Weather service warns of strong storm near Stratford capable of producing a landspout

The National Weather Service in Amarillo issued a special weather statement at 7:40 p.m. CDT on September 23 for a strong thunderstorm affecting the Cimarron, Texas, Dallam and Sherman areas. The Dallas area is not among the areas listed in the statement.

At the time, Doppler radar was tracking the storm 9 miles northwest of Stratford, moving north at 20 mph. Forecasters said the storm was capable of producing a landspout, and Griggs was named as a location in its path.

The main hazard was wind gusts of up to 50 mph, based on radar. The weather service said minor damage to outdoor objects was possible and that gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. People outdoors were advised to consider seeking shelter inside a building.

Conditions were also favorable for weak, brief funnel clouds. The weather service said this type of funnel cloud is harmless, but on rare occasions it can briefly touch down and produce wind gusts over 50 mph. Anyone who spots a funnel cloud should move indoors and report the sighting to the National Weather Service.

The storm was also producing torrential rainfall that could lead to localized flooding. Drivers were warned not to drive through flooded roadways.