Texas, 2023

Hail and Damaging Winds in Texas, April 28 to 29, 2023

April 28 to 29, 2023 · NWS BRO · 45 events in 5 counties and zones

Strong to severe thunderstorms ahead of a strong cold front raced along the Rio Grande from the evening of April 28th into the morning of April 29th. The initial phase of the storms produced large hail across Zapata and Starr Counties the evening of April 28th.

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.

  • Tornadoes
  • Tropical storms and surge
  • Floods
  • Wind
  • Hail
  • Winter weather
  • Heat and drought
  • Cold
  • Fire, smoke and dust
  • Marine and coastal
  • Other

Open the live radar over this ground

The toll

Deaths
0
Injuries
0
Property damage
$1.8 million
Crop damage
None recorded
Events
45

Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.

What happened

The episode as NWS BRO wrote it up.

Strong to severe thunderstorms ahead of a strong cold front raced along the Rio Grande from the evening of April 28th into the morning of April 29th. The initial phase of the storms produced large hail across Zapata and Starr Counties the evening of April 28th. The storms congealed into a squall line along the Rio Grande in southeastern Starr County and southwestern Hidalgo County just before midnight. This squall line went on to race across southern Hidalgo County, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.

An official NWS Storm Survey concluded the squall line produced several gusts between 75 to 85 mph at the surface, with higher gusts experienced at higher levels. Some of the damage included a plane being destroyed at McAllen-Miller International Airport; numerous poorly anchored roofs lifted off buildings; dozens, if not hundreds, of broken power poles; and dozens of damaged or destroyed billboards.

The storms then went on to produce more damage across southeastern Hidalgo County and into eastern Cameron County early in the morning of April 29th. Another official NWS Storm Survey concluded winds of 70 to 80 mph were experienced here, which downed several trees and power poles, a few metal roofs lifted off and caused numerous power outages.

Total damage was unknown due to the large number of locations impacted. A state disaster declaration was given for Hidalgo County following the event, and dollar damages and recovery costs were expected to be more than $50 million. Those numbers will be updated when available at a later date.

Times listed for individual wind events along the NWS Storm Survey were based on best estimates of when the strongest winds occurred; in general, strongest winds at or above severe limits (58 mph) likely lasted between 5 and 8 minutes either side of the listed time.

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Brownsville, TX wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Apr 28, 4:48 PM CST, 3 hours 58 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Apr 28, 4:48 PM CST, 3 hours 58 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion...UPDATED
National Weather Service Brownsville TX
548 PM CDT Fri Apr 28 2023

...New AVIATION...

.SHORT TERM...
(Tonight through Saturday night)
Issued at 232 PM CDT Fri Apr 28 2023

Warm afternoon weather and elevated dew points in the upper 60s
to lower 70s will help prime and destabilize the atmosphere for
the next round of thunderstorms tonight. A potent, synchronized
fast moving mid-level trough and quick moving surface cold front
is moving into Central Texas now and will move through Deep South
Texas by sunrise Saturday. The CWA is in a slight risk for severe
weather, with the main threats being damaging winds and large hail
associated with strong to severe thunderstorms producing frequent
lightning.

Convection could initiate as early as 5-7 PM over Zapata/Starr
Counties, with these storms strengthening and tracking east through
the RGV anytime between 10 PM and 6 AM. The storms are likely to
consolidate into a Mesoscale Complex (MCS) moving across the CWA as
a squall line similar to last Sunday. Individual discrete cells
could produce large damaging hail while the squall line will be the
wind producer with damaging wind gusts possibly exceeding 70 mph in
some locations. Heavy rainfall could become an issue as the
thunderstorms track across the region.

One more issue with this system is the pressure gradient associated
with the cold front. Cyclogenesis takes place over Central-Northeast
Texas tonight will strengthen the pressure gradient along the Rio
Grande Plains overnight into Saturday morning. A wind advisory may
be needed Saturday morning for much of the CWA.

Mild and drier, breezy to windy weather will prevail Saturday with a
potential wind advisory persisting into afternoon across portions of
the RGV and along the coast. High temps will range from the 70s to
lower 80s and humidity will be noticeably lower.

