Similar to May 19th, thunderstorms were able to develop across west Texas thanks to pulses in the southwesterly flow aloft, a stationary front, and plentiful moisture east of the dryline. A few storms became severe, producing large hail.
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.
Similar to May 19th, thunderstorms were able to develop across west Texas thanks to pulses in the southwesterly flow aloft, a stationary front, and plentiful moisture east of the dryline. A few storms became severe, producing large hail. Flash flooding was also recorded in a few locations.
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 May 20, 5:40 AM CST, 5 hours 50 minutes earlier. Its key messages:
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Midland/Odessa TX 640 AM CDT Wed May 20 2026 ...New AVIATION... .KEY MESSAGES... Updated at 638 AM CDT Wed May 20 2026 - Showers and storms are expected today beginning early this afternoon and continuing into this evening. Any strong to severe storms will be capable of producing large hail and damaging winds. We will also monitor for flash flooding. - Shower and storm chances continue through this weekend as additional disturbances move overhead. && .SHORT TERM... (Today through Thursday afternoon) Issued at 156 AM CDT Wed May 20 2026 The cold front that moved through the area on Tuesday has washed out across the southern half of the region and will be one of the catalysts for convection during the day today. In addition to the front, plenty of moisture and instability will be available to help some storms become strong to severe. Forecast soundings continue to show plenty of shear, 1000-2000J/kg of MUCAPE, and steep lapse rates favorable for large hail and damaging winds in the most organized storms. Hi-res ensembles show activity getting an early start on the day around or just afternoon with convection developing near the Davis Mountains/Pecos River Valley and moving east into the Permian Basin and Stockton Plateau. Coverage increases during the afternoon and some upscale growth into multicellular clusters or lines of storms may occur before exiting the region tonight after sunset. Daytime highs to the north of the stalled front will struggle to reach out of the 70s as low clouds keep temperatures from moving much. To the south and west of the front, mainly west of the Pecos River, highs will reach into the 80s with 90s along the Rio Grande. Tonight sees a lull in convection as the daytime activity decays or moves off to the east. The dryline establishes itself west of Midland/Odessa near or just west of the TX/NM border. The dryline's position and any leftover boundaries from today will impact where any convection develops on Thursday. Coverage overall will be lower as the upper level support available for storms today will be weaker for Thursday. Similar to today though, large hail and damaging winds will be the primary hazards with any severe storms that develop. Localized flash flooding will also be possible, particularly from Reagan County southward into eastern Pecos and portions of Terrell County that saw significant rainfall on Tuesday. Highs on Thursday remain below normal, but increase into the 80s for most. -Stickney && .LONG TERM... (Thursday night through Tuesday) Issued at 156 AM CDT Wed May 20 2026 Thursday night sees activity once again decay and move off to the east of our area. Friday and through the weekend, a similar pattern continues where daytime convection will be dependent on where the dryline sets up in the CWA and the timing of any upper level disturbances that move in from the west. Medium to long range guidance shows this occurring roughly each day Friday through Sunday with a decrease in activity for Monday. Temperatures through the weekend will hover near or just below normal in the 80s to low 90s. Unsurprisingly, Rio Grande Village and the surrounding low Desert of Big Bend may still reach the century mark on those days, but temperatures will be otherwise unremarkable for late May. Given the isolated to scattered nature of each day's showers and storms, rain amounts will be tough to pin down. Rain chances continue evening into the middle of next week, but that portion of the forecast remains subject to change. -Stickney && .AVIATION... (12Z TAFS) Issued at 638 AM CDT Wed May 20 2026 Near MVFR CIGs have moved into the region at most terminals and will be a fixture for the morning before lifting or dissipating. TS/TSRA are possible this afternoon, but confidence remains low to include mention at all sites with this issuance. Easterly flow shifts southeasterly during the day with sustained winds between 10-15kts. Gusty and erratic winds will be possible with any nearby convection. && .PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS... Big Spring 74 59 81 61 / 60 50 30 10 Carlsbad 82 59 90 60 / 30 30 10 10 Dryden 84 64 86 65 / 50 50 10 20 Fort Stockton 83 61 88 63 / 50 50 20 10 Guadalupe Pass 79 59 81 59 / 20 10 0 0 Hobbs 73 55 84 56 / 60 20 20 10 Marfa 85 52 82 50 / 40 20 20 20 Midland Intl Airport 75 60 83 62 / 70 30 10 10 Odessa 75 60 84 63 / 70 30 10 10 Wink 80 60 88 61 / 50 30 10 10 && .MAF WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... TX...None. NM...None. && SHORT TERM...93 LONG TERM....93 AVIATION...93
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Midland/Odessa TX
1130 AM CDT Wed May 20 2026
TXZ061-068-201700-
Crane TX-Ector TX-
1130 AM CDT Wed May 20 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT SOUTHEASTERN ECTOR AND
NORTHWESTERN CRANE COUNTIES THROUGH NOON CDT...
At 1129 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 15
miles south of West Odessa, or 18 miles east of Monahans, moving
north at 35 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 hail damage to vegetation is
possible.
Locations impacted include...
Odessa, West Odessa, and Penwell.
This includes Interstate 20 between mile markers 96 and 118.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
&&
LAT...LON 3150 10250 3157 10272 3196 10258 3181 10229
TIME...MOT...LOC 1629Z 200DEG 29KT 3161 10257
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.88 IN
MAX WIND GUST...55 MPH
KLGSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Midland/Odessa TX
1142 AM CDT Wed May 20 2026
TXZ045-201715-
Gaines TX-
1142 AM CDT Wed May 20 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTHEASTERN GAINES COUNTY
THROUGH 1215 PM CDT...
