Wet Microburst Causes Damage in Rio Grande Valley
Wet Microburst Causes Damage in Rio Grande Valley
US · Published May 13, 2026
The National Weather Service (NWS) conducted a survey on Saturday to assess storm damage in the Rio Grande Valley, particularly in Starr County.
Meteorologists identified the phenomenon as a 'wet microburst,' a weather event characterized by a rapid downward burst of air and water from a storm, often mistaken for a tornado.
According to Barry Goldsmith, Warning Coordination Meteorologist at NWS Brownsville, the storm was fast-moving with no discernible rotation on radar.

Why It's Important?

The wet microburst caused significant damage in parts of the Rio Grande Valley, with winds strong enough to collapse structures. Two individuals were injured in Cameron County when a mobile home collapsed during the storm. The high wind speeds, ranging from 65 to 80 miles per hour, posed risks to homes, businesses, and infrastructure. Officials are urging residents to report damages to ensure proper assessment and recovery efforts. The storm highlights the dangers of microbursts, which can occur suddenly and cause localized destruction.

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