&&

.LONG TERM...
(Sunday through next Friday)
Issued at 232 PM CDT Fri Apr 28 2023

Near to slightly above temperatures are forecast most of the period
with very limited rain chances. An H5 ridge will be in the process
of building over the Desert Southwest, providing the County
Warning Area (CWA) with lots of sunshine and pleasant conditions
to Sunday into Tuesday. The ridge axis propagates east Tuesday
and is forecast to nudge just east of the CWA by Wednesday night.
Southwesterly flow aloft commences shortly thereafter. A few
ripples in the mean flow will lead to slowly increasing rain
chances later next week. As of now, kept rain chances less than 10
to 15 percent both Wednesday and Thursday with better rain
chances Friday. Still time to sort things out for later next week.
In the meantime, enjoy some calmer weather conditions early next
week.

&&

.AVIATION...
(00Z TAFS)
Issued at 546 PM CDT Fri Apr 28 2023

Strong to severe thunderstorms will affect the aerodromes tonight,
and timing of the convection is based on the HRRR model. Much more
tranquil conditions will occur on Saturday in the wake of the cold
front and disturbance in the middle layers of the atmosphere which
will produce the convection tonight.

&&

.MARINE...
Issued at 232 PM CDT Fri Apr 28 2023

Tonight through Saturday Night...The main story will be a gale
warning hoisted to start at 09Z for all waters in the wake of a cold
front. It may take a couple of hours after 09Z for winds to ramp up
to gale force. Hazardous conditions will continue through the short
term.

Sunday through next Friday...Marine conditions are forecast to be
much calmer Sunday thanks to high pressure overhead. As the high
scoots over the Gulf of Mexico, the pressure gradient will tighten
over the Lower Texas Coast Monday afternoon. This may lead to low
end Small Craft Advisory criteria. Beyond that, high pressure builds
over the western Gulf of Mexico with lighter onshore winds and more
favorable marine conditions expected by the middle of the week.

&&

.FIRE WEATHER...
Issued at 232 PM CDT Fri Apr 28 2023

(Saturday)...Strong northwest winds gusting to 30-40+ mph and
relative humidity values crashing into the 25-40 percent range
behind an early Saturday morning cold front may heighten the fire
weather risk; however, a mitigating factor is recent widespread
rains and additional rain expected tonight. Fuels are wet, and
forecast fuel dryness will likely remain "above normal moisture" on
Saturday.

&&

.PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS...
BROWNSVILLE             63  78  55  85 /  70  10   0   0
HARLINGEN               61  81  53  89 /  80   0   0   0
MCALLEN                 63  82  56  89 /  80   0   0   0
RIO GRANDE CITY         61  83  54  90 /  80   0   0   0
SOUTH PADRE ISLAND      64  76  62  79 /  70  10   0   0
BAYVIEW/PORT ISABEL     61  78  56  83 /  80  10   0   0

&&

.BRO WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
TX...None.
GM...Gale Warning from 4 AM to 6 PM CDT Saturday for GMZ130-132-135-
     150-155-170-175.

&&
Hazardous weather outlook, Apr 28, 5:00 PM CST, 3 hours 46 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook...UPDATED
National Weather Service Brownsville TX
600 PM CDT Fri Apr 28 2023

TXZ248>255-351-353>355-451-454-455-292115-
Zapata-Jim Hogg-Brooks-Inland Kenedy-Starr-Southern Hidalgo-
Inland Willacy-Inland Cameron-Coastal Kenedy-Northern Hidalgo-
Coastal Willacy-Coastal Cameron-Kenedy Island-Willacy Island-
Cameron Island-
600 PM CDT Fri Apr 28 2023

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of Deep South
Texas.

.DAY ONE...Rest of Tonight

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for Zapata, Jim Hogg,
Brooks, and Starr counties until 11 PM CDT tonight.

Scattered strong to severe thunderstorms are possible tonight
with frequent lightning, damaging winds, large hail, and heavy
rainfall possible.

Heavy rainfall associated with any thunderstorm tonight may
produce nuisance flooding of low-lying or poorly-draining areas.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday

An elevated risk of rip currents is possible Saturday through
Wednesday.

Scattered strong to severe thunderstorms are possible into early
Saturday with frequent lightning, damaging winds, large hail, and
heavy rainfall possible.

Heavy rainfall associated with any thunderstorm into early
Saturday may produce nuisance flooding of low-lying or poorly-
draining areas.

A Wind Advisory may be needed late Saturday morning through
Saturday afternoon.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotters are requested to report any severe weather to local law
enforcement or the National Weather Service.

