A verified tornado has been sighted 11 miles southeast of Fort Stockton, advancing eastward at 15 mph. The tornado is expected to persist primarily over rural regions of central Pecos County, affecting areas along Interstate 10 between mile markers 277 and 282 ¹.
The National Weather Service officials said the tornado touched down at 1:57 p.m. Friday at mile marker 279 on I-10, just east of Fort Stockton, which is roughly a 4-hour drive from downtown San Antonio ².
Severe weather is expected, including destructive tornadoes and large hailstones up to two inches in diameter. Flying debris poses significant danger to those not in shelter. Mobile homes are susceptible to damage or destruction, while roofs, windows, and vehicles are at risk of damage. Tree damage is probable ¹.
The tornado formed in a storm that was produced along the West Texas dryline. The dryline separates dry, desert air found in west Texas from rich, moist Gulf of Mexico air across Central Texas. The contrast between these two airmasses often creates rotating thunderstorms that are severe ².
Although it’s rare for these dryline storms to make it to San Antonio, it does happen occasionally. In fact, some of the monster hail events are caused by storms that develop along the west Texas dryline, traveling hundreds of miles to the Alamo City ².
According to Midland news station KMID, no damage was reported in Fort Stockton proper ².
The Federal Emergency Management Agency, also known as FEMA, says tornado warning signs may include a rotating, funnel-shaped cloud that extends from a thunderstorm toward the ground, an approaching cloud of debris especially at ground level, even if a funnel is not visible, a loud roar – similar to a freight train – or a strange quiet occurring within or shortly after a thunderstorm, a change in the color of the sky, debris dropping from the sky ².
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