Hail and Damaging Winds in Texas, May 9, 2026

Name: Hail and Damaging Winds in Texas, May 9, 2026
Start: 2026-05-09T06:55
End: 2026-05-09T10:07
Location: Texas

May 9, 2026 · NWS BRO · 8 events in 3 counties and zones

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: 3
Property damage: $500,000
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 8

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.

Friday night into Saturday, May 8-9, 2026, strong to severe thunderstorms in association with atmospheric disturbances initially developed across Zapata County on the 8th, before redeveloping as a single severe thunderstorm that waxed and waned between Starr and Cameron County on May 9th. Large hail was initially reported in Starr County just after daybreak on the 9th, before the storm re-strengthened in Hidalgo and Cameron County by mid-morning. The episode culminated into a microburst that caused structural damage to roofs, traffic lights, fences, homes, trailers, and power poles as well as trees in central Cameron County. There were 3 injuries, two requiring hospitalization, where poorly constructed mobile-type homes were destroyed.

At least 45,000 customers were without power at peak or just after the storms crossed the populated IH-2 corridor from near McAllen to east of Harlingen, one of the more widespread outages in recent memory.

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 May 9, 5:11 AM CST, 1 hour 44 minutes earlier. Its key messages:

Updated at 607 AM CDT Sat May 9 2026 Key Messages: * There is a continued Marginal Risk (Level 1 of 5) of isolated severe thunderstorms and a Marginal Risk (Level 1 of 4) of isolated flash flooding through tonight into early Saturday across Zapata, Jim Hogg, Starr, and western Hidalgo counties. * These risks remain conditional, but if severe thunderstorms develop, there is a 5% probability of large (1+ inch) hail, damaging winds (60+ mph) and excessive rainfall. * A moderate risk of rip currents will continue into this weekend. * Minor to Moderate (Levels 1 of 4 and 2 of 4) Heat Risks through the weekend.

Area forecast discussion, May 9, 5:11 AM CST, 1 hour 44 minutes before

Area Forecast Discussion...UPDATED
National Weather Service Brownsville TX
611 AM CDT Sat May 9 2026

...New AVIATION...

.KEY MESSAGES...
Updated at 607 AM CDT Sat May 9 2026

Key Messages:

 * There is a continued Marginal Risk (Level 1 of 5) of isolated
   severe thunderstorms and a Marginal Risk (Level 1 of 4) of
   isolated flash flooding through tonight into early Saturday across
   Zapata, Jim Hogg, Starr, and western Hidalgo counties.

 * These risks remain conditional, but if severe thunderstorms
   develop, there is a 5% probability of large (1+ inch) hail,
   damaging winds (60+ mph) and excessive rainfall.

 * A moderate risk of rip currents will continue into this weekend.

 * Minor to Moderate (Levels 1 of 4 and 2 of 4) Heat Risks through
   the weekend.

&&

.DISCUSSION...
Issued at 1013 PM CDT Fri May 8 2026

As mentioned for tonight, the severe weather threat remains marginal
for portions of the mid Valley into the Ranchlands. Most CAMs
continue try to develop Sierra Madre convection into tonight that
eventually makes it way into Deep South Texas. Generally these
models have been highly variable, some bringing in convection by
midnight to the Rio Grande Plains, and others more near daybreak
closer to the mid to lower Valley. So far, any development has
dissipated before reaching the Rio Grande. PWATs this evening
from the sounding at BRO have fallen to 1.68 inches, though
forecast models continue to show higher PWATs near 2 inches across
The upper Valley into the Ranchlands. If any showers or
thunderstorms develop and make it to Deep South Texas, heavy rain
will be possible. Confidence in both severe weather and/or
flooding rainfall remains low to medium.

A mid-level trough will continue to move eastward through Texas this
weekend, with high pressure returning by early next week. At the
surface the stalled frontal boundary is slowly working its way north
before finally exiting the region on Saturday. Rain chances will
continue through Saturday afternoon with conditions drying out
Saturday night into Sunday.

Another front will move south through Deep South Texas on Sunday
night which will once again increase rain chances Sunday night into
Monday morning.

Temperatures will be generally above normal through the forecast
period, though a slight cool off to near or just slightly below
normal for Monday and Tuesday in the wake of a cold front. Minor
to Moderate Heat Risks are expected across Deep South Texas
through the weekend.

