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National Weather Service releases preliminary information regarding Tuesday's severe weather

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Published  May 24, 2023 7:47pm CDT
Weather
FOX 26 Houston

What is a microburst?

FOX 26 Meteorologist Remeisha Shade explains what a microburst is as the National Weather Service believes that's what caused the storm damage across Huntsville and Willis on Tuesday afternoon.

HOUSTON - The National Weather Service has released a very preliminary report following Tuesday's severe weather that occurred in the Huntsville and Willis area. 

According to meteorologists, the damage caused in both cities was not the result of a tornado, but a microburst. 

Heavy storm leaves behind damage in Willis, Huntsville

Mother Nature made her presence felt in the Houston-area on Tuesday afternoon after a tornado warning was issued and left behind lots of damage.

According to the National Weather Service, a microburst is a localized column of sinking air (downdraft) within a thunderstorm and is usually less than or equal to two and a half miles in diameter. Microbursts can cause extensive damage at the surface, and in some instances, can be life-threatening. 

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Meteorologists say wind speeds from microbursts can reach up to 100 miles per hour, or even higher, which is equivalent to an EF-1 tornado. 

However, Tuesday's severe weather didn't reach those levels, meteorologists say. 

The full report hasn't been released by meteorologists just yet. But as we learn more, we'll keep you up-to-date.