Thunderstorm Wind in Bailey County, Texas

A strong low-level mesocyclone accompanied by destructive rear flank downdraft (RFD) winds tracked southeastward from Muleshoe to about 12 miles southeast of Muleshoe. Although law enforcement reported a tornado, no definitive evidence of such could be determined from the NWS storm survey conducted in the following days. Combined with direct accounts from storm chasers, the storm survey determined that significant straight line winds were to blame for the majority of damage discovered generally north of Highway 84. Maximum sustained winds were estimated between 80 and 90 mph and created much damage to rural homes, a dairy business, farm equipment, and area power poles. The worst damage was dealt to the Track Dairy where several lightweight structures such as shade canopies were destroyed. At least eight head of cattle perished at this location from collapsing structures and another 30 to 40 were injured. This damage swath ended north of Sudan along Farm-to-Market 303 where a center pivot was overturned.

The convective complex and embedded high-precipitation supercell that impacted parts of Parmer County subsequently moved southward over Bailey County. A post storm survey by Texas Tech University West Texas Mesonet meteorologists revealed a swath of intense wind damage from between Needmore and Baileyboro southward to Enochs. At least 100 utility poles were blown down, some broken near ground-level, and several center irrigation pivots were destroyed. Minor roof damage was noted to several homes in Enochs. The winds were occasionally accompanied with nickel size hail in the Enochs vicinity. Wind-driven hail contributed to significant cotton losses. Wind speeds were estimated to be near 80 mph and event times were estimated based on radar data.

Severe thunderstorm winds resulted in considerable damage in the Muleshoe vicinity between 17:35 and 17:45 CST on the 25th. Extensive damage occurred to a pair of trailer homes just southeast of the city, when one was rolled by the winds and a second home sustained heavy roof damage. A barn was additionally reported to have been destroyed and large pieces of debris obstructed a county road just northeast of Muleshoe. East of the city, extensive damage occurred at a cattle dairy, where 1,500 stables were destroyed and at least three calves were killed. Local utility companies reported nearly 100 power poles were downed by the winds. The damaging winds were accompanied by large hail. The Texas Tech University West Texas Mesonet near Muleshoe recorded a peak wind gust of 59 mph at 17:45 CST, but winds associated with the damaging were likely stronger. No injuries were reported.