Severe Thunderstorms and Heavy Rain in the Southern Plains; Fire Weather Threat in the Southwest U.S.

Thunderstorms, some severe, may produce heavy to excessive rainfall and isolated flooding over portions of the Southern Plains today and Saturday. Dry conditions, combined with gusty winds and low relative humidities will continue to support an elevated to critical fire weather threat in the Desert Southwest into to early next week. Read More >

June 13th 2012 Severe Storms

Isolated severe storms developed across northern sections of North Texas late in the afternoon on June 13th, 2012. The storms pummeled parts of Dallas, Collin, and Fannin counties with hail the size of baseballs (2.75"), oranges (3"), and softballs (4.25"). Numerous cars and houses were severely damaged by the very large hail. Early damage estimates suggest that this storm may cost $900 million, making it one of the costliest hail storms ever in Texas.

The Fannin County storm also produced a brief EF0 tornado and damaging straight line winds. The tornado damage occurred one mile north of the city of Randolph. Damage was done to homes, barns and crops. The highest wind speeds were approximately 85 mph. Large trees were snapped in the area near CR 4145 and CR 4160.

Costliest Hail Storms in Texas
(in 2013 dollars)

1. May 5, 1995 (Mayfest) - North Texas, $1.62 billion

2. April 28, 1992 - Fort Worth and Waco, $1.21 billion

3. April 5, 2003 - North Texas, $1.13 billion

4. June 13, 2012 - North Texas, estimated $901 million

5. April 28, 1995 - DFW Airport, $654 million

6. May 8, 1981 - Palo Pinto County to Dallas, $486 million

Data Source:
Insurance Council of Texas