On the evening of March 7 into the early hours of March 8, a severe thunderstorm hit the Rio Grande On the evening of March 7 into the early hours of March 8, a severe thunderstorm hit the Rio Grande Valley (RGV), particularly impacting Roma and Rio Grande City.
If you live in these areas or you were impacted by this storm, you can keep reading to learn more about it. Keep in mind that damage caused by this storm may potentially be covered by your insurance.
Key Takeaways
- On March 7 to 8, a severe storm struck Roma and Rio Grande City, including nickel- to golfball-sized hail, 65 to 70 miles per hour wind, and flash flooding.
- There was severe property damage throughout the area, including collapsed buildings, extensive roof damage, and countless broken windows.
- You should be aware of thunderstorm risk levels and what they mean, from marginal to slight, enhanced, moderate, and high.
- If you need assistance with a home insurance claim, you can count on a Rio Grande Valley bad faith insurance attorney.
About the Severe Weather Event
The storm was identified as a lone, rapid-strengthening supercell with straight-line winds reaching 70 miles per hour. We break it down more below:
- Winds – The storm involved intense wind gusts between 65 and 70 miles per hour.
- Hail – In Roma, hail was recorded at nickel sizes, with Rio Grande City seeing golfball-sized hail.
- Flooding – 2.5 inches of rain poured down in a 30 to 45 minute time span in Roma, leading to flash flooding.
RGV Storm Damage From March 7 and 8
Roma and Rio Grande City both suffered extensive damage due to the storm. We cover a few of the major issues below:
- A gas station canopy was partially flipped in Rio Grande City, collapsing onto a truck with four passengers below.
- A colonia house was destroyed in Rio Grande City, close to downtown.
- An estimated more than 100 windows were broken in one neighborhood south of Eisenhower Road.
- Countless homes suffered roof damage, with at least eight sustaining 20% peel-back to the roof decking.
- A food truck park canopy was blown down.
- A garage at the Rio Grande City Municipal Airport sustained heavy damage, including a partially removed roof.
- Countless limbs were downed throughout the area.
Marginal Risk and Warnings, Stay Weather Aware
The National Weather Service uses a range of risk assessments and warnings to help the public get ready for upcoming storms. Below, we explore the major thunderstorm alerts to be aware of and what they mean:
- Marginal – If there is a marginal risk, isolated severe thunderstorms are possible.
- Slight – For a slight risk, scattered severe thunderstorms are possible.
- Enhanced – With an enhanced risk, numerous severe thunderstorms are possible.
- Moderate – Under moderate risk, widespread severe storms are likely.
- High – When you are under a high risk, widespread severe storms are expected.
Get Wind, Rain, and Thunderstorm Insurance Coverage Assistance
Every year, many severe storms hit the RGV, leading to severe damage and financial losses. If you have insurance coverage, that damage might be included. However, insurance companies often use bad faith tactics to avoid getting what they’re owed. If you need help with your insurance claim, you can count on our team for help.
Here at Millin & Millin Attorneys, our team is committed to helping property insurance carriers get fair compensation for valid claims. From Cameron and Willacy County to Brownsville and McAllen to the west, get help with property damage claims throughout the Rio Grande Valley from Millin & Millin Attorneys.
Suffered property damage in the Rio Grande Valley? Get help seeking fair insurance coverage.