GMZ130-132-135-150-155-170-175-292115-
Laguna Madre from the Port of Brownsville to the Arroyo Colorado-
Laguna Madre from the Arroyo Colorado To 5 NM north of Port
Mansfield TX-
Laguna Madre from 5 nm north of Port Mansfield to Baffin Bay TX-
Gulf waters from Port Mansfield to the Rio Grande out 20 nm-
Gulf waters from Baffin Bay to Port Mansfield out 20 nm-
Gulf waters from Port Mansfield to the Rio Grande extending from
20 to 60 nm-
Gulf waters from Baffin Bay to Port Mansfield extending from
20 to 60 nm-
600 PM CDT Fri Apr 28 2023

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of The Gulf of
Mexico and The Laguna Madre.

.DAY ONE...Rest of Tonight

A Gale Warning is in effect for all coastal waters late tonight.

A few strong to severe thunderstorms are possible tonight.
Frequent lightning, gusty winds, hail, and heavy rain are possible
and may lead to locally higher seas and poor visibility.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday

A Gale Warning is in effect for all coastal waters through
Saturday afternoon. A Gale Warning and Small Craft Advisories may
be needed Saturday into Saturday night.

A few strong to severe thunderstorms are possible into late Saturday
morning. Frequent lightning, gusty winds, hail, and heavy rain
are possible and may lead to locally higher seas and poor
visibility.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotters and Mariners are requested to report any severe weather
to the Coast Guard or the National Weather Service.

In the hours before

Special weather statement, Apr 28, 8:15 PM CST, 31 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Brownsville TX
915 PM CDT Fri Apr 28 2023

TXZ248-290300-
Zapata TX-
915 PM CDT Fri Apr 28 2023

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of northern Zapata
County through 1000 PM CDT...

At 914 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 7
miles south of El Cenizo, or 13 miles north of San Ygnacio, moving
east at 35 mph.

HAZARD...Winds in excess of 30 mph and penny size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
         possible.

Locations impacted include...
Bustamante.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 1100 PM CDT for
Deep South Texas.

&&

LAT...LON 2731 9939 2730 9936 2727 9933 2727 9908
      2726 9899 2693 9913 2707 9944 2709 9943
      2711 9944 2713 9943 2715 9944 2716 9943
      2721 9943 2722 9944 2725 9944 2727 9945
TIME...MOT...LOC 0214Z 288DEG 30KT 2722 9952

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.75 IN
MAX WIND GUST...30 MPH
Special weather statement, Apr 28, 8:18 PM CST, 28 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Brownsville TX
918 PM CDT Fri Apr 28 2023

TXZ249-290300-
Jim Hogg TX-
918 PM CDT Fri Apr 28 2023

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of northern Jim Hogg,
northwestern Brooks and northeastern Zapata Counties through 1000 PM
CDT...

At 918 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Jim Hogg County Airport, or 8 miles west of Hebbronville, moving east
at 35 mph.

HAZARD...Winds in excess of 30 mph and half inch hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
         possible.

Locations impacted include...
Hebbronville, Las Lomitas, Gruy Stadium, Jim Hogg County Airport,
Hebbronville High School, South Fork Estates and Hebbronville Border
Patrol Station.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 1100 PM CDT for
Deep South Texas.

&&

LAT...LON 2734 9855 2734 9852 2727 9852 2726 9853
      2724 9849 2714 9849 2714 9848 2704 9850
      2724 9895 2727 9896 2727 9880 2735 9880
      2735 9879 2736 9863 2734 9862 2734 9859
      2736 9859 2736 9855
TIME...MOT...LOC 0218Z 278DEG 28KT 2731 9882

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN
MAX WIND GUST...30 MPH
Special weather statement, Apr 28, 8:34 PM CST, 12 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Brownsville TX
934 PM CDT Fri Apr 28 2023

TXZ248-290300-
Zapata TX-
934 PM CDT Fri Apr 28 2023

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of southwestern Jim
Hogg and southern Zapata Counties through 1000 PM CDT...

At 934 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Falcon Mesa, or near Zapata, moving east at 55 mph.

HAZARD...Winds in excess of 40 mph and pea size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
         possible.

Locations impacted include...
Zapata, Lopeno, Medina, New Falcon, Zapata High School, Zapata County
Fire Department, Zapata Middle School, Siesta Shores, Zapata County
Public Library and Las Palmas.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 1100 PM CDT for
Deep South Texas.

&&

LAT...LON 2698 9938 2699 9939 2687 9895 2685 9896
      2661 9911 2657 9917 2662 9918 2667 9920
      2672 9921 2675 9924 2679 9924 2682 9926
      2684 9927 2686 9929 2687 9932 2692 9933
      2694 9939 2696 9939
TIME...MOT...LOC 0234Z 284DEG 50KT 2684 9933

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

The radar

The Corpus Christi radar (KCRP), 127 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 02:44 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

39 thunderstorm wind, 6 hail. Local standard time, as filed.

