A large closed upper-low was located over the northern Great Plains with a shortwave trough to the south within the sub-tropical jet stream. These features helped bring rich moisture and instability into the region.
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 MAF wrote it up.
A large closed upper-low was located over the northern Great Plains with a shortwave trough to the south within the sub-tropical jet stream. These features helped bring rich moisture and instability into the region. Widespread strong to severe thunderstorms developed across much of the region. The Permian Basin and the Stockton Plateau were the two main areas of note. Severe winds, large hail. and a brief tornado was observed in this northern complex. To the south, several long-track, cyclic supercells produced tornadoes and very large hail over rural portions of Pecos and Terrell Counties.
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 Midland/Odessa, TX wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Jun 2, 11:57 AM CST, 23 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Midland/Odessa TX 1257 PM CDT Fri Jun 2 2023 ...New AVIATION... .SHORT TERM... (This afternoon through Saturday night) Issued at 1156 AM CDT Fri Jun 2 2023 * Widespread Severe Weather Expected This Afternoon and Evening Low clouds that developed this morning are quickly eroding from west to east, with an agitated cumulus field already evident on satellite across Southeast New Mexico south across the Trans Pecos toward the Rio Grande Valley. Convective activity is off to an early start as well, with showers and storms over northern Lea county including a severe thunderstorm near Hobbs, as well as another along I-10 west of Fort Stockton. The main driving force behind today's severe threat is a mid-level short wave, which per latest water vapor imagery is currently translating over far West Texas and will move northeastward across eastern New Mexico and West Texas through this afternoon. At the surface, a dryline up against the higher terrain will mix eastward, and as it sharpens in the vicinity of the TX/NM state line coincident with increasing ascent due to the aforementioned short wave, more widespread and rapid convective development is expected early afternoon. Instability 2000-3000+ J/kg is expected east of the dryline, with localized higher instability along the dryline where moisture will pool. Effective shear pushing 50 kt along with lapse rates approaching 8-9 C/km will allow for all severe hazards, with storms that develop expected to quickly intensify, with very large hail, damaging winds, tornadoes, and heavy rain/flash flooding all possible. Discrete supercells will be the initial storm mode, with long straight hodographs indicating potential for storm splits and significant hail up to the size of softballs. Numerous remnant outflow boundaries also exist across the region, and if any supercell manages to latch onto one of these boundaries, a local enhancement of streamwise vorticity could yield increased tornado threat, especially during the afternoon. Late afternoon into the evening as storms move eastward, storm mode will gradually transition into multicell clusters and line segments as cold pools merge and storms become outflow dominant. At that time, the hail threat will gradually diminish, with damaging winds becoming the primary concern, with a nonzero tornado threat continuing. As for exactly when/where this transition will occur, there remains uncertainty, though it looks like the best potential will be across the eastern Permian Basin and Lower Trans Pecos. Also of note today is the potential for a discrete supercell to develop over Pecos county associated with low-level convergence and vorticity enhancements over the Stockton Plateau along the higher terrain and Pecos River Valley. Thus, the Stockton Plateau (Pecos and Terrell counties) may see a heightened tornado threat this afternoon. A Tornado Watch is currently in effect for Southeast New Mexico and most of West Texas until 800 PM CDT. The bulk of storm activity will move east of the area late evening, though trailing stratiform precipitation may keep light to moderate rain across eastern areas well into tonight, with potential for back- building storms (some strong) along outflow. Lows tonight in the wake of the storms will drop into the middle 50s to middle 60s for most, near or just below normal for early June. Heading into Saturday, highs are expected to be similar to today, in the 80s for most locations and 90s focused along the Pecos and Rio Grande Valleys. Given little change to the upper pattern, that is, weak ridging over Texas with a trough to the west and another to the east, yet another day of scattered showers and thunderstorms is expected. Storms may become strong to severe, especially along remnant outflow boundaries from today's convection, though the intensity will be much less than today. Primary threats will include large hail, damaging wind gusts, heavy rain, and flash flooding. && .LONG TERM... (Sunday through Thursday) Issued at 1156 AM CDT Fri Jun 2 2023 Not much to say about long term except that a similar pattern to last week is expected for this upcoming week as upper ridging develops to our west with a stationary