Port Isabel police confirmed injuries and damage on the ground.
At least one person was killed and 10 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.
First responders look through rubble after a tornado touched down in Laguna Heights, Texas, on May 13, 2023.
Obtained by ABC News
In a statement on Facebook, the Port Isabel Police Department confirmed there were injuries on the ground and that multiple structures had been destroyed. No traffic will be allowed through Laguna Heights.
“Crews are working to clear debris and downed power lines,” the statement said. “At about 4 am, a tornado struck the Laguna Heights area. Multiple structures destroyed and injuries confirmed. Port Isabel Event Center is open for shelter.”
First responders are on the scene after a tornado touched down in Laguna Heights, Texas, on May 13, 2023.
KRGV
First responders are on the scene after a tornado touched down in Laguna Heights, Texas, on May 13, 2023.
KRGV
Drivers on Highway 100 will be rerouted onto Highway 48, according to police.
Storms may bring damaging winds, large hail and scattered tornadoes to southern Texas and there is a high flooding risk. A flood watch is in effect through Sunday afternoon for a large area stretching from Brownsville at the southern tip of Texas, all the way into central Oklahoma, the NWS said.
Chances of showers and thunderstorms will increase Saturday and through the weekend across Deep South Texas. The heaviest rainfall is expected to fall Saturday into Sunday.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
