Strong to severe thunderstorms ahead of a strong cold front raced along the Rio Grande from the evening of April 28th into the morning of April 29th. The initial phase of the storms produced large hail across Zapata and Starr Counties the evening of April 28th. The storms congealed into a squall line along the Rio Grande in southeastern Starr County and southwestern Hidalgo County just before midnight. This squall line went on to race across southern Hidalgo County, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
An official NWS Storm Survey concluded the squall line produced several gusts between 75 to 85 mph at the surface, with higher gusts experienced at higher levels. Some of the damage included a plane being destroyed at McAllen-Miller International Airport; numerous poorly anchored roofs lifted off buildings; dozens, if not hundreds, of broken power poles; and dozens of damaged or destroyed billboards.
The storms then went on to produce more damage across southeastern Hidalgo County and into eastern Cameron County early in the morning of April 29th. Another official NWS Storm Survey concluded winds of 70 to 80 mph were experienced here, which downed several trees and power poles, a few metal roofs lifted off and caused numerous power outages.
Total damage was unknown due to the large number of locations impacted. A state disaster declaration was given for Hidalgo County following the event, and dollar damages and recovery costs were expected to be more than $50 million.  Those numbers will be updated when available at a later date.
Times listed for individual wind events along the NWS Storm Survey were based on best estimates of when the strongest winds occurred; in general, strongest winds at or above severe limits (58 mph) likely lasted between 5 and 8 minutes either side of the listed time.

Thunderstorm Wind in HIDALGO, TEXAS
From 28-APR-23 22:55:00 to 28-APR-23 23:05:00 (CST-6)
Location: CARRIZELOS
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Video shared by a member of the public shows several large trees down along El Pinto Road near Rosendo Benavides Elementary School. Time estimated by radar.

Thunderstorm Wind in HIDALGO, TEXAS
From 28-APR-23 23:29:00 to 28-APR-23 23:29:00 (CST-6)
Location: MC ALLEN
Magnitude: 74.00 EG
Property damage: 100.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

An NWS Storm Survey found more than 50 percent of shingles off on a two story building with full exposure to the west-northwest along S 29th St in McAllen. To the southeast of there, a tin roof and over a dozen trusses and rafters were taken off a lumber store and blown across the road. Additionally, the parapet roof over the Ross Department store was partially blown off. The roof was approximately 50 feet off the ground.

Thunderstorm Wind in HIDALGO, TEXAS
From 28-APR-23 22:59:00 to 28-APR-23 23:05:00 (CST-6)
Location: LA TOYA
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Member of the publics shows several mesquite trees down along Garza Avenue north of Military road. Time estimated by radar.

Thunderstorm Wind in HIDALGO, TEXAS
From 28-APR-23 23:32:00 to 28-APR-23 23:32:00 (CST-6)
Location: (MFE)MILLER INTL ARP
Magnitude: 74.00 EG
Property damage: 250.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

An NWS Storm Survey in and around the McAllen-Miller International Airport found a Cessna had been flipped onto its roof and a Gulfstream jet turned and pushed into the grass by strong thunderstorm winds. The McAllen-Miller International Airport ASOS (KMFE) officially recorded a wind gust of 74 mph before losing power. Wind estimates were closer to 74 knots, or 85 mph, due to the flipping of the Cessna. Additional damage was found downstream, or east, of the airport with large oak tree branches having been snapped and one oak tree snapped near its base at the McAllen Country Club. The roof of the Radisson Hotel McAllen Airport (0.5-1 mile east-southeast of the airport) was partially blown off and fell onto cars in the parking lot. The survey crew was told the roof was 3 years old with the building older than that. Decking was estimated to have been 55 feet above ground level and was fully exposed from the west. While winds are estimated to have been 74 knots, or 85 mph, it is possible higher winds were experienced at the roofline. Timing based on KMFE wind gusts before losing power.

Hail in ZAPATA, TEXAS
From 28-APR-23 21:05:00 to 28-APR-23 21:05:00 (CST-6)
Location: LOPENO
Magnitude: 1.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Zapata County Sheriff's Office reported a car swerving off the road in Morales-Sanchez due to hail the size of golf balls.

