Texas Cold Front: Severe Storms and Hail Tuesday in West Texas

What happened

A Texas cold front is on the way, and it brings severe storms with it. Forecasters say the worst weather comes Tuesday, Oct. 13, into Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026.

The Storm Prediction Center (the federal office that forecasts severe storms) posted its outlook early Monday. Here is what the forecasts say:

• The Texas Panhandle and the South Plains are under a level 2 of 5 risk for severe storms on Tuesday.
• Storms should start by mid-afternoon Tuesday in the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles.
• Large hail is the main danger. Damaging wind is the second one.
• A second round of strong storms is possible Tuesday night into early Wednesday in southwest Texas and the Permian Basin.
• The National Weather Service in Lubbock says heavy rain and flooding are possible Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday.

San Antonio news site MySA reported more details from the weather service. The Panhandle could see wind gusts of 60 mph and hail the size of a ping pong ball. Around Lubbock, hail could reach the size of a golf ball. The tornado risk is very low.

Then comes the cold. Lubbock TV station KCBD says highs drop to the 70s by midweek and to the 60s by Friday. Night lows fall to the mid and upper 40s.

What it means for owner-operators

If you run through Amarillo, Lubbock or Midland-Odessa this week, this is your road. Think I-40, I-27 and I-20.

Hail the size of a golf ball can break a windshield and dent a hood. Wind at 60 mph can push an empty or light trailer out of its lane. Heavy rain can cover a low road in minutes.

A storm like this can also cost you time. A parked truck earns nothing, but a damaged truck earns nothing for much longer. A late load is better than a truck in the shop.

The forecast can still change. The weather service said it is not sure yet where the heaviest rain will fall. So check again before each trip.

What to do next

• Check the forecast before you roll. Look at weather.gov for the cities on your route, Tuesday and Wednesday.
• Move your schedule if you can. Try to cross the Panhandle and the South Plains before Tuesday afternoon.
• Light or empty trailer? Be extra careful. Strong side wind hits a light trailer the hardest. Slow down or wait.
• Hail starts? Get off the road safely. Pull into a truck stop or a parking lot. Do not stop under an overpass. It blocks the lanes and causes crashes.
• Never drive into water on the road. You cannot see how deep it is.
• Park away from trees and power lines when you stop for the night.
• Take photos of your truck before the storm. If you get damage, take photos again and tell your insurance agent as soon as you can.
• Know your coverages before you need them. Our trucking insurance coverage guide explains them in plain words.