low over Baja CA. Southeasterly surface flow will usher in decent moisture and disturbances moving across the ridge each day will create the opportunity for thunderstorms to develop each afternoon. Storms will be strong to severe, with initiation off the dryline and outflow boundaries from previous days storms. These storms will be mostly diurnally drive and move eastward and out of the region by late evening. With limited shear and the weak ridge firmly in place, widespread severe weather isn't expected, although afternoon storms will still be capable of large hail, strong winds, and heavy rain leading to localized flooding. The thermal ridge axis sets up to our west, so highs through Thursday will be below normal in the low to mid 80s for most. && .AVIATION... (18Z TAFS) Issued at 1255 PM CDT Fri Jun 2 2023 MVFR cigs expected at KMAF late tonight/Sat morning. Otherwise, VFR conditions will prevail except in areas of direct convection. Low-based cu field expected areawide this afternoon/Saturday. Return flow continues. && .PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS... Big Spring 61 83 61 83 / 40 30 30 30 Carlsbad 59 90 61 87 / 10 20 20 20 Dryden 67 86 64 87 / 20 30 20 10 Fort Stockton 63 88 62 87 / 20 30 10 20 Guadalupe Pass 59 85 59 81 / 0 10 10 20 Hobbs 56 85 59 83 / 30 20 20 20 Marfa 53 86 52 84 / 0 40 10 30 Midland Intl Airport 61 85 62 84 / 30 30 20 20 Odessa 62 85 62 84 / 30 30 20 20 Wink 62 90 63 89 / 20 20 20 10 && .MAF WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... TX...None. NM...None. && SHORT TERM...84 LONG TERM....88 AVIATION...44
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Midland/Odessa TX 1205 PM CDT Fri Jun 2 2023 NMZ027>029-033-034-TXZ045>048-050>053-059>063-067>070-075-082- 270>282-031715- Guadalupe Mountains of Eddy County-Eddy County Plains- Northern Lea County-Central Lea County-Southern Lea County-Gaines- Dawson-Borden-Scurry-Andrews-Martin-Howard-Mitchell-Loving-Winkler- Ector-Midland-Glasscock-Ward-Crane-Upton-Reagan-Pecos-Terrell- Guadalupe Mountains Above 7000 Feet-Guadalupe and Delaware Mountains- Van Horn and Highway 54 Corridor-Eastern Culberson County- Reeves County Plains-Chinati Mountains-Marfa Plateau-Davis Mountains- Davis Mountains Foothills-Central Brewster County-Chisos Basin- Presidio Valley-Lower Brewster County- 1205 PM CDT Fri Jun 2 2023 /1105 AM MDT Fri Jun 2 2023/ This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for southeast New Mexico, southwest Texas and western Texas. .DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight. An high potential for severe thunderstorms exists across the Permian Basin, Southeast New Mexico, and the Trans Pecos this afternoon and evening. A Tornado Watch is in effect through 8 PM CDT tonight. Any severe thunderstorms will have the potential to produce very large hail, damaging wind gusts, and a few tornadoes. Additionally, any thunderstorms will be able to produce torrential rainfall and potential flash flooding. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday. Saturday onward will have daily thunderstorm chances during the afternoon and evening across the region. Each day will have the potential for strong to severe thunderstorms capable of producing torrential rainfall, strong winds, localized flooding, and hail. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Weather spotters are encouraged to report significant weather conditions according to Standard Operating Procedures. This product, along with other watches, warnings, advisories, and statements issued by the National Weather Service Office in Midland, can be found on the internet at... https://weather.gov/midland
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Midland/Odessa TX
1152 AM CDT Fri Jun 2 2023
TXZ075-274-021730-
Pecos TX-Reeves County Plains TX-
1152 AM CDT Fri Jun 2 2023
...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of northwestern Pecos
and southeastern Reeves Counties through 1230 PM CDT...
At 1151 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 14
miles east of Saragosa, or 30 miles south of Pecos, moving northeast
at 20 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph and nickel size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
possible.
This storm will remain over mainly rural areas of northwestern Pecos
and southeastern Reeves Counties.
This includes Interstate 10 between mile markers 221 and 239.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
&&
LAT...LON 3082 10348 3103 10354 3123 10318 3099 10304
TIME...MOT...LOC 1651Z 244DEG 16KT 3098 10342
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.88 IN
MAX WIND GUST...55 MPH
88Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Midland/Odessa TX
116 PM CDT Fri Jun 2 2023
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0115 PM Hail Hobbs 32.73N 103.16W
06/02/2023 M1.00 inch Lea NM Trained Spotter
quarter size hail observed in downtown
Hobbs.
&&The Midland/Odessa radar (KMAF), 122 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 18:20 UTC.
28 hail, 7 thunderstorm wind, 7 flash flood, 6 tornado. Local standard time, as filed.
Power poles are down along State Highway 18. Time estimated from radar. Wind speeds are estimated to be 90 mph. Property damage cost is an estimation.
