Flash Flood and Hail in Oklahoma, May 22, 2023

Name: Flash Flood and Hail in Oklahoma, May 22, 2023
Start: 2023-05-22T16:59
End: 2023-05-22T19:58
Location: Oklahoma

May 22, 2023 · NWS AMA · 4 events in 2 counties and zones

Early in the afternoon on the 22nd, multiple storms developed across the south central to southeastern Texas Panhandle. 5 and some heavy rainfall causing flooding in Gray County.

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: 0
Injuries: 0
Property damage: None recorded
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 4

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 AMA wrote it up.

Early in the afternoon on the 22nd, multiple storms developed across the south central to southeastern Texas Panhandle. Some of these storms produced hail up to 1.5 and some heavy rainfall causing flooding in Gray County. Later in the afternoon a supercell developed over Beaver County in the Oklahoma Panhandle with another supercell forming in southwest Kansas before moving into the central and eastern portions of the Oklahoma Panhandle. These storms were in a very good environment for hail growth leading to reports of 2.5 diameter hail, especially once they got into Ochilltree County in the Texas Panhandle as they moved south to southeast. Some flooding was reported in Beaver County as well due to the initial storm then the Kansas storm training over the same area with heavy rainfall rates.

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 Amarillo, TX wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at May 22, 1:06 PM CST, 3 hours 53 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, May 22, 1:06 PM CST, 3 hours 53 minutes before

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Amarillo TX
206 PM CDT Mon May 22 2023

...New MESOSCALE UPDATE...

.MESOSCALE UPDATE FOR SEVERE WEATHER...
Issued at 204 PM CDT Mon May 22 2023

* Synoptic Overview: A very moist Panhandle region east of the
  dryline under a transitioning northwest flow pattern will set up
  the potential for strong to severe storms today.  We will get some
  help with the dynamics from a residual MCV. Best areas for strong
  to severe storms will be the south and east, but still can't rule
  out storms developing in the central and west. It's just that the
  dynamics will not be as good for severe weather in these areas.

* Mesoscale: Dryline in eastern NM will begin to mix east into the
  western TX Panhandle this afternoon.  Already seeing some
  agitated cu in the southwest Panhandles as this area has been
  under the best surface heating thus far.  18Z AMA sounding
  supports this heating and has basically an uncapped surface based
  sounding.  ML CIN is almost completely eroded with ML CAPE values
  around 1250 J/kg.  Wind field is a little disorganized and 700-
  500mb lapse rates are less than 7C, so could be more impressive.
  Further north and east has been under cloud cover due to the
  influence of an MCV in southwest KS. So less heating has occurred.
  Main issue with the western zones is that there is some subsidence
  on the back side of the MCV which would inhibit storm development,
  or hinder storms from holding together. Mid level flow is on the
  weak side from the Amarillo to Guymon line and west, and therefore
  storm motion for anything that can develop, and hold, would be in
  the 15-20 mph range. PWAT's are almost an inch and would support
  moderate to heavy rain with these storms. This along with the
  slower steering flow would support some localized flash flooding
  issues once again, but we need the storms to overcome the
  subsidence. As we move east of the Amarillo to Guymon line we
  start to get a bit more improved lift from both the dryline
  convergence and the better part of the MCV. Also mid level flow
  and effective shear begin to increase and that would support more
  organized storms. So muticell storms would be favored with a
  supercell or two possible as well.  Large hail and damaging winds
  will be the main threat with these storms. Effective helicity will
  begin to increase and will peak south of the I-40 corridor in the
  21-00z time frame. Surface winds will be more backed in the
  eastern two stacks of counties for the Panhandles, so there is
  still a low end tornado threat given the very well backed surface
  flow, despite the overall low level winds being around 10 kts.
  Storms are expected to converge into an MCS later this evening.

* Threats: With ML CAPE values in the 1500-2000 J/kg range along
  with a somewhat better sheared environment to the east, golf ball
  hail would be the main concern for hail size.  Storms may be able
  to produce decent outflows due to somewhat steeper low level lapse
  rates, supporting an inverted V profile up to about 5kft agl.  The
  tornado threat is still possible but would like a little bit
  stronger winds in the low levels.  Additionally, storms will
  likely need to be discrete to get a better chance for tornado
  development.  PWAT's over and inch and overall slower storm motion
  favors possible flash flooding in some of the better coverage
  ares, especially areas that have received quite a bit of beneficial
  rain.

* Timing & Location: Storms are already starting to form in the west
  but could struggle under the subsidence aloft.  Better chances for
  storms will be east of the Amarillo to Guymon line and may very
  well develop in the next hour or two, and last through about 03z,
  when we start to lose surface heating.

* Summary: In general, strong to severe storms look to be likely
  east of the Amarillo to Guymon line with all hazards possible, but
  the more likely hazards will be hail and damaging wind.  The
  tornado threat can't be ruled out, but could have better dynamics
  to be more supportive.  And any area that receives rain for more
  than 30 minutes, especially areas that have recently had decent
  rain amounts will be prone to possible flooding.