At 1142 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 7
miles north of Seminole, moving north at 35 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 hail damage to vegetation is
possible.
Locations impacted include...
Seminole, Seagraves, Seagraves Airport, Loop, and Gaines County Park.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
&&
LAT...LON 3268 10254 3274 10277 3296 10266 3296 10228
TIME...MOT...LOC 1642Z 200DEG 29KT 3282 10261
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.88 IN
MAX WIND GUST...55 MPH
KLGSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Midland/Odessa TX
1150 AM CDT Wed May 20 2026
TXZ050-201715-
Andrews TX-
1150 AM CDT Wed May 20 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT CENTRAL ANDREWS COUNTY THROUGH
1215 PM CDT...
At 1150 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 8
miles southwest of Andrews, moving north at 35 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph and penny size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is
possible.
Locations impacted include...
Andrews, Florey, and Andrews County Airport.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
&&
LAT...LON 3209 10255 3216 10277 3252 10260 3242 10222
TIME...MOT...LOC 1650Z 200DEG 29KT 3222 10261
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.75 IN
MAX WIND GUST...55 MPH
KLGSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Midland/Odessa TX
1200 PM CDT Wed May 20 2026
TXZ051-061-062-201730-
Midland TX-Martin TX-Ector TX-
1200 PM CDT Wed May 20 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT EAST CENTRAL ECTOR...
SOUTHEASTERN ANDREWS...NORTHWESTERN MIDLAND AND SOUTHWESTERN MARTIN
COUNTIES THROUGH 1230 PM CDT...
At 1159 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Midland International Air and Space Port, or near Midland, moving
northeast at 35 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph and half inch hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is
possible.
Locations impacted include...
Midland, Odessa, Midland International Air and Space Port, Warfield,
and Midland Airpark.
This includes Interstate 20 between mile markers 126 and 138.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
&&
LAT...LON 3185 10214 3194 10233 3209 10224 3209 10221
3213 10221 3220 10217 3211 10194
TIME...MOT...LOC 1659Z 208DEG 29KT 3197 10219
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN
MAX WIND GUST...55 MPH
KLGSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Midland/Odessa TX
1209 PM CDT Wed May 20 2026
TXZ069-201745-
Upton TX-
1209 PM CDT Wed May 20 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT CENTRAL UPTON COUNTY THROUGH
1245 PM CDT...
At 1208 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 10
miles west of Rankin, moving northeast at 35 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 hail damage to vegetation is
possible.
This storm will remain over mainly rural areas of central Upton
County.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
&&
LAT...LON 3111 10206 3121 10228 3157 10222 3143 10178
TIME...MOT...LOC 1708Z 208DEG 29KT 3126 10211
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.88 IN
MAX WIND GUST...55 MPH
KLGSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Midland/Odessa TX
1214 PM CDT Wed May 20 2026
TXZ068-075-201745-
Pecos TX-Crane TX-
1214 PM CDT Wed May 20 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTH CENTRAL PECOS...
SOUTHEASTERN WARD AND NORTHWESTERN CRANE COUNTIES THROUGH 1245 PM
CDT...
At 1214 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 11
miles east of Grandfalls, or 18 miles west of Crane, moving northeast
at 30 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 hail damage to vegetation is
possible.
Locations impacted include...
Imperial.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
&&
LAT...LON 3125 10261 3130 10277 3156 10269 3148 10241
TIME...MOT...LOC 1714Z 211DEG 25KT 3135 10266
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.88 IN
MAX WIND GUST...55 MPH
KLGThe Midland/Odessa radar (KMAF), 54 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 17:30 UTC.
6 hail, 3 flash flood, 1 flood. Local standard time, as filed.
Broadcast media relayed a report of standing water at the intersection of U.S. Highway 385 and Avenue E. Flooding continued through around 115 PM per Andrews County Fire Marshal. No damage was reported.
NWS employee reported water flowing over the intersection of U.S. Highway 87 and North 17th Street. The total time of occurrence is estimated from radar. No damage was reported.
Delayed report - an NWS Employee found evidence of flash flooding along portions of TX 176 west of Tarzan and of low-water crossings along FM 829. Flooded road signs were still in place and one stalled car was seen. The time of occurrence is estimated from radar. The cost of damages is also estimated.
A member of the public sent a picture of a large hailstone, approximately ping-pong ball sized, near Alpine. The time of occurrence and exact location are estimated from radar.
Quarter sized hail was reported by Broadcast Media and by a Meteorologist from Canada near the US 67 and US 90 Interchange. The time of occurrence is estimated by radar.
Emergency manager reported quarter-sized hail 16 miles south of Fort Stockton on US 385. The total time of occurrence is partially estimated from radar.
Received a report of dime to quarter-sized hail about 15-20 miles south of Fort Stockton. The time of occurrence is partially estimated from radar.
Emergency management reported flash flooding along US 385 16 miles south of Fort Stockton. Low-water crossings were reported to have nearly a foot of standing water in some spots. The total time of occurrence is partially estimated from radar. No damage was reported.
Emergency manager reported quarter-sized hail 21-23 miles south/southeast of Fort Stockton along US 285. The total time of occurrence is partially estimated from radar.
Report from the IBHS Hail Field Research team measuring hailstones up to 1.89 inches. The time of occurrence is estimated from radar.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Texas in 2026Every state in 2026This day in weather historyWarnings in Texas, May 2026
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: 1327165, 1327167, 1327166, 1327168, 1327169, 1327171, 1327172, 1327170, 1327173, 1327174.