Severe thunderstorms in northwest Texas

Severe thunderstorms in northwest Texas

Severe thunderstorms are forecasted for northwest Texas this afternoon and evening, April 23, 2024, with the potential for large hail and damaging wind gusts. This weather shift comes as part of a broader pattern affecting the Great Plains and Midwest, initiated by a developing upper trough over the western U.S. and a series of cold fronts impacting the Great Lakes and Ohio Valley. The Storm Prediction Center has issued a Slight Risk alert for northwest Texas today due to these conditions.

Smokehouse Creek Fire becomes largest wildfire in Texas history and second-largest in U.S.

Smokehouse Creek Fire becomes largest wildfire in Texas history and second-largest in U.S.

On Thursday, February 29, 2024, the Smokehouse Creek Fire expanded beyond 404 686 ha (1 million acres) in Texas, marking it as the largest wildfire in the state’s history. The blaze, which also extended into Oklahoma, has claimed the lives of at least two individuals and continues to pose a significant threat to homes, cattle, and livelihoods in the Texas Panhandle.

Aerial view of destruction from wildfire in Fritch, Texas

Aerial view of destruction from wildfire in Fritch, Texas

This aerial view shows burned houses and structures across Fritch, Texas caused by the Windy Duece Fire on February 28, 2024. More than 100 homes were destroyed from Fritch to Borger, Texas.

Smokehouse Creek Fire rapidly grows to second-largest wildfire in history of Texas

Smokehouse Creek Fire rapidly grows to second-largest wildfire in history of Texas

The Smokehouse Creek Fire started on Monday, February 26, 2024, in Hutchinson County, Texas, amidst adverse weather conditions, and has rapidly grown over the next 2 days to the second-largest wildfire in the state’s history. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has declared a disaster in 60 counties in response to the wildfire, which has only been 3% contained.

Series of devastating wildfires hit Texas Panhandle, causing evacuations, temporary closure of critical nuclear weapons facility, U.S.

Series of devastating wildfires hit Texas Panhandle, causing evacuations, temporary closure of critical nuclear weapons facility, U.S.

A series of out-of-control wildfires swept through the Texas Panhandle on February 27 and 28, 2024, prompting tens of thousands of residents to evacuate, causing widespread power outages, and forcing the temporary shutdown of the Pantex Plant, a critical nuclear weapons facility. The disaster, affecting numerous homes and prompting a disaster declaration in 60 counties, saw the Smokehouse Creek Fire rapidly grow to Texas’ 2nd largest wildfire in history.

Shallow M5.3 earthquake hits near Mentone, western Texas

Shallow M5.3 earthquake hits near Mentone, western Texas

A shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M5.3 hit near Mentone, western Texas at 10:27 UTC (04:27 LT) on November 8, 2023. The agency is reporting a depth of 7 km (4.3 miles). This is the fifth strongest earthquake in Texas on record.

Record-breaking heat spreads across the U.S. South

Record-breaking heat spreads across the U.S. South

A persistent and oppressive heat dome continues to produce dangerous heat and humidity across much of the U.S. South, breaking numerous all-time records in Texas.