Weber

&&

.LONG TERM ...
(Tomorrow through next Sunday)
Issued at 1259 PM CDT Mon May 22 2023

A defined sinusoidal synoptic pattern over the western 2/3 of the
CONUS with trough over the intermountain west and ridging over the
Upper Midwest, this should keep an active pattern for the southern
Plains. A NW-SE orientation of moisture transport starting to
morrow will eventually become more due N-S by the latter half of
the week as the sinusoidal flow becomes more exaggerated.

In particular, looking ahead to tomorrow, if the atmosphere has
time to recover after Monday's thunderstorms, thunderstorms
tomorrow may become more robust. Overall shear remain rather
scant, but a more notable H700 perturbation on the periphery of
the intermountain west main disturbance may help influence larger
scale lift while enhancing 0-6 km shear around 40 kts in the more
aggressive model data sets. Coupled with SB/MUCAPE of 1000-2000
J/Kg, severe thunderstorms with large hail and damaging winds may
also be possible. Areas over the last week with appreciable
rainfall with more added may also need to watch for the potential
of flooding.

With persistent good H850-700 theta-e advection daily, our
thunderstorm chances continues through the remainder of the
forecast period. Expect more fine-tuned adjustments to the severe
thunderstorm chances with this forecast as each day gets closer
as parameters are fine tuned.

Meccariello

&&

.AVIATION...
(18Z TAFS)
Issued at 1229 PM CDT Mon May 22 2023

TAFs are set to be VFR for the next 24 hours. However, there is a
decent chance that amendments may be needed in the 19-23z time
period at KAMA and KGUY for possible thunderstorms. Timing and
confidence is just not high enough to mention. KDHT has a very low
chance of being amended and should remain VFR for the entire
period. Winds generally will be south to southeast in the 5-10kt
range for KAMA and KGUY, with light and variable winds at KDHT.
Possible MVFR/IFR conditions at KGUY after 06z tonight, but again
confidence is too low to mention in this TAF cycle.

Weber

&&

.PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS...
Amarillo TX                56  80  58  75 /  30  40  40  30
Beaver OK                  56  74  56  76 /  60  20  30  30
Boise City OK              53  75  54  74 /  20  50  30  40
Borger TX                  58  81  59  79 /  20  30  40  30
Boys Ranch TX              56  83  59  79 /  20  40  30  30
Canyon TX                  55  81  57  76 /  30  40  40  30
Clarendon TX               56  78  59  75 /  50  20  50  40
Dalhart TX                 52  79  55  76 /  20  50  30  40
Guymon OK                  55  76  56  76 /  40  40  30  30
Hereford TX                54  84  56  79 /  20  40  30  30
Lipscomb TX                55  74  56  75 /  60  20  50  40
Pampa TX                   56  77  58  74 /  30  20  40  30
Shamrock TX                58  77  58  75 /  50  20  60  40
Wellington TX              58  79  59  76 /  50  20  60  50

&&

.AMA WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
TX...None.
OK...None.
&&

SHORT TERM...89
LONG TERM....29
AVIATION...89

Hazardous weather outlook, May 22, 12:07 PM CST, 4 hours 52 minutes before

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Amarillo TX
107 PM CDT Mon May 22 2023

OKZ001>003-TXZ001>020-317-231100-
Cimarron-Texas-Beaver-Dallam-Sherman-Hansford-Ochiltree-Lipscomb-
Hartley-Moore-Hutchinson-Roberts-Hemphill-Oldham-Potter-Carson-
Gray-Wheeler-Deaf Smith-Randall-Armstrong-Donley-Collingsworth-
Palo Duro Canyon-
107 PM CDT Mon May 22 2023

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for the Texas and Oklahoma
Panhandles.

.DAY ONE...This Afternoon and Tonight.

Thunderstorms are possible this afternoon and tonight across the
Oklahoma and Texas Panhandles. A few storms may become strong to
severe this afternoon and evening, with large hail and damaging
winds the primary hazards. However, a tornado cannot be ruled
out.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday.

Thunderstorms will be possible Tuesday and Wednesday across the
Oklahoma and Texas Panhandles. A few storms may become strong to
severe both days, with large hail and damaging winds the primary
hazards.

Additional thunderstorms will be possible Thursday through Sunday
across the Oklahoma and Texas Panhandles. A few storms may become
strong to severe on any of those days, with large hail and damaging
winds the primary hazards at this time.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation may be needed this afternoon and evening.

In the hours before

Special weather statement, May 22, 3:51 PM CST, 1 hour 8 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Amarillo TX
451 PM CDT Mon May 22 2023

TXZ018-019-222215-
Donley TX-Armstrong TX-
451 PM CDT Mon May 22 2023

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of southeastern
Armstrong and southwestern Donley Counties through 515 PM CDT...

At 451 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 12
miles northwest of Brice, or 13 miles southwest of Clarendon, moving
east at 20 mph.

