9552 3388 9549
3389 9546 3387 9546 3387 9540 3388 9531
3377 9531 3355 9585 3384 9585 3384 9582
3386 9581 3384 9577 3386 9575 3389 9575
3388 9570 3391 9564 3394 9560
TIME...MOT...LOC 0545Z 228DEG 49KT 3373 9575
24-BainSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Fort Worth TX
1250 AM CDT SUN OCT 22 2017
TXZ094-095-105>107-220645-
Hunt TX-Hopkins TX-Lamar TX-Delta TX-Fannin TX-
1250 AM CDT SUN OCT 22 2017
...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR NORTHEASTERN HUNT...NORTHWESTERN
HOPKINS...SOUTHWESTERN LAMAR...DELTA AND SOUTHEASTERN FANNIN COUNTIES
UNTIL 145 AM CDT...
At 1249 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Campbell, or 7 miles northeast of Greenville, moving northeast at 30
mph.
Dime size hail and wind gusts up to 50 mph will be possible with this
storm.
Locations impacted include...
Greenville, Commerce, Cooper, Wolfe City, Campbell, Cooper Lake Park
South Sulphur, Cooper Lake Park Doctors Creek, Roxton, Ladonia, Tira,
Pecan Gap and Neylandville.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm, and may lead
to minor flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm. Seek
a safe shelter inside a building or vehicle.
&&
A severe thunderstorm watch remains in effect until 200 AM CDT for
North Texas.
LAT...LON 3308 9604 3326 9620 3355 9585 3364 9562
3329 9548
TIME...MOT...LOC 0549Z 235DEG 26KT 3320 9602
24-BainThe Dallas/Ft Worth radar (KFWS), 84 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 06:01 UTC.
1 lightning. Local standard time, as filed.
A lightning strike caused a house fire in the city of Frisco, TX shortly after midnight on October 22.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Texas in 2017Every state in 2017This day in weather historyWarnings in Texas, October 2017
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: 724603.