The City of Sabinal in Uvalde County declared a state of disaster on June 11 following a powerful storm system that swept through the region late on June 10. The storms brought destructive straight-line winds, widespread power outages, and significant flooding, prompting local officials to activate emergency management protocols.
What to Know:
- Cleanup and restoration are underway; residents urged to stay alert for more storms.
- Winds up to 80 mph (129 km/h) caused widespread structural damage.
- 35% of residents were without power during the storm’s peak.
- Flash flooding damaged roads, homes, and vehicles.
- Disaster declaration activates emergency management and state support.
Wind Damage – Not a Tornado, Says NWS
Initial reports raised concerns about a possible tornado, but the National Weather Service (NWS) determined the damage was caused by intense straight-line winds, not tornadic activity.
“This is a good example of how high winds can be produced by more than just tornadoes,” said NWS meteorologist Jason Runyen. “Images we’ve gathered suggest wind speeds of 60–80 mph (97–129 km/h) likely occurred.”
These high winds caused considerable structural damage — downing trees, toppling power poles, and stripping roofs. American Electric Power (AEP) Texas reported that 35% of Sabinal residents lost power at the height of the storm.
Flash Flooding Hits Homes and Roads
In addition to wind damage, the storms dumped several inches of rain over a short period, triggering localized flash flooding throughout the city. Low-lying streets, residential yards, and drainage areas quickly overflowed, leading to submerged vehicles and impassable roads.
Emergency crews were deployed to assist stranded residents, and some local businesses reported water intrusion. Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities have been confirmed as of Wednesday afternoon.
“It wasn’t just the wind — water came up fast. Streets looked like rivers,” said one local resident. “The cleanup will take time.”
Emergency Declaration and Response
Mayor Erik J. Gomez declared a state of disaster on June 11, which by Texas law can remain in effect for seven days. The declaration activates the city’s emergency response plan and opens the door for state assistance, including resource coordination, debris removal, and infrastructure repair.
Contractors and city crews, including companies like Above All Tree and Services, have begun cleanup operations.
“I’ve been around these parts for 35 years. I’ve never seen anything like this,” said contractor Tony Davis, working to clear fallen trees and storm debris.
Ongoing Threat
The Sabinal disaster is part of a broader pattern of severe weather affecting much of Texas in early June. Other cities across the state, including Abilene and parts of Central Texas, have also experienced hurricane-force winds, destructive hail, and similar flash flooding in recent days.
