Heavy rainstorms along the Texas-Mexico border this week caused severe flooding, power outages, and emergency rescues across several cities in South Texas. While the rain finally eased on Friday, the aftermath is still unfolding. Three people have died, hundreds were rescued, and thousands remain without power.
Officials in affected cities like Harlingen, Alamo, Weslaco, and Hidalgo County are now focused on recovery efforts, with many areas still under flood warnings. Roads are waterlogged, homes have been damaged, and schools remain closed.
Rainfall Hits Record Levels in Multiple Cities
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), South Texas received between 6 and 21 inches of rain in just 24 hours.
- Harlingen received more than 21 inches of rain this week.
- Weslaco recorded around 14 inches, causing major flooding.
- In Alamo, hundreds of homes were affected, and over 100 water rescues took place.
- Hidalgo County saw up to 14 inches of rain in some areas.
- Neighboring Cameron County reported more than 17 inches and has requested a disaster declaration from the state.
Mayor Norma Sepulveda of Harlingen called it a “historic and challenging event”, while Weslaco Mayor Adrian Gonzalez said it’s “so much water in a short period of time.”
Emergency Response and Ongoing Rescues
Despite the break in rain on Friday, emergency teams are still working to help residents. More than 200 rescues were carried out in Harlingen alone, with another 200 people still waiting for help.
In Alamo, police and fire departments conducted over 100 rescues, including stranded drivers and people trapped inside flooded homes.
Fire Chief R.C. Flores stated,
“Just because the storm is over, it doesn’t mean the emergency is over. We are going to continue working as long as we need to.”
Shelters have been opened in Alamo, Weslaco, and Harlingen to house affected families. A middle school in Alamo is also serving as an emergency shelter.
Infrastructure Damage and Flight Cancellations
Valley International Airport in Harlingen was completely shut down on Friday, with all flights canceled due to flooding. Airport officials said they are working hard to reopen and ensure safety.
Across the region, more than 3,400 people were without power by Friday afternoon, according to AEP Texas.
In many towns, roads are still flooded and cars remain abandoned, showing just how quickly water levels rose during the storm.
Disaster Declarations and Government Support
Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez declared a local disaster on Friday—an important first step in getting state and federal aid for the recovery process.
Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño Jr. also requested a state disaster declaration, calling the rainfall “record-setting, and not in a good way.”
Government agencies are now assessing the full extent of the damage to homes, roads, and public infrastructure.
Schools and Tourist Areas Closed
More than 20 school districts and college campuses across South Texas were closed on Friday due to flooding and road closures. Some schools may remain shut into the weekend depending on cleanup progress.
SeaWorld San Antonio, a popular tourist destination, was also closed on Thursday due to the weather but reopened on Friday.
Weather Outlook: What’s Next?
Although rain has paused in South Texas, the flood warning remains in place for areas like Cameron, Hidalgo, and Willacy counties. The National Weather Service warned that any new rain could lead to more flooding due to already saturated ground.
Further north, North Texas is expected to experience damaging winds and possible hail this weekend, adding more concern for Texas residents.
This week’s storm has brought historic levels of rain to South Texas, resulting in major flooding, loss of life, and ongoing rescue operations. With disaster declarations underway, local and federal agencies will now focus on providing aid and repairing damage.
For now, emergency responders continue to work around the clock to ensure safety for thousands of residents affected by the storm. Even though the rain has stopped, the full recovery will take time—and support from all levels of government.