There remains a moderate risk of life-threatening rip currents into
this weekend.

&&

.AVIATION...
(12Z TAFS)
Issued at 607 AM CDT Sat May 9 2026

A deteriorating complex of thunderstorms will continue to move
from west to east across the region through the next few hours,
producing a VCTS at the aerodromes. Otherwise, MVFR to VFR will
prevail with light winds and generally mostly cloudy skies.

&&

.MARINE...
Issued at 1013 PM CDT Fri May 8 2026

Generally favorable marine conditions will prevail through the
forecast period. Wave heights of 2 to 4 inches are expected with 6 to
7 second periods.  There does remain a chance for showers and
thunderstorms tonight into Saturday morning that could lead to
locally enhanced winds and seas.

&&

.PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS...
BROWNSVILLE             90  77  91  77 /  20  10  10  30
HARLINGEN               89  74  92  75 /  20   0  10  30
MCALLEN                 90  76  93  76 /  20  10  10  30
RIO GRANDE CITY         90  75  94  74 /  30  10  10  40
SOUTH PADRE ISLAND      83  78  84  78 /  20  10  10  30
BAYVIEW/PORT ISABEL     88  76  89  77 /  20  10  10  30

&&

.BRO WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...None.

&&

In the hours before

Special weather statement, May 9, 6:33 AM CST, 22 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Brownsville TX
733 AM CDT Sat May 9 2026

TXZ252-091315-
Starr TX-
733 AM CDT Sat May 9 2026

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT SOUTHWESTERN STARR COUNTY
THROUGH 815 AM CDT...

At 732 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Fronton, or 9 miles west of Roma, moving east at 35 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and nickel size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

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

Locations impacted include...
Rio Grande City, Roma, Escobares, El Sauz, La Rosita, Garciasville,
Los Alvarez, Fort Ringgold County Park, Garceno, and Starr County
Sheriffs Office.

This includes US Highway 83 between mile markers 794 and 826.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

&&

LAT...LON 2658 9916 2659 9871 2627 9872 2630 9872
      2631 9876 2632 9874 2633 9875 2633 9878
      2637 9880 2635 9890 2639 9893 2637 9895
      2640 9896 2639 9901 2641 9904 2640 9908
      2643 9911 2647 9909 2650 9910 2654 9917
TIME...MOT...LOC 1232Z 277DEG 28KT 2642 9915

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.88 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH

60-BE

The radar

The Brownsville radar (KBRO), 166 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 12:55 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

5 thunderstorm wind, 3 hail. Local standard time, as filed.

Hail, Starr

When: May 9, 6:55 AM CST
Where: Starr County, 0.93 mi NE of Los Saenz
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 26.410, -98.990

The public reported hail up to 0.75 inches in diameter on Bluebird St in Roma, TX.

Thunderstorm Wind, Hidalgo

When: May 9, 8:14 AM CST
Where: Hidalgo County, 1.42 mi WNW of (Mfe)miller Intl Arp
Measured: 54 kt (62 mph) measured gust
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 26.180, -98.250

The ASOS at McAllen/Miller International Airport (KMFE) measured a wind gusts of 54 knots or 62 mph.

Thunderstorm Wind, Hidalgo

When: May 9, 8:20 AM CST
Where: Hidalgo County, 1.24 mi E of San Juan
Measured: 58 kt (67 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 26.180, -98.150

The public reported a large tree limb down near Lincoln and Nebraska Roads in San Juan, TX.

Thunderstorm Wind, Cameron

When: May 9, 9:11 AM CST to 9:33 AM CST
Where: Cameron County, 1.38 mi S of Palmetal to 1.42 mi ENE of Laureles
Measured: 70 kt (81 mph) estimated gust
Injuries: 3 direct, 0 indirect
Property damage: $500,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 26.160, -97.680

Just after 1000 AM CDT May 9, 2026, a strong microburst descended in central Cameron County from a small but potent line of thunderstorms and produced damage along a west-northwest to east-southeast oriented line starting from Harlingen, TX through Laureles, TX. Overall damage was observed to traffic lights, several homes, powerlines, poles, fences, crops, and trees. At least a dozen homes had |various degrees of damage. The worst damage was to a poorly constructed |single wide type structure in Green Valley Farms, where two persons were injured, including an elderly woman who sought shelter underneath the structure and had broken ribs. Another trailer-style residence on Country Boy Road, east of Green Valley Farms, had its roof ripped off, and debris fell onto a teenaged resident's head, requiring hospitalization.

