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.