Deadly Tornado Strikes South Texas Amid Climate Change Threat

A strong tornado that struck a neighborhood at the southern point of Texas early on Saturday morning damaged dozens of homes and downed power lines, according to police. One person was killed as a result, and a curfew was put in place.

Death and significant property damage caused by a tornado

(Photo : Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

Tom Hushen, the emergency management coordinator for Cameron County, at least 10 additional patients were admitted to hospitals, including two who were given serious condition statuses. Numerous locals also picked up wounds and bruises, as per Phys.org.

To lessen the impact of this public health and safety situation, Eddie Trevio Jr., the judge of Cameron County, announced a midnight curfew for individuals who are 17 years old. This curfew is anticipated to terminate on May 16.

A further restriction forbids tourists from Laguna Heights from entering the residential areas of the city.

At around 4 a.m., the tornado struck. In the unincorporated village of Laguna Heights, off the coast of the Gulf of Mexico, across from South Padre Island, most inhabitants were asleep in their houses. 

The county has one of Texas' highest rates of poverty and is dotted with substandard housing.

There was no advance warning. Instead, the first warning of a tornado went out at the same time it was touching ground, said Barry Goldsmith, a warning coordination meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Brownsville.

Due to what happened to his mobile home, 42-year-old Roberto Flores passed away after essentially being crushed, according to Trevio.

The meteorological service classified the storm as an EF1 tornado after measuring wind speeds of 86-110 mph (138-177 kph). It only persisted for two to four minutes, but it devastated the neighborhood.

Up to 60 residences sustained damage. A disaster declaration was approved by the county court, and 38 individuals were receiving assistance from a makeshift shelter in the neighboring city of Port Isabel.

Laguna Heights, located about 20 miles (32 km) northeast of Brownsville, Texas, is not vulnerable to tornadoes despite the activity this spring, according to meteorologist Angelica Soria with the meteorological service. The area is also gearing set for the start of storm season.

Following an outbreak of hundreds of tornadoes in Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, and Colorado that inflicted damage but no recorded fatalities, there was the tornado in Texas.

Also Read: Massive Tornado Twirls Around Texas Amidst Extreme Weather

2023 seasons of tornado in Texas

Twisters can occur anywhere at any time of year, but in Texas, the three months of April, May, and June are regarded as tornado season, as per Policygenius.

Following an outbreak of hundreds of tornadoes in Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, and Colorado that inflicted damage but no recorded fatalities, there was the tornado in Texas.

Texas is the most tornado-prone state in the U.S., averaging roughly 136 twisters each year. 

The Longhorn State had 159 twisters in 2022, more than any other state, with many of them devastating Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio, and other eastern Texas regions.  Texas citizens have already witnessed 12 tornadoes touch down this year (2023).

Unfortunately, experts are predicting an above-average tornado season in 2023 that's fueled by climate change.

Related Article: Texas Weather: Tornadoes, Hail Affects Area as Powerful Storm System Moves East