Thunderstorm Wind in Hays County, Texas

A line of thunderstorms formed along a cold front in central Texas and moved quickly southward. As the storms moved through Hays County, they produced a downburst that struck the town of San Marcos and spread southeastward into Caldwell County. An NWS Storm Survey Team reported numerous large tree limbs of diameter from 6 to 12 inches broken or blown over in San Marcos and along the I-35 corridor. Blown over trees and limbs were generally pointed toward a southeast direction. Many business signs and awnings were damaged along with roof damage to several businesses. Metal or tin roof in some businesses was peeled off on the side of the incoming high winds. Based on the damage and its pattern, it appeared that damage was the result of straight line winds indicative of a strong downburst estimated at 60 knots or greater. The strong winds also toppled over a semi truck. At Dudley Johnson Park the winds knocked over portable toilets and blew down numerous trees across the roads. Total damage in the town was estimated at $7 million.