June 2nd 2023 Widespread Severe Weather
On June 2nd, 2023 a potent weather system brought numerous severe thunderstorms to a large portion of the region. This was one of the most active severe weather days of the 2023 severe weather season with hail up to 3” in diameter, wind damage due to severe wind gusts up to 118 mph, and several EF-Unknown tornadoes with one EF-1 tornado.
Eastern Lea County to Permian Basin Severe Thunderstorms
A few thunderstorms developed in far eastern Lea County, rapidly intensifying as they moved east into far western portions of the Permian Basin. One of these thunderstorms developed a funnel cloud that was reported by spotters east of Nadine, very near the Texas/New Mexico state line. Video evidence from storm chasers indicated that a brief tornado formed over rural portions of western Gaines County. No damage was reported and the tornado was rated EF-Unknown. As the tornado dissipated, strong rear-flank downdraft winds caused damage in the area. A shed was tipped over and leaning against a home along County Road 337, a power pole was snapped along County Road 335, and an irrigation pivot was overturned in a field along County Road 331. This damage was caused by winds estimated to be between 60 to 83 mph.
Other thunderstorms developed in the immediate area, producing 62 mph and 58 mph wind gusts at the Seminole and Andrews Mesonets respectively as the line moved east. A supercell thunderstorm produced large hail up to 2” in diameter southwest of Andrews and ping-pong size hail in Gardendale. This thunderstorm continued to produce large hail as it entered Midland city limits on the northwest side of town. Hail was observed across the city and in the community of Greenwood. A localized dust storm was reported along a portion of this line, briefly reducing visibility to near zero in locations and a 60 mph wind gust was reported at the Snyder Mesonet before this area of thunderstorms exited our area to the east.
