NWS Lubbock Weather Events Heavy Rain Late September 2012

Tropical Rains Visit the Region
27-29 September 2012

Three day storm total rainfall, as estimated from radar, ending at 4 am on 30 September 2012. Click on the image to view a larger regional storm total rainfall map.

Tropical moisture from the eastern Pacific (and once Hurricane Miriam) combined forces with plentiful Gulf of Mexico moisture and an upper level storm system to bring widespread rain to the southern plains during late September 2012. The heaviest rain fell along and south of the I-20 corridor, though the entire state of Texas received rainfall. Rain totals in excess of 5 inches were common from around Midland to San Angelo, and this led to widespread flash flooding. Rain totals were rather tame in comparison across the South and Rolling Plains, generally ranging from 1/2 inch to over 1 1/2 inches.

Radar loop from 5:08 to 6:18 am on 28 September 2012 (Friday).

Radar loop from 5:08 to 6:18 am on 28 September 2012 (Friday).

The above radar animation shows the heavy rain as it was first developing across the Permian Basin early Friday morning. This area of rain moved slowly, but eventually did expand northward into the South Plains later in the day. Eventually, a large shield of moderate to heavy rain developed and encompassed much of the Lone Star State by early Saturday morning, as can be seen below. This storm system brought beneficial rains to most of the state, though it did come too fast and furious in some spots.

Radar loop from 8:08 to 7:18 am on 29 September 2012 (Saturday).

Radar loop from 8:08 to 7:18 am on 29 September 2012 (Saturday).

For a list of rainfall totals collected from the WFO Midland office CLICK HERE.

An interactive graphical plot of rainfall totals for this event can be found below.


Rainfall totals, courtesy of the West Texas Mesonet
Toggle 48 Hour Rainfall ending at 6:00 am on 30 September 2012	Toggle 72 Hour Rainfall ending at 6:00 am on 30 September 2012	Toggle 96 Hour Rainfall ending at 6:00 am on 30 September 2012