Thunderstorm Wind in HIDALGO, TEXAS
From 28-APR-23 23:02:00 to 28-APR-23 23:10:00 (CST-6)
Location: PENITAS
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Video from the public shows the metal roof of a carport peeled back near the intersection of Mile 3 Road and Tom Gill Road. Time estimated by radar.

Thunderstorm Wind in HIDALGO, TEXAS
From 28-APR-23 23:28:00 to 28-APR-23 23:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: SHAYLAND
Magnitude: 70.00 EG
Property damage: 200.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

An NWS Storm Survey found a McAllen Public Works truck impaled with 2x4s that were lofted into the front passengers side near the intersection of Nolana Ave W and N Bensten Road. The 2x4s was pulled from a weakly constructed wood scaffold nearby. Additional reports of semi-trucks turned over were reported by the broadcast media in the Walmart parking a few blocks east along Nolana Loop. Additional damage was found along N 23rd St with columns, which were rusted, of a gas station canopy bent near the base at the corner of N 23rd Street and Daffodil Ave. There was also minor metal damage to the roof of an abandoned car wash along N 23rd St across from McAllen High School.

Hail in STARR, TEXAS
From 28-APR-23 21:54:00 to 28-APR-23 21:54:00 (CST-6)
Location: FALCON HGTS
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Employee at the Falcon Heights Motel and RV Park reported hail the size of quarters.

Thunderstorm Wind in HIDALGO, TEXAS
From 28-APR-23 23:14:00 to 28-APR-23 23:20:00 (CST-6)
Location: MISSION
Magnitude: 57.00 EG
Property damage: 20.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Broadcast media shared a picture of a few food trucks and trailers flipped over near the intersection of Bryan Road and Business 83 near Mission City Hall. Time estimated by radar.

Thunderstorm Wind in HIDALGO, TEXAS
From 28-APR-23 23:50:00 to 29-APR-23 23:50:00 (CST-6)
Location: PROGRESO
Magnitude: 70.00 EG
Property damage: 150.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

An NWS Storm Survey found some metal roof damage to Dorothy Thompson Middle School in Progreso. Additional damage was found in and around the town of Progreso, including several large tree branches down and a large tree partially uprooted at the corner of Creager Road and S Mile 2 W on the southeast side of Progreso. There was also significant damage to the roof of a large metal warehouse just east of the intersection of Creager Road and S Mile 2 W.

Hail in STARR, TEXAS
From 28-APR-23 22:27:00 to 28-APR-23 22:27:00 (CST-6)
Location: LOS SAENZ
Magnitude: 1.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Roma Police Department reported hail the size of golf balls in the city of Roma.

Thunderstorm Wind in HIDALGO, TEXAS
From 28-APR-23 23:20:00 to 28-APR-23 23:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: EDINBURG MUNI ARPT
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Member of the public shared pictures of damage to several large oak trees, including several large branches about 8 to 12 inches in diameter, that had snapped. Timing estimated by radar.

Thunderstorm Wind in HIDALGO, TEXAS
From 28-APR-23 23:53:00 to 28-APR-23 23:55:00 (CST-6)
Location: RETAMPEGO
Magnitude: 70.00 EG
Property damage: 200.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A member of the public shared several pictures from the Progreso Port of Entry area showing damage to several grain silos and apparatus on the top of the silos. A few pictures in particular show a grain silo caved in. One limiting factor from going higher is the lack of damage to nearby mobile office structures in the foreground.

Hail in STARR, TEXAS
From 28-APR-23 22:30:00 to 28-APR-23 22:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: RINGGOLD
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Member of the public shared a picture of hail estimated to be about the size of a quarter.

Thunderstorm Wind in HIDALGO, TEXAS
From 28-APR-23 23:30:00 to 28-APR-23 23:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: EDINBURG MUNI ARPT
Magnitude: 65.00 EG
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The canopy over the gas pumps at the Exxon Gas station at the corner of Lark and N 23rd Street was blown over and pushed partially across the road. An official NWS Storm Survey team looked at the poles to the canopy and found that several of them had rust, which led to a slightly lower wind rating. Timing based on radar.

