RGV hit by EF-1 TORNADO - Laguna Heights, TX | May 13 2023 | Cleanup Underway
91May 13, 2023 - Laguna Heights, Texas USA: Shortly after 4 a.m. Central Daylight Time (CDT) a tornado touched down in the tiny bayside town of Laguna Heights, Texas, where it wreaked havoc on homes, power lines, trees, traffic lights, vehicles, businesses, and anything in its way.
A mesocyclonic supercell formed over the South Texas region overnight (May 12-13), while most residents were asleep.
According to a representative from the National Weather Service who spoke at the morning incident response briefing, the rotation of the mesocyclone intensified so rapidly that the lead time for giving residents prior warning wasn't even an option. He said the tornado was already on the ground by the time the National Weather Service determined it was potentially going tornadic.
The National Weather Service of Brownsville tweeted: "*Preliminary damage assessment*: EF1 tornado damage with wind speeds around 86-105 mph possibly up to 110 mph occurred this morning between 4:01-4:06 AM in Laguna Heights."
➡️ Link to Tweet: https://twitter.com/NWSBrownsville/status/1657431855946412039
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As a person who grew up in Indiana - in the Midwest where Tornadoes were commonplace, I empathize with anyone who's been through a Tornado. As soon as I heard the news of this incident, I wanted to go offer my assistance in some way, shape, or form - if they needed me.
I spoke with a Port Isabel Police Officer who was able to guide me to the incident command center where I was able to speak with multiple Cameron County officials, including Cameron County Constable and Cameron County Fire Marshal, as well as the Incident Coordinator from The Salvation Army.
They informed me that they do not need water or physical labor (for cleanup and /or rebuilding) at this time; but what is needed the most is monetary contributions to assist the relief efforts of the humanitarian organizations (on-site) that are/were providing food/meals, water, and other basic necessities to impacted residents.
As of the time I spoke with one of the humanitarian organization coordinators, 15 families had already been shuttled to the Port Isabel Event & Cultural Center (Address: 309 Railroad Street, Port Isabel, TX), where they will be provided with temporary shelter / housing.
Cameron County Fire Marshal, Juan Rodriguez, suggested the best method for providing assistance (as of today) would be to spread the word and encourage folks who want to help to do so monetarily to any of the following organizations:
The Salvation Army (Port Isabel Corps and McAllen Corps):
➡️ Laguna Heights Incident Information -https://disaster.salvationarmyusa.org/news/2023/05/13/-salvation-army-volunteers-serving-neighbors-in-need-after-south-texas-tornado
➡️ Donation Form -
https://give.salvationarmytexas.org/give/303432?c_src=WebSiteUSS&c_src2=WaysToGiveDonateButton#!/donation/checkout
RGV Food Bank:
➡️ Donate online -
https://secure.givelively.org/donate/food-bank-of-the-rio-grande-valley-inc
➡️ Donate by mail - Food Bank RGV
724 N. Cage Blvd.
Pharr, TX 78577
➡️ Donate by phone - (956) 904-4512
The American Red Cross was also on-site, but I did not have a chance to speak with their incident lead.
The emergency response to this incident was handled very well, in my opinion. Thank you to all of the folks who were / are / will be a part of this relief effort!
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@spadrevideo captured this footage:
➡️ https://twitter.com/SpacePadreIsle/status/1657435590927826944?s=20
➡️ Follow Gene (SpacePadre) on Twitter: https://twitter.com/SpacePadreIsle
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Twitter user, Sam Sagnella (https://twitter.com/SamSagnella), posted an official statement from NWS Brownsville about the incident: https://twitter.com/SamSagnella/status/1657519391418769411?s=20
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#JessicaKirsh
#Weather
#Tornado
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