HAZARD...Penny size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Minor damage to outdoor objects is possible.

Locations impacted include...
Lelia Lake.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 1000 PM CDT for
the Panhandle of Texas.

&&

LAT...LON 3495 10114 3491 10073 3475 10078 3475 10120
TIME...MOT...LOC 2151Z 280DEG 17KT 3481 10108

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.75 IN
MAX WIND GUST...<30 MPH

LFM

Local storm report, May 22, 3:53 PM CST, 1 hour 6 minutes before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE AMARILLO TX
453 PM CDT MON MAY 22 2023

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

0358 PM     HAIL             1 WSW WELLINGTON        34.85N 100.22W
05/22/2023  E1.00 INCH       COLLINGSWORTH      TX   TRAINED SPOTTER

            DIME TO QUARTER SIZE HAIL ESTIMATED IN
            WELLINGTON. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR.

&&

APF

Special weather statement, May 22, 3:58 PM CST, 1 hour 1 minute before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Amarillo TX
458 PM CDT Mon May 22 2023

OKZ003-222230-
Beaver OK-
458 PM CDT Mon May 22 2023

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of southwestern Beaver
County through 530 PM CDT...

At 458 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Boyd, or 17 miles west of Beaver, moving east at 10 mph.

HAZARD...Penny size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Minor damage to outdoor objects is possible.

Locations impacted include...
Bryans Corner, Balko and Boyd.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

&&

LAT...LON 3661 10094 3685 10092 3686 10059 3659 10058
TIME...MOT...LOC 2158Z 269DEG 10KT 3672 10082

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.75 IN
MAX WIND GUST...<30 MPH

LFM

Special weather statement, May 22, 4:05 PM CST, 54 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Amarillo TX
505 PM CDT Mon May 22 2023

TXZ013-222230-
Carson TX-
505 PM CDT Mon May 22 2023

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of eastern Carson
County through 530 PM CDT...

At 505 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
White Deer, or 14 miles southwest of Pampa, moving north at 25 mph.

HAZARD...Penny size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Minor damage to outdoor objects is possible.

Locations impacted include...
Panhandle and White Deer.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 1000 PM CDT for
the Panhandle of Texas.

&&

LAT...LON 3523 10138 3557 10140 3557 10109 3547 10108
      3521 10109
TIME...MOT...LOC 2205Z 195DEG 20KT 3540 10114

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.75 IN
MAX WIND GUST...<30 MPH

LFM

Special weather statement, May 22, 4:08 PM CST, 51 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Amarillo TX
508 PM CDT Mon May 22 2023

TXZ014-019-222245-
Gray TX-Donley TX-
508 PM CDT Mon May 22 2023

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of southwestern Gray
and north central Donley Counties through 545 PM CDT...

At 507 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 5
miles northwest of Lake Mcclellan, or 18 miles south of Pampa, moving
east at 15 mph.

HAZARD...Nickel size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Minor damage to outdoor objects is possible.

Locations impacted include...
Lake Mcclellan.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 1000 PM CDT for
the Panhandle of Texas.

&&

LAT...LON 3521 10109 3545 10108 3537 10078 3514 10084
TIME...MOT...LOC 2207Z 281DEG 11KT 3528 10093

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.88 IN
MAX WIND GUST...<30 MPH

LFM

Local storm report, May 22, 4:46 PM CST, 13 minutes before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE AMARILLO TX
546 PM CDT MON MAY 22 2023

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

0544 PM     HAIL             8 NW LAKE MCCLELLAN     35.30N 100.97W
05/22/2023  E1.00 INCH       GRAY               TX   BROADCAST MEDIA

&&

APF

The radar

The Dodge City radar (KDDC), 142 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 23:00 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

3 hail, 1 flash flood. Local standard time, as filed.

Hail, Beaver

When: May 22, 4:59 PM CST
Where: Beaver County, 1.38 mi S of Boyd
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates: 36.680, -100.820

Hail, Beaver

When: May 22, 5:51 PM CST
Where: Beaver County, 1.38 mi S of Gray
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates: 36.530, -100.820

Hail, Texas

When: May 22, 6:07 PM CST
Where: Texas County, 2.77 mi E of Hardesty
Measured: 1.5 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 36.620, -101.150

Flash Flood, Beaver

When: May 22, 6:58 PM CST to 7:58 PM CST
Where: Beaver County, 7.88 mi W of Gray to 8.21 mi N of Gray
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Storm Chaser
Coordinates: 36.550, -100.962

Storm chaser reports flowing water over multiple roadways with these roads impassable. Additionally, multiple homes had yards that were flooded.

What these are

Hail: Hail three-quarters of an inch or larger, or smaller hail that caused damage, filed with the largest stone measured.
Flash Flood: Flooding that begins within six hours of the rain that causes it, or of a dam or levee failure or ice jam release, often with deadly speed.

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

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in Oklahoma in 2023 Every state in 2023 This day in weather history Warnings in Oklahoma, May 2023

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: 1102907, 1102908, 1102909, 1102910.