Thunderstorm Wind, Jim Hogg

When
April 28, 8:46 PM CST
Where
Jim Hogg County, 0.61 mi W of Hebbronville
Measured
54 kt (62 mph) measured gust
Reported by
Mesonet
Coordinates
27.320, -98.690

The Hebbronville RAWS site recorded a wind gust of 54 knots at 9:46PM CDT.

Hail, Zapata

When
April 28, 9:05 PM CST
Where
Zapata County, 4.33 mi NNW of Lopeno
Measured
1.75 in hail
Reported by
Law Enforcement
Coordinates
26.780, -99.120

Zapata County Sheriff's Office reported a car swerving off the road in Morales-Sanchez due to hail the size of golf balls.

Hail, Starr

When
April 28, 9:54 PM CST
Where
Starr County, 0.93 mi NE of Falcon Hgts
Measured
1 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
26.560, -99.120

Employee at the Falcon Heights Motel and RV Park reported hail the size of quarters.

Thunderstorm Wind, Starr

When
April 28, 10:10 PM CST to 10:30 PM CST
Where
Starr County, 0.69 mi N of Los Saenz
Measured
56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$30,000
Reported by
River/Stream Gage
Coordinates
26.410, -99.000

Report via social media of damage to trees, billboards, and utility poles in the city of Roma that occurred between 11:10PM CDT and 11:35PM CDT. Damage confirmed by phone call to Roma Police Department.

Hail, Starr

When
April 28, 10:27 PM CST
Where
Starr County, 0.69 mi N of Los Saenz
Measured
1.75 in hail
Reported by
Law Enforcement
Coordinates
26.410, -99.000

Roma Police Department reported hail the size of golf balls in the city of Roma.

Hail, Starr

When
April 28, 10:30 PM CST
Where
Starr County, 1.38 mi N of Ringgold
Measured
1 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
26.390, -98.900

Member of the public shared a picture of hail estimated to be about the size of a quarter.

Hail, Starr

When
April 28, 10:31 PM CST
Where
Starr County, 0.69 mi N of Los Saenz
Measured
1 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
26.410, -99.000

McDonalds in Roma at 104 East Grant Street reported hail the size of quarters.

Hail, Starr

When
April 28, 10:33 PM CST
Where
Starr County, 0.93 mi NW of Villareales
Measured
1.5 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
26.390, -98.890

Member of the public shared pictures of half dollar to ping pong ball hail along Suntex Road in Starr County. Hail sizes are estimated based off pictures. Time estimated by radar.

Thunderstorm Wind, Starr

When
April 28, 10:34 PM CST to 10:45 PM CST
Where
Starr County, 0.62 mi W of Villareales
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
26.380, -98.890

Video on social media shows a tree down near the intersection of Suntex Road and HWY 83 in Starr County. Timing based on radar.

Thunderstorm Wind, Starr

When
April 28, 10:45 PM CST to 11:00 PM CST
Where
Starr County, 4.55 mi ENE of Garciasville
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
26.340, -98.630

Member of the public shared a picture of a large tree limb, the base of which was approximated 6 to 8 inches in diameter, from a Mesquite tree blown across FM2360 near La Victoria in Starr County. Time is estimated based on radar.

Thunderstorm Wind, Hidalgo

When
April 28, 10:55 PM CST to 11:05 PM CST
Where
Hidalgo County, 2.16 mi NNE of Carrizelos to 1.13 mi N of Sullivan City
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
26.300, -98.560

Video shared by a member of the public shows several large trees down along El Pinto Road near Rosendo Benavides Elementary School. Time estimated by radar.

Thunderstorm Wind, Hidalgo

When
April 28, 10:59 PM CST to 11:05 PM CST
Where
Hidalgo County, 1.42 mi WNW of La Toya to 1.29 mi WNW of La Toya
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
26.240, -98.490

Member of the publics shows several mesquite trees down along Garza Avenue north of Military road. Time estimated by radar.

Thunderstorm Wind, Hidalgo

When
April 28, 11:02 PM CST to 11:10 PM CST
Where
Hidalgo County, 3.51 mi N of Penitas
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
26.280, -98.440

Video from the public shows the metal roof of a carport peeled back near the intersection of Mile 3 Road and Tom Gill Road. Time estimated by radar.

