Figure 1. Atmospheric sounding, 6 AM CST February 16th, Brownsville, TX. Note the very strong winds (circled areas). Wind values are in knots; "flags" represent 50 knots. |
Figure 2. 500 mb analysis, 00z 17 February, 2008. Note the strong cyclone (circular contour) moving across west central Texas. |
A vigorous upper level disturbance, moving across west Texas during the afternoon on February 16th, enhanced surface low pressure development in northeast Mexico, which in turn tightened the typical Winter and Spring pressure gradient that is created between hot inland areas and the cooler, more stable air over the Gulf waters. As a result, low level winds between the surface and around 5000 feet, averaging nearly 50 mph, translated to the surface by mid to late morning, resulting in a prolonged period of 30 to 40 mph sustained winds with frequent gusts above 45 mph, particularly in Cameron, Willacy, eastern Hidalgo, and Kenedy County. Minor damage was reported to some structures (report, below), especially from Harlingen to Mercedes. A table of peak wind speed, and gusts, is shown below.
|