At least five more recreational vehicles/mobile homes - with wheels and unanchored - were damaged. Hundreds of medium to large tree limbs were blown |down. Several signs including one billboard and two restaurant signs were blown down along the track. Power poles and lines were blown down in the same direction (west-northwest to east-southeast). The NWS Damage Survey reported an estimated path length of nearly 13 miles, and an average path width of 2 miles. Detailed notable wind damage reports from the damage survey were as follows:

*1011 AM CDT: Partial roof removal from a greenhouse at Lowe's, and a leaning power pole on the property (east Harlingen)...estimated wind 69 mph.|*1019 AM CDT: Old wooden billboard blown off its pole at intersection of US Highway 77 business and the frontage road. Wind speed estimated at 75 mph. 2.3 miles south-southeast of San Benito.|Wind speed estimated at approximately 75-80 feet AGL (24 meters)|*1021 AM CDT: Poorly constructed roof was ripped off and ended up collapsing, then part ended up behind the structure. Young resident (16 year old girl) was struck by falling debris and injured, requiring hospitalization. 4 miles east-southeast of downtown San Benito (just east of Green Valley Farms)...estimated wind 70 mph.|*1024 AM CDT: Poorly built and unanchored older single wide trailer style home blown away from location and demolished. In background, much of another single-wide was destroyed after roof was ripped off. Eighteen persons were in the structures; two were injured. One elderly woman had broken ribs after sheltering under the home; another had unknown lesser injuries. Several had minor cuts and bruises. Poor construction and full exposure to the wind, commensurate with nearby damage, suggested 75-80 mph wind in Green Valley Farms (4 miles east-southeast of San Benito)|*1025 AM CDT: Very poorly affixed roof was partially ripped off a single-wide, with rusted sheet metal. Wind speed estimated to be close to 70-75 mph per nearby damage (4.5 miles east-southeast of San Benito).|*1026 AM CDT: A dozen wooden telephone poles snapped, likely due to a domino effect. Medium to large limbs of every tree at residence near intersection of Adams and San Jose Road were damaged. Speed here was likely 80 mph (among highest of surveyed area). 4.4 miles east of San Benito. |*1030 AM CDT: Uprooted large and old tree, snapped near the base (uprooted). Many other large limbs down in the neighborhood in west Laureles. Estimated wind speed was 80 mph.|*1033 AM CDT: Damage to mobile home/RV, downed powerlines, and damage to nearby trees on east side of Laureles. Wind speed estimated at 75 mph at this location.

Final damages are unknown, but based on survey results, $500,000 is a fair assessment as of this writing.

Hail, Cameron

When: May 9, 9:21 AM CST
Where: Cameron County, 0.69 mi S of Palmetal
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 26.170, -97.680

The public reported hail up to 0.75 inches in diameter 2 miles south of Harlingen.

Thunderstorm Wind, Cameron

When: May 9, 9:30 AM CST
Where: Cameron County, 1.51 mi NNE of Russellton
Measured: 71 kt (82 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 26.100, -97.570

The mesonet station TWB79 Russell Farms measured a wind gusts of 71 knots or 82 mph.

Thunderstorm Wind, Cameron

When: May 9, 10:00 AM CST
Where: Cameron County, 0.62 mi E of Laguna Vista
Measured: 60 kt (69 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 26.100, -97.290

The mesonet station DW 1996 Laguna Vista measured a wind gusts of 60 knots or 69 mph.

Hail, Cameron

When: May 9, 10:03 AM CST to 10:07 AM CST
Where: Cameron County, 3.79 mi NNE of Port Isabel
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 26.116, -97.168

A public report and video received by an NWS employee indicated hail of various sizes covering the ground along the beach (Gulf Blvd.) in the City of South Padre Island. According to the observer, several hailstones reached golf ball size (1.75) as the storm raced through.

What these are

Hail: Hail three-quarters of an inch or larger, or smaller hail that caused damage, filed with the largest stone measured.
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.

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

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in Texas in 2026 Every state in 2026 This day in weather history Warnings in Texas, May 2026

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: 1337631, 1337640, 1337633, 1337659, 1337632, 1337641, 1337642, 1344447.