Thunderstorm Wind, Hidalgo

When
April 28, 11:05 PM CST to 11:15 PM CST
Where
Hidalgo County, 6.1 mi N of Penitas
Measured
75 kt (86 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$40,000
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
26.318, -98.452

A member of the public shared pictures with an NWS employee of significant damage to a mobile home trailer. The pictures show the mobile home destroyed with only one wall still standing. Timing estimated by radar.

Thunderstorm Wind, Hidalgo

When
April 28, 11:08 PM CST to 11:20 PM CST
Where
Hidalgo County, 2.75 mi WNW of Mission
Measured
70 kt (81 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$20,000
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
26.232, -98.362

A member of the public shared pictures of the Burger King in Palmview with its windows blown out around the play area. It's located at the intersection of Frontage Road and La Homa Road. Timing estimated from radar.

Thunderstorm Wind, Hidalgo

When
April 28, 11:14 PM CST to 11:20 PM CST
Where
Hidalgo County, 0.93 mi SE of Mission
Measured
57 kt (66 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$20,000
Reported by
Broadcast Media
Coordinates
26.210, -98.310

Broadcast media shared a picture of a few food trucks and trailers flipped over near the intersection of Bryan Road and Business 83 near Mission City Hall. Time estimated by radar.

Thunderstorm Wind, Hidalgo

When
April 28, 11:20 PM CST to 11:40 PM CST
Where
Hidalgo County, 0.93 mi SW of Mc Allen
Measured
64 kt (74 mph) measured gust
Reported by
ASOS
Coordinates
26.190, -98.240

The ASOS station at McAllen-Miller International Airport observed winds equaling or exceeding 50 knots between 12:20AM CDT and 12:40AM CDT before briefly losing power shortly thereafter. The strongest wind gust of 64 knots was recorded at 12:34AM CDT. There was significant damage in and around the airport, including a Cessna that had been flipped and a Gulfstream aircraft that had been moved. Damage at the airport is listed in a later report from the NWS Storm Survey.

Thunderstorm Wind, Hidalgo

When
April 28, 11:20 PM CST to 11:30 PM CST
Where
Hidalgo County, 2.83 mi SSW of Edinburg Muni Arpt to 2.9 mi SSW of Edinburg Muni Arpt
Measured
60 kt (69 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
26.260, -98.210

Member of the public shared pictures of damage to several large oak trees, including several large branches about 8 to 12 inches in diameter, that had snapped. Timing estimated by radar.

Thunderstorm Wind, Hidalgo

When
April 28, 11:22 PM CST to 11:30 PM CST
Where
Hidalgo County, 0.69 mi S of Mission
Measured
55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates
26.210, -98.320

Weslaco Fire Marshal reported damage to four to five trees in his neighborhood in Mission.

Thunderstorm Wind, Hidalgo

When
April 28, 11:22 PM CST to 11:30 PM CST
Where
Hidalgo County, 0.69 mi N of Shayland
Measured
60 kt (69 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
26.230, -98.280

Member of the public called in to report several trees that were uprooted along with several others that lost tree limbs. Timing based on their report and radar.

Thunderstorm Wind, Hidalgo

When
April 28, 11:23 PM CST to 11:30 PM CST
Where
Hidalgo County, 1.24 mi W of San Juan
Measured
70 kt (81 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$20,000
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
26.180, -98.190

Several citizens reported several large trees and traffic signs down along with stop signs pulled out of the ground along Highway 495 and Sugar Road. Timing estimated by radar.

Thunderstorm Wind, Hidalgo

When
April 28, 11:25 PM CST
Where
Hidalgo County, 1.45 mi SSE of Mission to 1.74 mi SSE of Mission
Measured
65 kt (75 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$90,000
Reported by
NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates
26.201, -98.311

An NWS Storm Survey found roofing material still in plastic along with pull back of cinder block cladding near the intersection of S Bryan Road and W Frontage Road. A little ways east, a large billboard and pole fell onto vehicles. Pole was anchored into dirt, but sitting on high water from recent rains and uprooted. Lower wind speeds used based on poor anchoring and lack of surrounding damage.

Thunderstorm Wind, Hidalgo

When
April 28, 11:28 PM CST to 11:30 PM CST
Where
Hidalgo County, 1.98 mi NNE of Shayland to 2.03 mi NNW of Mc Allen
Measured
70 kt (81 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$200,000
Reported by
NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates
26.246, -98.266

An NWS Storm Survey found a McAllen Public Works truck impaled with 2x4s that were lofted into the front passengers side near the intersection of Nolana Ave W and N Bensten Road. The 2x4s was pulled from a weakly constructed wood scaffold nearby. Additional reports of semi-trucks turned over were reported by the broadcast media in the Walmart parking a few blocks east along Nolana Loop. Additional damage was found along N 23rd St with columns, which were rusted, of a gas station canopy bent near the base at the corner of N 23rd Street and Daffodil Ave. There was also minor metal damage to the roof of an abandoned car wash along N 23rd St across from McAllen High School.