Thunderstorm Wind in HIDALGO, TEXAS
From 28-APR-23 23:05:00 to 28-APR-23 23:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: PENITAS
Magnitude: 75.00 EG
Property damage: 40.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A member of the public shared pictures with an NWS employee of significant damage to a mobile home trailer. The pictures show the mobile home destroyed with only one wall still standing. Timing estimated by radar.

Hail in STARR, TEXAS
From 28-APR-23 22:31:00 to 28-APR-23 22:31:00 (CST-6)
Location: LOS SAENZ
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

McDonalds in Roma at 104 East Grant Street reported hail the size of quarters.

Thunderstorm Wind in HIDALGO, TEXAS
From 28-APR-23 23:22:00 to 28-APR-23 23:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: MISSION
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue

Weslaco Fire Marshal reported damage to four to five trees in his neighborhood in Mission.

Thunderstorm Wind in HIDALGO, TEXAS
From 28-APR-23 23:08:00 to 28-APR-23 23:20:00 (CST-6)
Location: MISSION
Magnitude: 70.00 EG
Property damage: 20.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A member of the public shared pictures of the Burger King in Palmview with its windows blown out around the play area. It's located at the intersection of Frontage Road and La Homa Road. Timing estimated from radar.

Hail in STARR, TEXAS
From 28-APR-23 22:33:00 to 28-APR-23 22:33:00 (CST-6)
Location: VILLAREALES
Magnitude: 1.50 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Member of the public shared pictures of half dollar to ping pong ball hail along Suntex Road in Starr County. Hail sizes are estimated based off pictures. Time estimated by radar.

Thunderstorm Wind in HIDALGO, TEXAS
From 28-APR-23 23:22:00 to 28-APR-23 23:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: SHAYLAND
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Member of the public called in to report several trees that were uprooted along with several others that lost tree limbs. Timing based on their report and radar.

Thunderstorm Wind in HIDALGO, TEXAS
From 28-APR-23 23:20:00 to 28-APR-23 23:40:00 (CST-6)
Location: MC ALLEN
Magnitude: 64.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

The ASOS station at McAllen-Miller International Airport observed winds equaling or exceeding 50 knots between 12:20AM CDT and 12:40AM CDT before briefly losing power shortly thereafter. The strongest wind gust of 64 knots was recorded at 12:34AM CDT. There was significant damage in and around the airport, including a Cessna that had been flipped and a Gulfstream aircraft that had been moved.  Damage at the airport is listed in a later report from the NWS Storm Survey.

Thunderstorm Wind in STARR, TEXAS
From 28-APR-23 22:10:00 to 28-APR-23 22:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: LOS SAENZ
Magnitude: 56.00 EG
Property damage: 30.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

Report via social media of damage to trees, billboards, and utility poles in the city of Roma that occurred between 11:10PM CDT and 11:35PM CDT. Damage confirmed by phone call to Roma Police Department.

Thunderstorm Wind in HIDALGO, TEXAS
From 28-APR-23 23:35:00 to 28-APR-23 23:35:00 (CST-6)
Location: PHARR
Magnitude: 70.00 EG
Property damage: 15.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

An official NWS Survey found several sections of netting ripped at the Topgolf in Pharr. Timing estimated by radar.

Thunderstorm Wind in HIDALGO, TEXAS
From 28-APR-23 23:47:00 to 28-APR-23 23:50:00 (CST-6)
Location: DONNA
Magnitude: 70.00 EG
Property damage: 150.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

An NWS Storm Survey found damage to a large, corrugated light steel fence that was blown down along S FM493 a few miles south of Donna. There were several other areas of damage between there and the intersection of Calle Santiago and Creager Road. That damage included a low masonry wall of about 4 feet in height blown over at intersection of Midway Road and W 34th St; and several buildings, including homes, with partial loss of the roof of vinyl/metal siding along S Texas Blvd on the west side of Progreso.

Thunderstorm Wind in STARR, TEXAS
From 28-APR-23 22:34:00 to 28-APR-23 22:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: VILLAREALES
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Video on social media shows a tree down near the intersection of Suntex Road and HWY 83 in Starr County. Timing based on radar.

