South Texas Rio Grande Valley Flooding Leads to Fatalities as Severe Weather Threat Takes Shape

Thursday, March 27, 2025:

• Heavy rain begins inundating South Texas, particularly the Rio Grande Valley near the border with Mexico.
• More than a half-year's worth of rain falls in some areas in a short period.
• The city of McAllen, Texas, experiences significant flooding, with streets becoming submerged and a hospital's first floor flooding, leading to patient diversions and visitation pauses.
• Eyewitness video shows cars submerged in floodwaters in McAllen.
• Portions of Interstate 2 in Hidalgo County become underwater, with abandoned vehicles and even a fire truck stranded.
• In Palm Valley, near Harlingen, residents like Jionni Ochoa experience floodwaters entering their homes.
• Across the border in Tamaulipas, Mexico, significant rainfall also occurs, leading to flooding in cities like Reynosa and Rio Bravo.

Friday, March 28, 2025:

• Morning:Rain continues in South Texas, though it begins to subside by the evening.
• Two flash flood warnings are in effect for eastern and west-central Cameron County, Texas.
• The Rio Grande River near San Benito, Texas, is recorded at 40.37 feet, with forecasts predicting it to rise significantly in the coming days.
• AccuWeather reports that at least five rain gauges in the area have recorded over 18 inches of rain in the past 48 hours. Harlingen airport reports 14.11 inches.
• Officials in Harlingen, Texas, report rescuing over 200 residents, with hundreds more awaiting rescue due to 21 inches of rain.
• Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez signs a local disaster declaration due to "widespread flooding and significant property damage," confirming three deaths.
• The city of Edinburg, the Hidalgo County seat, reports a "record-breaking downpour" causing flooding, stranded motorists, and facility damage.
• Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller describes the flooding as a "devastating tragedy" and notes significant agricultural and livestock losses in counties including Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, and Willacy.
• A hospital in McAllen, Texas, reopens to visitors, though some parts of the first floor remain restricted due to flood damage.
• In Tamaulipas, Mexico, authorities report one drowning death in Reynosa. The Mexican Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection states that over 1,100 people have been moved to temporary shelters after more than a foot of rain in 48 hours, with nearly 700 rescued.
• Cameron County Constable PCT 5 shares images on social media showing the extent of the flooding and rescue efforts in areas like Primera, Texas.
• Afternoon/Evening:The heavy rain in South Texas subsides.
• The National Weather Service forecasts the rains to move northeast toward Mississippi and Arkansas over the next several days.
• AccuWeather forecasts dry weather for South Texas over the weekend and into the first half of the following week, with above-normal temperatures.

Saturday, March 29, 2025:

• The Rio Grande River near San Benito, Texas, is forecast to rise to 48.6 feet.
• A multiday episode of severe weather, including potential tornadoes, is forecast to begin across the central and eastern U.S., starting in Oklahoma, Kansas, and Missouri.

Sunday, March 30, 2025:

• The greatest risk of severe weather, including strong tornadoes, is forecast across the Mississippi and Ohio Valleys.

Tuesday, April 1, 2025:

• The Rio Grande River near San Benito, Texas, is forecast to reach 51.4 feet.