Thunderstorm Wind, Hidalgo

When
April 28, 11:29 PM CST
Where
Hidalgo County, 1.48 mi W of Mc Allen to 0.7 mi WSW of Mc Allen
Measured
74 kt (85 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$100,000
Reported by
NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates
26.203, -98.254

An NWS Storm Survey found more than 50 percent of shingles off on a two story building with full exposure to the west-northwest along S 29th St in McAllen. To the southeast of there, a tin roof and over a dozen trusses and rafters were taken off a lumber store and blown across the road. Additionally, the parapet roof over the Ross Department store was partially blown off. The roof was approximately 50 feet off the ground.

Thunderstorm Wind, Hidalgo

When
April 28, 11:30 PM CST
Where
Hidalgo County, 3.71 mi SW of Edinburg Muni Arpt
Measured
65 kt (75 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$50,000
Reported by
NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates
26.260, -98.240

The canopy over the gas pumps at the Exxon Gas station at the corner of Lark and N 23rd Street was blown over and pushed partially across the road. An official NWS Storm Survey team looked at the poles to the canopy and found that several of them had rust, which led to a slightly lower wind rating. Timing based on radar.

Thunderstorm Wind, Hidalgo

When
April 28, 11:30 PM CST to 11:40 PM CST
Where
Hidalgo County, Pharr
Measured
65 kt (75 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
26.200, -98.180

Member of the public shared an image of the roof blown off the Car Check Auto Service and Ultimate Dental Care building at the corner of N Cage Blvd and W Clark Ave. Timing estimated by radar.

Thunderstorm Wind, Hidalgo

When
April 28, 11:30 PM CST
Where
Hidalgo County, 1.68 mi WNW of Mc Allen to 0.72 mi WNW of Mc Allen
Measured
74 kt (85 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$150,000
Reported by
NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates
26.207, -98.256

An NWS Storm Survey found extensive damage along W Business 83 in McAllen. A poorly constructed roof and cinderblock wall with no bond beam caused a portion of the roof to collapse; the wall was about 35 feet high and fully exposed. A decently constructed metal roof system was partially torn off along with a garage door partially caved in at the intersection of N 22nd St and Beech Ave. The Linares Auto Center sign was also blown over at the corner of Business 83 and S 21st Street. The sign was mounted in concrete with some rust. It also fell on at least 3 cars in the parking lot.

The strongest wind indicator was along S 20th St just south of Business 83 where wooden poles were bent or snapped along with several large tree limbs down.

Thunderstorm Wind, Hidalgo

When
April 28, 11:32 PM CST
Where
Hidalgo County, (Mfe)miller Intl Arp to 0.75 mi NW of (Mfe)miller Intl Arp
Measured
74 kt (85 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$250,000
Reported by
NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates
26.170, -98.230

An NWS Storm Survey in and around the McAllen-Miller International Airport found a Cessna had been flipped onto its roof and a Gulfstream jet turned and pushed into the grass by strong thunderstorm winds. The McAllen-Miller International Airport ASOS (KMFE) officially recorded a wind gust of 74 mph before losing power. Wind estimates were closer to 74 knots, or 85 mph, due to the flipping of the Cessna. Additional damage was found downstream, or east, of the airport with large oak tree branches having been snapped and one oak tree snapped near its base at the McAllen Country Club. The roof of the Radisson Hotel McAllen Airport (0.5-1 mile east-southeast of the airport) was partially blown off and fell onto cars in the parking lot. The survey crew was told the roof was 3 years old with the building older than that. Decking was estimated to have been 55 feet above ground level and was fully exposed from the west. While winds are estimated to have been 74 knots, or 85 mph, it is possible higher winds were experienced at the roofline. Timing based on KMFE wind gusts before losing power.

Thunderstorm Wind, Hidalgo

When
April 28, 11:35 PM CST
Where
Hidalgo County, 1.24 mi W of Pharr
Measured
70 kt (81 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$15,000
Reported by
NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates
26.200, -98.200

An official NWS Survey found several sections of netting ripped at the Topgolf in Pharr. Timing estimated by radar.

