Severe weather could disrupt Memorial Day plans across the Big Country

BIG COUNTRY, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – As families prepare to gather for cookouts, lake trips, and ceremonies this Memorial Day, the Big Country Storm Team urges caution, as a round of severe storms threatens to impact the holiday.

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Tonight, the Storm Prediction Center provides an Enhanced Risk (level 3/5) for severe weather for most of the Big Country. Main threats for tonight may include strong winds, large hail, and a possible tornado or two. Unfortunately, this first risk also consists of the early morning hours of tomorrow, impacting those who may still have a morning commute tomorrow.

For Memorial Day, it appears that most of our counties along and South of the I-20 corridor are currently under a Slight Risk (level 2/5) for severe weather. In fact, you can also expect the same risks as the day before.

As of 3:45 p.m. Sunday, the National Weather Service only has a Tornado Watch in effect for some of our northern counties; however, more watches could join the group in the coming hours.

What does the timeline of these storms look like?

Tonight’s Timeline:

• Sunday 6:00 p.m.
  Scattered storms may begin to develop, with the most significant risk of stronger storms expected in our northwestern counties.
• Sunday 8:00 p.m.
  The main squall line develops.
• Sunday 11:00 p.m.
  The main line of storms has just passed over the Key City and is headed to portions of the Heartland.
• Monday 2:00 a.m.
  Storm activity develops again within the Abilene area.
• Monday 6:00 a.m.
  Storm activity exits the main regions of the Big Country.

Tomorrow’s Timeline:

• Monday 7:00 p.m.
  A strong and singular supercell develops just outside our viewing range near the San Angelo region.
• Monday 11:30 p.m.
  Our southeastern counties begin to see some small cells develop. This is when we could potentially see some spin-ups and strong hail.
• Tuesday 1:30 a.m.
  Storm activity develops again within the Abilene area.
• Tuesday 3:00 a.m.
  Storms begin to turn linear, creating a squall line within our southeastern counties.

From all of us at the Big Country Storm Team, we honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. As you gather with family and friends this holiday, we hope you stay safe, stay weather aware, and reflect on Memorial Day’s true meaning.