Severe Supercell Storm Slams Gregory, Texas With 3-Inch Hail and Intense Lightning Near Corpus Christi
GREGORY, TEXAS — A powerful supercell storm struck the Gregory–Corpus Christi area late Friday evening, bringing hail up to 3 inches in diameter, torrential rain, and intense lightning activity. Radar imagery from the National Weather Service (NWS) in Corpus Christi captured a vivid, rotating system moving across San Patricio County, prompting storm chasers and meteorologists to issue alerts for severe weather conditions.
Meteorologists described the storm as “elevated but extremely strong,” with reports of large hailstones damaging vehicles, rooftops, and windows in the affected area. The system tracked through Gregory, Portland, and toward Ingleside, showing strong reflectivity signatures and frequent lightning strikes on radar.
3-Inch Hail and Flashing Lightning Across the Coast
Radar data from KCRP Corpus Christi showed dense storm cores — marked in red and purple — directly over Gregory around 7:20 p.m. Local residents reported hail the size of baseballs pelting homes and cars, accompanied by deafening thunder and sudden bursts of wind.
“It sounded like rocks hitting the roof,” said one Gregory homeowner. “We’ve seen hail before, but nothing like this. It came out of nowhere.”
Weather observers noted that the storm developed rapidly over the Gulf Coast region, feeding off warm, moist air and strong upper-level winds — a classic setup for severe supercells capable of producing destructive hail.
Storm Tracks Toward Coastal Towns
The storm system continued its path southeast toward Ingleside and Ingleside on the Bay, where lightning illuminated the night sky for over an hour. Wind gusts reached 60 to 70 mph, downing small branches and scattering debris across streets.
No tornado warnings were in effect at the time, though meteorologists cautioned that the storm’s rotation indicated potential for brief spin-ups or funnel development.
Officials Urge Residents to Stay Weather Aware
The National Weather Service has urged residents to remain cautious through the weekend, as unstable atmospheric conditions could trigger additional storms across South Texas. Drivers are advised to check for road hazards and avoid flooded intersections.
Cleanup efforts began Saturday morning as crews worked to assess hail damage and restore power in areas briefly affected by lightning strikes.
Stay updated on severe weather alerts and safety tips at NapervilleLocal.com.
I’ve lived in Naperville long enough to see how quickly our community changes — from new developments downtown to sudden shifts in our Midwest weather. Reporting on Naperville news and daily forecasts gives me the chance to keep neighbors informed about what really matters. My goal is simple: deliver clear, timely updates so you always know what’s happening in our city and what to expect from the skies above.