June 8, 2025 - Massive Hail and Lightning in Texas
- GK Naill
- Jun 8, 2025
- 2 min read
On June 8, 2025, the SPC issued an MDT risk, driven by wind and hail, with a 45% chance of significant hail 2+ inches in diameter. They also gave a 5% TOR risk. The storms were going to start more isolated, then eventually converge into a nasty squall line and possible derecho, bringing 5+ inch hail and 100+ MPH winds (to quote the PDS Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued that day).
The Afternoon Storms
We left at around 6 AM for Amarillo, TX. While in the Oklahoma Panhandle, we saw some storms, but we didn't pay them much attention (and we would soon regret it). We finally got close to Amarillo around 3 PM, and a small cell was forming.
We trailed behind it, and the storm did eventually get tornado-warned. We pulled off and stopped behind the storm, with a clear view of the area where a tornado could develop, mainly so we wouldn't drive into the storm and the massive hail (with reports of 4.25" hail!).
As the storm moved out of the way, we continued and came across some MASSIVE hail left by the storm, so we obviously had to stop and look at it.
The cells in Oklahoma produced super photogenic tornadoes around this time.
We continued tracking the cell for a while. Eventually, we got into a position where we could finally get ahead of the storm with proper positioning, so we (obviously) attempted to take it.
As we took the road, we lost internet, but it looked like we had a clear shot. However, we had an inflow jet come across the road, and to our north, it wasn't looking good. We pulled over for a second and decided we needed to turn around (and thank god we did).
As we retreated, we thankfully got hit with just the wind and rain from the storm, no hail. However, once we got internet again, we saw the radar scans. In the area we were in, the storm had an embedded circulation and massive hail, which was heading right for us. This is the moment we all collectively decided we need more reliable connectivity (namely, Starlink).
We kept chasing for a bit, but the storms were starting to go linear and possibly into the derecho that was forecasted.
The Evening Storms
As we were heading back, we found some smaller cells at the back of the line that were slow-moving and dropping constant, massive bolts. We find a place to pull over and let the cameras run. Then, I capture one of my favorite photos.
We stay for a while longer, then we head into Lubbock to our hotel for the night.
Conclusion
While we did end up getting a flat once the chase was long over, I would consider this chase a success, mainly saved by the lightning at the end. The scare with the storm earlier on wasn't that fun, and the fact that we were too early for the Oklahoma storms but too late for the Texas storms sucked, but it was still a fun experience, and it was the catalyst for what I would call the "tech revolution" of our chasing.
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