This wind this past Tuesday was something.

According to the National Weather Service, Lubbock’s top sustained wind hit 54 miles per hour, with a peak gust of 73 miles per hour. That’s not a breeze. That’s a personality trait.

I sure hope you weren’t wearing a skirt or kilt that day.

Around here, plastic bags and fast-food wrappers going airborne don’t even register. That’s background noise. But as I was making a quick trip up North University, I saw something extremely large crossing the road. It hit me that most people outside of Lubbock wouldn’t believe the things that go airborne here.

Ten Items That Are Found In The West Texas Wind

Here are ten that locals barely blink at — but outsiders would swear we’re exaggerating.

1. Trampolines

I had no idea how many people owned trampolines until I saw them wrapped around trees like modern art installations. Apparently, they’re not yard equipment — they’re temporary aircraft.

2. Tumbleweeds

Yes, they’re expected. But what outsiders don’t understand is that some of these things are the size of compact cars. You don’t “step over” them. You yield.

3. Seat Cushions

I’ve found at least three in my yard. Folks try to make patio furniture comfortable, but if those cushions aren’t tied down, they’re headed to Amarillo.

4. Realtor and Political Signs

These things are literally engineered to catch wind. Temporary campaign signs especially — they don’t stand a chance. One good gust and they’re canvassing a new zip code.

5. Storage Containers/Bins

I would’ve sworn they were too heavy. But yes, that’s what I saw Tuesday. The wind doesn’t negotiate. It relocates.

6. Kiddie Pools

Whether leftover from summer swims or doubling as a dog bath, these things can travel. A 73-mph gust turns them into flying saucers.

7. Trucker Caps

I almost lost mine. You haven’t lived until you’ve watched your hat cartwheel down 34th Street while you debate whether it’s worth chasing.

8. Cardboard Boxes

This seems obvious — until you see a refrigerator-sized box glide across an intersection like it has somewhere important to be.

9. Grill Covers

Public service announcement: buy the weighted kind. Otherwise, congratulations — you’ve donated it to the greater South Plains.

10. Roofing Shingles

Oh yes. The wind doesn’t just mess with your patio — it audits your roof. Shingles sailing down the street like oversized playing cards is peak West Texas.

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As you can tell, in Lubbock you quit asking “What was that?” and start thinking, “Who does that belong to?”. The wind does not play in the Hub City.

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