Storm chasers find potential record-breaking hailstone in Texas Panhandle
A potentially record-breaking hailstone was found in the Texas Panhandle on Sunday, June 2, 2024, during a severe thunderstorm that also spawned several brief but photogenic tornadoes.
One hailstone produced during this storm, discovered near Vigo Park, Texas, measured at least 15 cm (6 inches) in diameter and may set a new state record pending verification by the National Weather Service (NWS) office in Lubbock.
The hailstone was found by storm chasers Val and Amy Castor, affiliated with News 9 in Oklahoma City.
They recovered the hailstone approximately 16 km (10 miles) northwest of Mackenzie Reservoir in rural Swisher County, 4.8 km (3 miles) north-northwest of Vigo Park.
The Castors documented the hailstone, comparing it to a 16.5 cm (6.5 inch) tall can of Monster Energy. Val Castor later posted on Facebook, estimating the hailstone’s size to be 18 cm (7 inches) long.
If verified, this hailstone could surpass the current Texas record of 16.3 cm (6.4 inches), set near Hondo on April 28, 2021. The national record remains a 20.3 cm (8 inches) hailstone found near Vivian, S.D., on July 23, 2010, which weighed nearly 0.91 kg (2 pounds).
The storm also produced a picturesque tornado northwest of Silverton in the southern Texas Panhandle, accompanied briefly by a second twister.
Meteorologist Steve Thompson from the Oklahoma Mesonet captured the storm from a distance near Palo Duro Canyon.
“I came off the canyon yesterday and I was jaw to the floor. I figured it would take a bit for [the rotation] to wrap up and produce a tornado, so I hung back to the east a bit to keep the structure in view,” Thompson said.
This may be the best storm photo I ever take, and I’m OK with that. Absolutely phenomenal storm structure with classic tornado underneath tonight near Silverton, TX #txwx pic.twitter.com/5YhDyACaI2
— Steve Thompson (@stormchase4life) June 3, 2024
The wait is almost over! Here is the latest information of the 7" hailstone found by Storm Chaser Val Castor in Vigo Park. If this becomes an official record it will shatter the previous record of 6.416" from Hondo, Texas in 2021! @MonsterEnergy pic.twitter.com/NwicahGLPw
— NWS Lubbock (@NWSLubbock) June 5, 2024
The National Weather Service in Lubbock is currently investigating the hailstone to confirm if it indeed sets a new state record.
The severe weather on June 2 was part of a broader pattern impacting multiple states, with significant weather events reported from Texas to North Dakota.
References:
1 Massive melon-size hail could be a Texas record – The Washington Post – June 3, 2024
2 Hail the size of energy drink can pelts Texas while possible tornado injures US Border Patrol agent – FOX Weather – June 3, 2024
3 Texas: Sunday’s 6″ Hail Threatens State Record – WeatherNation – June 4, 2024
Featured image credit: Val Castor
Commenting rules and guidelines
We value the thoughts and opinions of our readers and welcome healthy discussions on our website. In order to maintain a respectful and positive community, we ask that all commenters follow these rules.