local
Lightning strike ignites palm tree near McPherson and Jacaman roads
By Ruby Villarreal, Emma Galle at KGNS — Top News
· June 20, 2026
· 1 min read
LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - A lightning strike ignited a palm tree near McPherson and Jacaman roads Friday, June 19, forcing road closures and sending flames into the sky.It happened just before 9 p.m. Friday. Viewer video shows the flames rapidly engulfing the tree.The video shows burning leaves falli...
Key takeaway (KGNS) - A lightning strike ignited a palm tree near McPherson and Jacaman roads Friday, June 19, forcing road closures and sending flames into the sky.
Why this matters in Laredo News
The lightning strike that ignited a palm tree near McPherson and Jacaman roads is a stark reminder of the Gulf hurricane and flooding risks that Laredo faces. As the city sits within the greater Laredo metro, its residents are no strangers to severe weather conditions. The fact that the Laredo Fire Department was able to contain and extinguish the fire quickly is a testament to their preparedness and training. However, the incident also highlights the need for residents to be vigilant and take necessary precautions during thunderstorms. The city's location in a hurricane-prone area means that residents must be aware of the potential for power outages, flooding, and other hazards. As the summer months approach, it is crucial for the city's emergency services to be on high alert, and for residents to stay informed about weather conditions and take necessary steps to protect themselves and their property.
About this story
Original reporting by KGNS — Top News . Laredo News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KGNS — Top News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 20, 2026 ·
Source: KGNS — Top News ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - A lightning strike ignited a palm tree near McPherson and Jacaman roads Friday, June 19, forcing road closures and sending flames into the sky.It happened just before 9 p.m. Friday. Viewer video shows the flames rapidly engulfing the tree.The video shows burning leaves falli...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 20, 2026 by KGNS — Top News and curated for Laredo News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Ruby Villarreal, Emma Galle at KGNS — Top News. To learn more about how Laredo News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Laredo News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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