Hailstorm devastates wheat crops in Deaf Smith and Randall counties, Texas
A severe hailstorm struck Deaf Smith and Randall Counties, Texas, on June 4, 2025, causing significant damage to wheat crops. The storm, with hail up to tennis ball size, disrupted farming operations during a critical growing period.
A severe hailstorm hit 22.5 km (14 miles) south of Vega in Deaf Smith County. The storm produced hail of tennis ball size, accompanied by heavy rainfall. This combination caused immediate physical damage to wheat crops and complicated field access for farmers. The storm’s timing, during the wheat growing season, amplified its impact on agricultural operations.
A local farmer reported extensive crop damage, referring to the storm as the “great white combine,” a term for crop failure. Unlike the preferred “green and yellow combine” of successful harvests, this event threatened farmers’ livelihoods.
The storm also caused infrastructure damage, with a retired farmer reporting broken trees, shattered skylights, and roof damage. Recovery efforts are expected to be costly and time-consuming.
The Texas Panhandle’s topography, including the Caprock Escarpment, contributes to severe convective storms. Moist Gulf air and dry desert air interactions create conditions for supercell thunderstorms.
References:
1 Hailstorm wreaks havoc on Deaf Smith, Randall County farms, damaging wheat crops – ABC 7 Amarillo – June 6, 2025
Featured image credit: ABC7 (stillshot from video)
Reet is a science journalist and researcher with a keen focus on extreme weather, space phenomena, and climate-related issues. With a strong foundation in astronomy and a history of environmental activism, she approaches every story with a sharp scientific lens and a deep sense of purpose. Driven by a lifelong love for writing, and a curiosity about the universe, Reet brings urgency and insight to some of the most important scientific developments of our time.
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