The Rio Grande Valley in South Texas faced a deluge. A massive downpour hit the region, dumping over a year's worth of rain in just two days. This led to severe flooding, with cars left stranded and people needing rescue. The heavy rain caused three deaths in Hidalgo County, and many people were trapped in their homes. The situation was so bad that even emergency vehicles had trouble getting through the water.

The intense storms lasted for about 48 hours, hitting Hidalgo, Willacy, and Cameron counties the hardest. These counties, located on the southern tip of Texas along the Mexican border, saw some of the worst flooding. The National Weather Service issued four flash flood emergencies, warning of life-threatening conditions. In Willacy County, emergency responders had to use boats to reach people stuck in their homes. The rain was so heavy that it reminded some residents of Hurricane Beulah from 1967.

The City of Alamo in Hidalgo County declared a state of disaster. Mayor J. R. Garza said the city had been hit hard by the storms. Alamo's fire and police departments conducted about 100 rescues, with around 200 homes affected by the flooding. In neighboring Cameron County, the city of Harlingen saw nearly a year's worth of rain in less than two days. This caused extensive flooding, with many streets and homes underwater.

The rain also caused problems in Mexico. Over 690 people were rescued after heavy rains caused flooding in the state of Tamaulipas. The rain finally stopped in South Texas late Friday morning, but the danger wasn't over. Swollen rivers could still breach their banks, and the weather service warned people to stay away from flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles, so it's crucial to avoid driving through flooded areas.

The heavy rain in South Texas is part of a larger trend. As the world warms, extreme weather events like this are becoming more common. The United States saw a record number of flash flood emergencies last year, and this trend is likely to continue. It's important for people to be prepared and stay safe during these events.  The Rio Grande Valley will need time to recover from this latest flood. The region has seen its share of storms, but this one was particularly devastating. As the water recedes, the cleanup and recovery efforts will begin. It's a reminder of the power of nature and the importance of being prepared.

South Texas Drowned: A Year's Rain in Two Days!

Actions