One Year Later: What Levelland Learned from May 29

By West Texas Wire

It’s been one year since a powerful straight-line wind event swept through Levelland on May 29, 2024, leaving behind millions in property damage and a city changed.

No lives were lost that night, but the scars were deep. From a collapsed communications tower on the west side of town, to a flooded water department, a damaged fire station roof to long nights without power, the community was tested in ways it hadn’t been in decades. What followed was nothing short of remarkable: neighbors helping neighbors, volunteers pouring into the streets before dawn, and a city workforce that mobilized without hesitation.

This week, in the wake of two tornado warnings that triggered sirens across town, the memory of last year felt closer than ever.

In our first episode of Unscripted, Under the Wire, West Texas Wire sat down with Levelland City Manager James Fisher for a behind-the-scenes look at what happens when the sirens go off, including who responds, what’s at stake, and how Levelland has grown stronger in the year since.

What Happens When the Sirens Sound?

Despite the common term, they’re not just “tornado sirens” anymore. Today, they’re outdoor warning systems activated when severe weather poses a threat—sometimes triggered by the National Weather Service, other times by local emergency officials like Emergency Management Coordinator Cole Kirkland.

When those sirens go off, Fisher explained, the wheels start turning instantly. Calls go out. Briefings from storm chasers and radar data pour in. And if needed, the mayor and council are alerted to brace for community-wide coordination.

“The last thing we want,” Fisher said, “is for people to get so used to hearing them that they stop paying attention.”

That was a real risk last week, when tornado warnings touched the outer edges of city-designated alert zones two nights in a row, which raised new questions about how to keep people alert without inducing panic. According to Fisher, those are conversations the city is actively having.

🌾 Reaching Rural Residents—Before It's Too Late

While city residents have easier access to information and shelters, those living outside city limits—especially in manufactured homes or older structures—face much greater risks.

“Cole and I have been having real conversations about this,” Fisher said. “We’re asking: how do we better communicate with folks who live out in the country? They may not have the same warning systems. Their homes may not be safe. And they need to know when it’s time to move.”

The city is actively exploring new methods of outreach—whether through expanded SkyWarn text alert systems, neighborhood-based communication strategies, or even more proactive emergency education for rural households.

“It’s not just about having a siren,” Fisher said. “It’s about making sure people hear it, understand what it means, and have somewhere safe to go.”

🧰 What Changed Since Last Year?

The storm exposed some critical vulnerabilities. Undersized generators failed. Maintenance records were incomplete. A major communication tower was lost, reducing coverage for first responders.

But the city took those lessons to heart.

• A new 300-foot tower is now being built to improve emergency communication citywide.

• The fire station—a central hub during last year’s storm—will be upgraded to better serve as a safe haven for both emergency response and displaced residents.

• FEMA support is helping rebuild damaged infrastructure, and new policies are being put in place to ensure long-term sustainability and preparedness.

“We’re still learning. We’re still adjusting,” Fisher said. “But we’re better than we were last year. And we’re going to keep getting better.”

💛 The People Who Showed Up

Beyond the planning and paperwork, it was the people, from city staff and volunteers to businesses andneighbors, who carried Levelland through the worst of it.

“They showed up before we even asked,” Fisher recalled. “Just walked in and said, ‘Where do you need me?’”

And when the fire station became a safe space for families simply needing somewhere to breathe, local food truck operators arrived too—not just to feed first responders, but to feed anyone who needed comfort.

That’s the heart of Levelland.

🌤️ A City Worth Celebrating

With this episode, West Texas Wire launches a new video series: Unscripted, Under the Wire—where we sit down with local leaders to talk candidly about current issues, real challenges, and the people who make this city worth calling home.

Levelland isn’t perfect. But it’s resilient. And every time the sirens sound, we’re reminded just how strong this community really is.

Watch the full episode now.Stay informed. Stay connected. And stay proud, Levelland.