Thunderstorm Wind, Hidalgo

When
April 28, 11:43 PM CST to 11:50 PM CST
Where
Hidalgo County, 1.42 mi WSW of Weslaco
Measured
65 kt (75 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$20,000
Reported by
Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates
26.160, -98.000

The Fire Chief for Weslaco called and reported several business signs either damaged or blown down along Business 83. The largest sign blown down was an 8 foot tall Long John Silvers sign. An NWS Survey found there to be rust at the bottom of the sign, which kept wind estimates from being higher.

Thunderstorm Wind, Hidalgo

When
April 28, 11:47 PM CST to 11:50 PM CST
Where
Hidalgo County, 3.78 mi S of Donna to 0.96 mi SSW of Progreso
Measured
70 kt (81 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$150,000
Reported by
NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates
26.115, -98.053

An NWS Storm Survey found damage to a large, corrugated light steel fence that was blown down along S FM493 a few miles south of Donna. There were several other areas of damage between there and the intersection of Calle Santiago and Creager Road. That damage included a low masonry wall of about 4 feet in height blown over at intersection of Midway Road and W 34th St; and several buildings, including homes, with partial loss of the roof of vinyl/metal siding along S Texas Blvd on the west side of Progreso.

Thunderstorm Wind, Hidalgo

When
April 28, 11:50 PM CST to April 29, 11:50 PM CST
Where
Hidalgo County, 0.79 mi ESE of Progreso to 1.3 mi WNW of Retampego
Measured
70 kt (81 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$150,000
Reported by
NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates
26.095, -97.959

An NWS Storm Survey found some metal roof damage to Dorothy Thompson Middle School in Progreso. Additional damage was found in and around the town of Progreso, including several large tree branches down and a large tree partially uprooted at the corner of Creager Road and S Mile 2 W on the southeast side of Progreso. There was also significant damage to the roof of a large metal warehouse just east of the intersection of Creager Road and S Mile 2 W.

Thunderstorm Wind, Hidalgo

When
April 28, 11:53 PM CST to 11:55 PM CST
Where
Hidalgo County, 2.2 mi WSW of Retampego to 1.92 mi WSW of Retampego
Measured
70 kt (81 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$200,000
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
26.066, -97.952

A member of the public shared several pictures from the Progreso Port of Entry area showing damage to several grain silos and apparatus on the top of the silos. A few pictures in particular show a grain silo caved in. One limiting factor from going higher is the lack of damage to nearby mobile office structures in the foreground.

Thunderstorm Wind, Hidalgo

When
April 28, 11:55 PM CST
Where
Hidalgo County, 0.69 mi S of Weslaco
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) measured gust
Property damage
$50,000
Reported by
ASOS
Coordinates
26.160, -97.980

The ASOS station at the Mid Valley Airport (KTXW) recorded a wind gust of 50 knots at 12:55AM CDT.

Thunderstorm Wind, Hidalgo

When
April 28, 11:55 PM CST to April 29, 11:55 PM CST
Where
Hidalgo County, 1.89 mi NE of Retampego to 3.53 mi ENE of Retampego
Measured
70 kt (81 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$150,000
Reported by
NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates
26.098, -97.897

An NWS Storm Survey in southeastern Hidalgo County found metal roofs, large tree branches snapped, the top of a small palm tree snapped off and flung several yards, numerous power poles downed and a destroyed mobile home along Mile 3 Rd N between FM491 and Mile 2 E.

Thunderstorm Wind, Cameron

When
April 28, 11:59 PM CST to April 29, 12:01 AM CST
Where
Cameron County, 3.83 mi E of Retampego to 7.04 mi E of Retampego
Measured
74 kt (85 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$10,000
Reported by
NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates
26.083, -97.858

An NWS Storm Survey found several areas of damage in and around the Santa Maria area in southwestern Cameron County. Most of the damage was to hard and softwood trees with several large branches snapped or broken. There was also a power pole that was broken on the west side of Santa Maria and a semi trailer blown over on the east side of town.

Thunderstorm Wind, Cameron

When
April 29, 12:01 AM CST
Where
Cameron County, 1.29 mi W of La Feria
Measured
65 kt (75 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$5,000
Reported by
NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates
26.152, -97.851

An NWS Storm Survey found several power poles and transmission lines blown down along US 83 near Bixby Road in western Cameron County.

Thunderstorm Wind, Cameron

When
April 29, 12:07 AM CST to 12:10 AM CST
Where
Cameron County, 0.64 mi WNW of Los Indios to 0.43 mi SSW of Landrum
Measured
70 kt (81 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$20,000
Reported by
NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates
26.054, -97.759

An NWS Storm Survey found several down trees and a partially peeled back roof of an industrial warehouse in the Los Indios area of Cameron County.