Thunderstorm Wind in HIDALGO, TEXAS
From 28-APR-23 23:30:00 to 28-APR-23 23:40:00 (CST-6)
Location: PHARR
Magnitude: 65.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Member of the public shared an image of the roof blown off the Car Check Auto Service and Ultimate Dental Care building at the corner of N Cage Blvd and W Clark Ave. Timing estimated by radar.

Thunderstorm Wind in HIDALGO, TEXAS
From 28-APR-23 23:55:00 to 29-APR-23 23:55:00 (CST-6)
Location: RETAMPEGO
Magnitude: 70.00 EG
Property damage: 150.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

An NWS Storm Survey in southeastern Hidalgo County found metal roofs, large tree branches snapped, the top of a small palm tree snapped off and flung several yards, numerous power poles downed and a destroyed mobile home along Mile 3 Rd N between FM491 and Mile 2 E.

Thunderstorm Wind in STARR, TEXAS
From 28-APR-23 22:45:00 to 28-APR-23 23:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: GARCIASVILLE
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Member of the public shared a picture of a large tree limb, the base of which was approximated 6 to 8 inches in diameter, from a Mesquite tree blown across FM2360 near La Victoria in Starr County. Time is estimated based on radar.

Thunderstorm Wind in HIDALGO, TEXAS
From 28-APR-23 23:43:00 to 28-APR-23 23:50:00 (CST-6)
Location: WESLACO
Magnitude: 65.00 EG
Property damage: 20.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue

The Fire Chief for Weslaco called and reported several business signs either damaged or blown down along Business 83. The largest sign blown down was an 8 foot tall Long John Silvers sign. An NWS Survey found there to be rust at the bottom of the sign, which kept wind estimates from being higher.

Thunderstorm Wind in CAMERON, TEXAS
From 28-APR-23 23:59:00 to 29-APR-23 00:01:00 (CST-6)
Location: RETAMPEGO
Magnitude: 74.00 EG
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

An NWS Storm Survey found several areas of damage in and around the Santa Maria area in southwestern Cameron County. Most of the damage was to hard and softwood trees with several large branches snapped or broken. There was also a power pole that was broken on the west side of Santa Maria and a semi trailer blown over on the east side of town.

Thunderstorm Wind in JIM HOGG, TEXAS
From 28-APR-23 20:46:00 to 28-APR-23 20:46:00 (CST-6)
Location: HEBBRONVILLE
Magnitude: 54.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

The Hebbronville RAWS site recorded a wind gust of 54 knots at 9:46PM CDT.

Thunderstorm Wind in HIDALGO, TEXAS
From 28-APR-23 23:23:00 to 28-APR-23 23:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: SAN JUAN
Magnitude: 70.00 EG
Property damage: 20.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Several citizens reported several large trees and traffic signs down along with stop signs pulled out of the ground along Highway 495 and Sugar Road. Timing estimated by radar.

Thunderstorm Wind in CAMERON, TEXAS
From 29-APR-23 00:01:00 to 29-APR-23 00:01:00 (CST-6)
Location: LA FERIA
Magnitude: 65.00 EG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

An NWS Storm Survey found several power poles and transmission lines blown down along US 83 near Bixby Road in western Cameron County.

Thunderstorm Wind in HIDALGO, TEXAS
From 28-APR-23 23:55:00 to 28-APR-23 23:55:00 (CST-6)
Location: WESLACO
Magnitude: 50.00 MG
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

The ASOS station at the Mid Valley Airport (KTXW) recorded a wind gust of 50 knots at 12:55AM CDT.

Thunderstorm Wind in CAMERON, TEXAS
From 29-APR-23 00:25:00 to 29-APR-23 00:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: BROWNSVILLE
Magnitude: 56.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Member of the public shared two large trees either uprooted or snapped near the base of the tree near the intersection of Del Mar and Russell Avenue. Timing based on radar.

Thunderstorm Wind in CAMERON, TEXAS
From 29-APR-23 00:07:00 to 29-APR-23 00:10:00 (CST-6)
Location: LOS INDIOS
Magnitude: 70.00 EG
Property damage: 20.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

An NWS Storm Survey found several down trees and a partially peeled back roof of an industrial warehouse in the Los Indios area of Cameron County.

