Thunderstorm Wind — Washington, Texas

2024-05-16 · near Wesley, Washington, Texas

Event narrative

Trees were downed by strong thunderstorm winds in Washington County. A possible funnel cloud was sighted as the derecho moved through the area, but this was not confirmed by any photo or video evidence. County EM investigated the area, did not find any associated damage where the funnel was sighted. Approximately 70 roads closed due to downed trees. We also had several thousand meters without power. Some citizens that had structural damage to homes and barns.

Wider weather episode

On the evening of May 16, a derecho moved into SE TX. This resulted in extensive wind damage across much of the Greater Houston area, including much of Downtown Houston. Maximum wind gusts were estimated to have reached over 100 mph. Additionally, the system produced two tornadoes and widespread flash flooding. Power outages resulting from the derecho lasted multiple days for hundreds of thousands of people.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (30.0800, -96.5100)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1188078. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.