Golf ball-sized hail overserved along State Highway 18 north of Fort Stockton.
There was no apparent damage from the reported tornado in the location supplied by storm chasers and estimated by radar data. Video evidence from storm chasers shows the tornado lasted only 29 seconds before lifting in a rural area with limited damage indicators. No damage was found, this tornado has been rated EF-Unknown and the time and location of this tornado was estimated by radar data. Path length and width are also estimated.
A few storm chasers reported a tornado northeast of Fort Stockton that lifted within a few minutes after they spotted it. Their videos and photos were used in conjunction with radar to determine the approximate path and time of this tornado. Due to the rural location and lack of damage indicators, no damage was found and the tornado was rated EF-Unknown. Path width is also estimated.
After a previous tornado had lifted, the rear-flank downdraft surged, leading to severe winds estimated between 60 and 83 mph. Damage in the area included an unanchored shed that was tipped over and leaning onto a manufactured home along County Road 337, a snapped power pole on County Road 335, and a turned-over irrigation system off County Road 331. All of the damage was oriented towards the east/northeast, indicating this damage was caused by rear-flank downdraft winds. Property damage cost is an estimation.
A tornado began near the I-10 and Hwy 67 junction east of Fort Stockton in Pecos County. Damage indicators show that the tornado began as an EF-0 before growing in width and strengthening to an EF-1 about 5 minutes after it began. The tornado continued in a southeast direction as an EF-1 before dropping to an EF-0 just before lifting around 20 minutes after it began.
Emergency management reported downed power poles about 5 miles south of I-10 along FM 2023. NWS Storm Survey found that this damage was caused by straight-line winds associated with the parent supercell thunderstorm and not a tornado. Wind speeds were estimated to be 118 mph. Property cost damage is an estimation.
Emergency Manager reports Tennis ball-sized hail 10 miles south of I-10 on FM2023.
Emergency Manager reports golf ball size hail on FM 2023 south of I-10.
Report of flash flooding relayed from mPing.
One eyewitness captured a tornado likely in the dissipating stage roughly 10 miles southwest of Sheffield. It is possible the tornado lasted shorter or longer than the estimated time and may have lifted and touched down at multiple points along the path. The survey team was unable to reach the path of the tornado and no damage indicators were found, thus this tornado is classified as an EF-Unknown. Path width is also estimated.
Water was reported over Highway 385 5 miles south of Seagraves. FM 1249 south of Seagraves is temporarily closed due to flooding.
Baseball size hail was reported along Harral Rd just west of South State Highway 2886.
Flash flooding report relayed from mPing.
Two-inch hail was observed along Ranch Rd 181.
Street flooding with cars stranded was reported in Andrews. Property damage cost is an estimation.
Hail was observed along US 285.
Hail was observed on US 385.
Hail report via mPing.
Hail report via mPing.
Report of flooding relayed via mPing.
Hail report via mPing.
Ping pong ball size hail was reported near the north Walmart in Midland. Time estimated by radar.
NWS employee reports lots of nickel to quarter-size hail.
Hail report via mPing.
Quarter-size hail was measured in central Midland.
Hail report via mPing.
Hail report via mPing.
Multiple hail reports of ping pong to golf ball size hail.
Hail report via mPing.
Hail report via mPing.
Due to the rural location and lack of damage indicators, no damage was found and the tornado was rated an EF-Unkown. Photos and radar were used to estimate path length and time. The tornado continued for nearly 45 minutes before crossing the international border into Mexico where it likely continued on. Path width is also estimated.
Quarter-size hail was reported in Greenwood.
Hail report via mPing.
A photo was shared showing approximately two-inch hail along US Highway 90.
Report of flooding relayed via mPing.
Roads were reported flooded in Big Spring. Drivers are having to turn around and detour around some roads.
Hail report via mPing.
Delete this report.
Wind-driven hail was observed. Wind speeds were estimated to be 60 mph.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Texas in 2023Every state in 2023This day in weather historyThe tornado archive for Texas, 2023Warnings in Texas, June 2023
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: 1115826, 1110376, 1115867, 1115892, 1115957, 1115876, 1115946, 1115823, 1110377, 1110402, 1110378, 1115831, 1115888, 1115833, 1110379, 1110403, 1115836, 1110380, 1110381, 1115837, 1110382, 1110384, 1110383, 1110396, 1110392, 1110385, 1115838, 1110388, 1110400, 1110386, 1110389, 1110387, 1110390, 1110391, 1110401, 1110395, 1110397, 1115908, 1110393, 1110394, and more.