Lubbock sits at about 3,200 feet in the middle of the South Plains, where Yellow House Draw and Blackwater Draw join in Mackenzie Park to start Yellow House Canyon. The city is among the windiest in the country, spring brings tornado and large hail risk, and the May 11, 1970 F5 tornado remains a defining event in local memory.
Fire & Water Energy is strictly a referral service. When you phone (866) 937-3230, we try to reach an independent restoration contractor who works in Lubbock and the surrounding South Plains. We can't promise who is free; that depends on local providers. Please read how it works and the referral disclosure to understand our role.
Llano Estacado weather: hail, wind, cold and the 1970 tornado
Rainfall averages about 18.33 inches, much of it from spring and summer thunderstorms, and the city averages 7 inches of snow. Winds average 12.4 mph, enough to rank among the ten windiest U.S. cities. Winter mornings often fall below freezing, and the record low is -17°F from February 8, 1933. Many city parks hold playa lakes that collect runoff from the flat land around them.
On May 11, 1970, an F5 tornado cut an 8.5-mile path from southwest of downtown to the airport, killing 26 people and damaging about 8,800 family units. Hail that night reached 4 inches south of the city. FEMA declarations including Lubbock County since 2000 cover Hurricane Rita (2005), the 2006 Extreme Wildfire Threat, Hurricane Alex (2010), storms in 2015 and 2016 and the 2021 Severe Winter Storms.
Hail leaks, frozen plumbing and water damage repair
Hail is often the starting point: cracked shingles, broken skylights and punctured vents let the next storm's rain into attics and ceilings. Cold snaps can split pipes in exterior walls, crawlspaces and garages, and the leak may not show until thaw. Water heaters, supply lines and evaporative or central cooling systems add their own leaks.
Contractors handling water damage restoration in Lubbock usually stop the source, extract water, use meters to find moisture behind walls and under flooring, cut out ruined materials, and dry with dehumidifiers and air movers. Details live on our ceiling water damage repair and water damage repair pages.
Federal disaster declarations that included Lubbock County
FEMA records show Lubbock County was included in 6 major disaster declarations for weather or fire events from 2000 through 2026 (2 severe storm, 2 hurricane, 1 severe ice storm, 1 fire, by FEMA incident type). Declarations are made at the county level, so they do not mean every neighborhood in Lubbock was affected. The most recent:
- 2021 – Severe Winter Storms (DR-4586)
- 2016 – Severe Winter Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding (DR-4255)
- 2015 – Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds and Flooding (DR-4223)
- 2010 – Hurricane Alex (DR-1931)
- 2006 – Extreme Wildfire Threat (DR-1624)
- 2005 – Hurricane Rita (DR-1606)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries, retrieved 2026-10-10. Counts include major disaster (DR) declarations with hurricane, flood, severe storm, tropical storm, fire, tornado, coastal storm, winter or ice storm, mudslide and dam/levee incident types.
Water, fire or storm damage in Lubbock?
Call (866) 937-3230 and tell us what happened at your Lubbock property.
Grass fires, dry wind and smoke inside the home
Dry air and constant wind can push grass fires quickly across open land, and Lubbock County was included in FEMA's 2006 Extreme Wildfire Threat declaration. Wind also drives smoke and fine dust through gaps around windows and doors.
Most house fires still start with cooking, heating equipment or wiring. Restoration companies commonly test residue, vacuum and dry-sponge soot, wash surfaces, clean ductwork and treat odor. Older homes in areas like the South Overton Residential Historic District may need gentler cleaning of original finishes. See fire damage restoration and smoke odor removal for more.
Storm cleanup after South Plains thunderstorms
Severe storms here bring hail, damaging straight-line winds and occasionally tornadoes. Roof tarping and board-up of broken windows usually come first, then debris removal and interior drying. Intense rain on flat ground can also send water into garages and low entries, since runoff collects in playas and low streets.
Water entering from outside is treated as contaminated; affected carpet pad and drywall are usually removed and surfaces disinfected. Learn about storm damage cleanup and flood cleanup.
Mold after a hidden leak
The semi-dry air helps exposed surfaces dry, but mold still grows inside walls, under flooring or in attic insulation that stays damp after a hail leak or burst pipe. Musty smells and stains that keep spreading are the usual clues.
The EPA says patches smaller than about 10 square feet can often be cleaned by homeowners once moisture is fixed. Larger areas, or growth after contaminated water, usually call for mold remediation with containment.
Safety first in Lubbock after a storm or fire
- Call 911 for injuries, fire, gas odors or downed power lines.
- During tornado warnings, go to an interior room on the lowest floor.
- Stay off a hail-damaged roof, especially when it is wet or windy.
- Shut off water at the main if a pipe bursts, and keep away from wet outlets.
- Photograph hail damage, broken windows and interior stains before repairs.
- Ask your insurer or agent how your policy treats hail, wind and water.
Neighborhoods and nearby communities
Areas in and around Lubbock that callers often mention include:
- Depot District
- South Overton Residential Historic District
- Holden Properties Historic District
- Texas Technological College Historic District
Nearby communities with their own pages (straight-line distance from Lubbock):
- Big Spring · 94 mi
- Portales, NM · 95 mi
- Hobbs, NM · 96 mi
- Clovis, NM · 96 mi
- Eunice, NM · 109 mi
- Midland · 110 mi
Lubbock restoration FAQs
When is hail season in Lubbock?
Tornadoes and very large hail are most likely in spring, though severe storms can continue into summer. Checking your roof and gutters after each major storm helps you catch damage before the next rain.
How can hail cause water damage inside?
Hail can crack shingles, skylights and vents without obvious signs from the ground. The next rain then seeps into insulation and drywall. Ceiling stains or damp attic insulation are common first signs.
How cold does it get, and should I worry about pipes?
Winter mornings often drop below freezing, and the record low is -17°F. Pipes in exterior walls, crawlspaces and garages are most at risk, so insulate them and know where your main shutoff is.
Do you take calls from Levelland or Plainview?
We take calls from the wider area, including Levelland and Plainview. We will try to connect you with an independent contractor who serves your location, but availability varies.
Does wind-blown dust complicate smoke cleanup?
It can. Dust and fine soot both settle into carpets, ducts and soft furnishings, so contractors often clean HVAC systems and replace filters as part of the job.
Restoration guides
- Storm Damage Cleanup
- Ceiling Water Damage Repair
- Water Damage Repair
- Fire Damage Restoration
- Smoke Odor Removal
- Mold Remediation