Large hail, damaging winds and even a tornado risk threaten parts of Texas

Forecasters are warning that parts of Texas face a Wednesday round of severe weather that could bring large hail, damaging winds and a low but real tornado risk, along with localized flash flooding in West Texas.

The setup comes as a heat dome traps hot air across much of the state, pushing temperatures into the 90s and possibly the 100s in some areas. That same heat is helping fuel storm development.

Panhandle threat

The main severe-weather window is in the Texas Panhandle, where storms are expected Wednesday afternoon and evening, roughly from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. local time.

Forecast hazards there include hail up to 1.5 inches in diameter and wind gusts up to 70 mph. The National Weather Service outlook cited in coverage says damaging wind gusts are the primary threat.

Forecasters say the tornado risk is very low, but not zero, and an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out.

West Texas flooding risk

A separate threat is developing in West Texas, including the Midland-Odessa area and stretches west of the Pecos River Valley, where heavy rain could lead to localized flash flooding.

Coverage notes that cloud cover could keep temperatures there in the low 80s to 90s, with cooler readings overnight in higher elevations.

What to watch

The main question through Wednesday is whether storms intensify enough to trigger severe thunderstorm or tornado warnings later in the day. Forecasters are also watching whether the strongest storms stay focused in the Panhandle or shift farther south or east.

Officials and weather services are expected to update the outlook if storms strengthen or flooding becomes more widespread.