Thunderstorm Wind in CAMERON, TEXAS
From 29-APR-23 00:14:00 to 29-APR-23 00:22:00 (CST-6)
Location: PALMETAL
Magnitude: 53.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

The ASOS station at Valley International Airport in Harlingen recorded a wind gust of 53 knots at 1:14AM CDT. Additional wind gusts over 50 knots were recorded between 1:14AM CDT and 1:22AM CDT.

Thunderstorm Wind in CAMERON, TEXAS
From 29-APR-23 00:30:00 to 29-APR-23 00:35:00 (CST-6)
Location: PORTWAY ACRES
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Member of the public shared a picture of several large trees down at the corner of Ruben Torres and Hudson Blvd, or near the Walmart. Timing estimated by radar.

Thunderstorm Wind in CAMERON, TEXAS
From 29-APR-23 00:12:00 to 29-APR-23 00:14:00 (CST-6)
Location: HARLINGEN
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Property damage: 20.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

An NWS Storm Survey found several tree branches down in the Harlingen area, including one near the intersection of W Wichita Ave and Fair Park Blvd. On the eastern side of Harlingen, several windows were blown out at the Cardenas BMW on N Ed Carey Dr. The ASOS at Valley International Airport in Harlingen was used as a guide for estimating wind gusts and timing.

Thunderstorm Wind in CAMERON, TEXAS
From 29-APR-23 00:33:00 to 29-APR-23 00:38:00 (CST-6)
Location: PORT ISABEL ARPT
Magnitude: 54.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

The ASOS at Cameron County Airport recorded wind gusts of 54 knots between 1:33AM CDT and 1:38AM CDT.

Thunderstorm Wind in HIDALGO, TEXAS
From 28-APR-23 23:25:00 to 28-APR-23 23:25:00 (CST-6)
Location: MISSION
Magnitude: 65.00 EG
Property damage: 90.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

An NWS Storm Survey found roofing material still in plastic along with pull back of cinder block cladding near the intersection of S Bryan Road and W Frontage Road. A little ways east, a large billboard and pole fell onto vehicles. Pole was anchored into dirt, but sitting on high water from recent rains and uprooted. Lower wind speeds used based on poor anchoring and lack of surrounding damage.

Thunderstorm Wind in CAMERON, TEXAS
From 29-APR-23 00:36:00 to 29-APR-23 00:46:00 (CST-6)
Location: (BRO)BROWNSVILLE ARP
Magnitude: 53.00 EG
Property damage: 20.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

An official with the Brownsville-South Padre Island International Airport reported some minor damage to a few hangers on the property. A portion of the roof of a hanger on the northeastern side of the property caved in slightly, allowing water to enter the hanger. The garage door on the northwest side of the property had a garage door blown in. They also reported minor flooding to the terminal, which was likely caused by wind driven rain. The ASOS at the airport was used as a guide for timing and strength of the wind.

Thunderstorm Wind in CAMERON, TEXAS
From 29-APR-23 00:41:00 to 29-APR-23 00:41:00 (CST-6)
Location: PORTWAY ACRES
Magnitude: 53.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

The ASOS at the Brownsville/SPI International Airport (KBRO) recorded a wind gust of 53 knots at 1:41AM CDT.

Thunderstorm Wind in HIDALGO, TEXAS
From 28-APR-23 23:30:00 to 28-APR-23 23:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: MC ALLEN
Magnitude: 74.00 EG
Property damage: 150.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

An NWS Storm Survey found extensive damage along W Business 83 in McAllen. A poorly constructed roof and cinderblock wall with no bond beam caused a portion of the roof to collapse; the wall was about 35 feet high and fully exposed. A decently constructed metal roof system was partially torn off along with a garage door partially caved in at the intersection of N 22nd St and Beech Ave.  The Linares Auto Center sign was also blown over at the corner of Business 83 and S 21st Street. The sign was mounted in concrete with some rust. It also fell on at least 3 cars in the parking lot.
The strongest wind indicator was along S 20th St just south of Business 83 where wooden poles were bent or snapped along with several large tree limbs down.