The National Weather Service has issued two severe thunderstorm warnings covering La Salle County and Webb County, Texas, placing towns like Cotulla and Laredo on alert as strong storms move across the region. Local emergency managers and weather spotters are tracking cells capable of producing damaging winds, large hail, and frequent lightning through the evening hours. This article walks through the immediate risks, practical safety steps, and what residents should watch for as conditions change.
The first concern with these warnings is wind. Severe thunderstorm warnings mean storms are expected to produce wind gusts that can snap tree limbs, down power lines, and hurl unsecured items, creating hazards for anyone outdoors or driving on highways between Cotulla and Laredo.
Large hail is the other primary threat under these warnings. Hail can damage vehicles, break windows, and ruin roofs, so anyone in mobile homes or exposed cars should seek shelter inside a sturdy building until the warning expires.
Frequent lightning often accompanies these storms and presents a constant danger. Lightning can strike well outside the heaviest rain, so avoid open fields, tall isolated trees, and metal objects, and get inside a building or hard-top vehicle when you hear thunder.
Travel conditions will be deteriorating quickly near the storm tracks, with heavy rain reducing visibility and causing slick roads. If you must drive, slow down, keep headlights on, and leave extra space between vehicles; if conditions become severe, pull off the road away from bridges and low spots until the worst passes.
Power outages are a likely side effect in both counties as winds and falling branches strike lines and equipment. Have flashlights, charged phones, and a small emergency kit ready, and avoid walking near downed wires which can still be energized and fatal.
Local officials often use multiple channels to communicate urgent information, so keep several ways to receive alerts available. NOAA Weather Radio, local emergency alert systems, and trusted local broadcasters provide official updates, and county emergency management offices may issue advisories specific to neighborhoods and roads.
If you live in a mobile home or other weak structure, plan to move to sturdier shelter. Family members with mobility issues or elderly neighbors may need help reaching a safe location, so check on those who might struggle and coordinate a quick plan before storms arrive.
After the storms pass, expect crews to begin clearing debris and restoring services, but be cautious during cleanup. Wear protective gloves, watch for displaced nails or glass, and report downed power lines to authorities rather than attempting to move them yourself.
Businesses and schools in the affected counties should review their severe weather plans and notify employees and families about any closures or delays. Even if your specific town escapes the worst of the storm, surrounding damage can still affect supply chains, road access, and emergency responses for hours afterward.
Finally, stay patient and stay informed; severe weather watches and warnings are designed to save lives by giving people time to react. Keep checking updates until the warnings are canceled and only resume outdoor activities when authorities confirm it is safe to do so.
