Hail in Cameron County, Texas

One of the most destructive hail events in recorded history for the City of Brownsville occurred this day. A severe thunderstorm emerged into Cameron County from northern Mexico and dropped large amounts of wind-driven hail upon the city. The hail destroyed roofs of homes and businesses, broke countless windows of automobiles and homes, and damaged vegetation. Approximately 10,000 insurance claims have been filed in association with this storm. Most of the large hail reports occurred between 925 and 950 CDT.The Brownsville Police Department reported that 12 cruisers had windshields shattered by hail, and Hanna High School in central Brownsville reported 285 automobiles with wndows broken by hail. Much of the northern and central portions of the city suffered damage from this intense and historic storm. The storm was heavily documented and covered in the media with widespread accounts of its damage. The storm proceeded eastward and downed power lines in the community of Laguna Vista.