Record-breaking rainfall in South Texas led to deadly flooding, claiming the lives of at least three individuals in Hidalgo County. The catastrophic flooding prompted County Judge Richard F. Cortez to declare a state of disaster in the region. Details on the fatalities were scarce, with the county mentioning that they were related to law enforcement activities.
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller expressed condolences, labeling the situation as a tragic event for the Valley community. The heavy rain also resulted in a fatality across the border in Mexico, where an 83-year-old man drowned in Reynosa, opposite McAllen in Hidalgo County.
A slow-moving upper-level trough from Mexico brought thunderstorms and rainfall to South Texas near the border, particularly impacting Hidalgo County. While the trough was moving eastward and no significant rainfall was anticipated, the National Weather Service warned that flooding was likely to persist.
Miller highlighted Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, and Willacy counties as the worst-hit areas, emphasizing the significant damage caused by the excessive rainfall. The torrential downpour led to severe losses in agriculture and livestock in addition to damaging homes, vehicles, and infrastructure.
In Hidalgo County alone, some areas received over a foot of rain within a span of 48 hours. The city of Harlingen in Cameron County experienced over 21 ½ inches of rainfall, resulting in flooding. Mayor Norma Sepulveda opened a convention center for displaced residents and urged those at home to remain indoors.
Despite the challenges posed by this historic event, Sepulveda expressed confidence in Harlingen’s resilience, assuring the community that they would overcome the adversity together. County Judge Cortez acknowledged the progress made in addressing the widespread damage and commended the collaborative efforts of emergency management teams and local precincts.
Residents like Jionni Ochoa in Palm Valley shared their ordeal, with Ochoa describing how the flooding had left everything in his home soaked except for the bed. The community worked towards recovery and rebuilding after the devastating impact of the severe storms and flooding.