Thunderstorm Wind, Cameron

When
April 29, 12:12 AM CST to 12:14 AM CST
Where
Cameron County, 1.53 mi NNW of Harlingen to 1.35 mi NE of Palmetal
Measured
61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$20,000
Reported by
NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates
26.201, -97.708

An NWS Storm Survey found several tree branches down in the Harlingen area, including one near the intersection of W Wichita Ave and Fair Park Blvd. On the eastern side of Harlingen, several windows were blown out at the Cardenas BMW on N Ed Carey Dr. The ASOS at Valley International Airport in Harlingen was used as a guide for estimating wind gusts and timing.

Thunderstorm Wind, Cameron

When
April 29, 12:14 AM CST to 12:22 AM CST
Where
Cameron County, 1.51 mi NNW of Palmetal
Measured
53 kt (61 mph) measured gust
Reported by
ASOS
Coordinates
26.200, -97.690

The ASOS station at Valley International Airport in Harlingen recorded a wind gust of 53 knots at 1:14AM CDT. Additional wind gusts over 50 knots were recorded between 1:14AM CDT and 1:22AM CDT.

Thunderstorm Wind, Cameron

When
April 29, 12:25 AM CST to 12:30 AM CST
Where
Cameron County, 0.93 mi NW of Brownsville
Measured
56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
25.930, -97.510

Member of the public shared two large trees either uprooted or snapped near the base of the tree near the intersection of Del Mar and Russell Avenue. Timing based on radar.

Thunderstorm Wind, Cameron

When
April 29, 12:30 AM CST to 12:35 AM CST
Where
Cameron County, 2.16 mi NNW of Portway Acres
Measured
55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
25.950, -97.480

Member of the public shared a picture of several large trees down at the corner of Ruben Torres and Hudson Blvd, or near the Walmart. Timing estimated by radar.

Thunderstorm Wind, Cameron

When
April 29, 12:33 AM CST to 12:38 AM CST
Where
Cameron County, 1.51 mi SSE of Port Isabel Arpt
Measured
54 kt (62 mph) measured gust
Reported by
ASOS
Coordinates
26.150, -97.340

The ASOS at Cameron County Airport recorded wind gusts of 54 knots between 1:33AM CDT and 1:38AM CDT.

Thunderstorm Wind, Cameron

When
April 29, 12:36 AM CST to 12:46 AM CST
Where
Cameron County, 1.14 mi WSW of (Bro)brownsville Arp to 0.59 mi SSE of (Bro)brownsville Arp
Measured
53 kt (61 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$20,000
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
25.911, -97.436

An official with the Brownsville-South Padre Island International Airport reported some minor damage to a few hangers on the property. A portion of the roof of a hanger on the northeastern side of the property caved in slightly, allowing water to enter the hanger. The garage door on the northwest side of the property had a garage door blown in. They also reported minor flooding to the terminal, which was likely caused by wind driven rain. The ASOS at the airport was used as a guide for timing and strength of the wind.

Thunderstorm Wind, Cameron

When
April 29, 12:41 AM CST
Where
Cameron County, 0.93 mi NW of Portway Acres
Measured
53 kt (61 mph) measured gust
Reported by
ASOS
Coordinates
25.930, -97.480

The ASOS at the Brownsville/SPI International Airport (KBRO) recorded a wind gust of 53 knots at 1:41AM CDT.

What these are

Thunderstorm Wind
Winds from a thunderstorm of 50 knots (58 mph) or more, or lower winds that caused damage or casualties. Measured gusts are marked MG, estimated EG.
Hail
Hail three-quarters of an inch or larger, or smaller hail that caused damage, filed with the largest stone measured.

After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.

The same day elsewhere

More

Every storm in Texas in 2023Every state in 2023This day in weather historyWarnings in Texas, April 2023

Sources

NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 1084256, 1084245, 1084247, 1084253, 1084248, 1084249, 1084250, 1084251, 1084254, 1084255, 1084432, 1084433, 1084434, 1084477, 1084478, 1084436, 1084257, 1084437, 1084440, 1084441, 1084446, 1084450, 1084454, 1084452, 1084439, 1084443, 1084451, 1084453, 1084442, 1084445, 1084455, 1084464, 1084476, 1084261, 1084468, 1084472, 1084475, 1084473, 1084474, 1084263, and more.