Severe weather warnings call for tornadoes, hail throughout South Texas

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The National Weather Service has operated an office in Corpus Christi, Texas since 1887. It moved to property at the international airport in 1995. Chris Ramirez/Caller-Times

Tornadoes and hail were a possibility for Nueces and Kleberg counties as part of a severe thunderstorm warning issued by the National Weather Service in Corpus Christi.

Just before noon, thunderstorms began to develop and strengthen from near Ben Bolt to Ricardo to eight miles southwest of Sarita. They were moving east at 40 mph.

A tornado warning was issued for Robstown and Banquete until 12:30 p.m. The warning covered an area that included 18 schools and a hospital. 

Other locations potentially impacted by this tornadic thunderstorm included Agua Dulce.

Radar indicates 60 mph winds and penny-size hail is expected, according to the National Weather Service.

Students at area schools were told Monday morning to shelter in place due to the weather. Parents were asked to not come to the schools until further notice.

The warning was expect to remain in effect until 12:30 p.m. Monday, according to a reverse alert notification.

The alert warned residents of damage to roofs, siding, and trees.

“For your protection, move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building,” the alert states. “Large hail and damaging winds and continuous cloud to ground lightning is occurring with these storms. Move indoors immediately. Lightning is one of nature`s leading killers. Remember, if you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning.”

“A severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located 8 miles southeast of Alice, moving north at 35 mph,” the warning states.

Residents were urged to move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building and to avoid windows

“This cluster of thunderstorms is capable of producing tornadoes and widespread significant wind damage. Do not wait to see or hear the tornado,” the warning states.

The National Weather Service issued an urban and small stream flood advisory for poor drainage areas for areas in Nueces, Jim Wells and Kleberg counties. The advisory will be in effect until 1:15 p.m.

There is a moderate risk for dangerous rip currents along gulf-facing beaches Monday. 

This is a developing story. Stay with Caller.com for updates.

Monica Lopez covers trending and breaking news in South Texas. Help support local journalism with a digital subscription to the Corpus Christi Caller-Times.

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