South Central Texas, Where Storms Are Born

Monday, March 19, 2012

The San Antonio River, Concepcíon Park Trailhead

Today's photos:

Here in South Central Texas it can be difficult to predict the timing and intensity of storms because this is where they take root in the super-moist air coming off the Gulf of Mexico. They can blossom and grow to towering, severe thunderstorms with what seems to be explosive speed.

Today was one of those days when the atmosphere was ripe for thunderstorm formation. While I was on my walk at mid-day, there was mist in the air and a very light, short-lived shower.

As I have worked to get this post published this evening, a cluster of very strong thunderstorms developed southwest of Bexar County. A couple of these storms produced tornados with structure damage and injuries reported as far north as southwest Bexar County. There is at least one more very powerful squall line not far to the west that will come through the county in the next few hours.