Global Courant 2023-05-14 04:53:27
At least one person was killed and 11 others were hospitalized with injuries Saturday morning after a suspected tornado touched down near Laguna Heights, Texas, in the Rio Grande Valley, according to officials.
“The Laguna Madre area was hit by its fourth weather event in as many weeks. Overnight, a tornado caused extensive damage to Laguna Heights, the community between Port Isabel and Laguna Vista on Highway 100,” the city of Port Isabel said in a statement.
A preliminary damage assessment indicates that an EF1 tornado damage with winds of about 86 to 105 miles per hour, possibly reaching 110 miles per hour, occurred just after 4 a.m. Saturday morning in Laguna Heights, according to the National Weather Service.
A disaster declaration has been issued. A gas leak has been repaired and some, but not all, power has been restored to the area, according to Cameron County officials.
First responders look through the rubble after a tornado touched down in Laguna Heights, Texas on May 13, 2023.
Obtained by ABC News
Violeta Flores-Tovar confirmed to ABC News that her brother, Roberto Flores, died as a result of the EF1 tornado in Laguna Heights, Texas. She also confirmed that a nearby trailer lifted up during the storm and landed on his home.
“He was a beloved brother, a recent father to his son Christopher Flores. He will be missed by many family and friends,” she said in a statement.
Roberto Flores can be seen in an undated photo of his family.
Flores family
In a statement posted on Facebook, Port Isabel Police confirmed there were injuries on the ground and several buildings destroyed. No traffic is allowed through Laguna Heights.
“Crews are clearing debris and downed power lines,” the statement said. “At about 4 a.m., a tornado hit the Laguna Heights area. Multiple structures were destroyed and injuries confirmed. Port Isabel Event Center is open for shelter.”
Rescuers are on scene after a tornado touched down in Laguna Heights, Texas, on May 13, 2023.
KRGV
Rescuers are on scene after a tornado touched down in Laguna Heights, Texas, on May 13, 2023.
KRGV
Drivers on Highway 100 will be diverted to Highway 48, according to police.
Storms can bring damaging winds, large hail and scattered tornadoes to South Texas, and there is a high risk of flooding. A flood watch is in effect through Sunday afternoon for a wide area stretching from Brownsville at the southern tip of Texas all the way into central Oklahoma, the NWS said.
Chances for rain and thunderstorms increase in Deep South Texas Saturday and through the weekend. The heaviest rain is expected to fall from Saturday to Sunday.
This is an evolving story. Check back later for updates.
