Severe thunderstorms possible for portions of Rio Grande Valley on Sunday

The National Weather Service in Brownsville says there is a potential for severe weather in the Rio Grande Valley and Deep South Texas on Sunday, just two days after a storm whipped through the region briefly but significantly drenching the Mission and McAllen area and dropping large hail.

According to the NWS, there is an upper level disturbance that may impact the area Sunday morning and afternoon, possibly producing scattered severe thunderstorms, “damaging winds and large hail” ranging in size from pennies to quarters, and possibly golf balls.

This can cause damage to items such as vehicles, windows and siding if winds exceed 50 miles per hour.

The NWS’ storm prediction center therefore placed the Valley and region in a “slight risk for severe weather.”

This includes potential flooding due to heavy rainfall across the brush country in Brooks and Kenedy counties. Starr and most of Zapata counties are also in the path for this weather.

“The Weather Prediction Center has placed the northern portions of Brooks, Jim Hogg, and northeastern Zapata County under a Slight Risk for flooding and a Marginal Risk for northern Kenedy, most of Brooks, southern Jim Hogg, northern Starr, and most of Zapata County,” NWS said in a news release Saturday.

By Sunday afternoon, scattered thunderstorms may still develop into the early evening hours.

“The forecast shows storms forming over the Lower Rio Grande Valley and Brooks/Kenedy Ranches Sunday afternoon and continue into the evening,” the release stated. “Ample moisture, a possible sea breeze, and increasing atmospheric destabilization will all contribute to the slight risk of severe thunderstorms.”