Severe Flooding Hits McAllen, Texas, Prompting Multiple Water Rescues

MCALLEN, Texas – Severe flooding struck the Rio Grande Valley late Thursday into Friday, leading to numerous water rescues as intense thunderstorms dumped nearly a foot of rain in some areas within 48 hours.

The inundation was particularly devastating in McAllen, where the National Weather Service reported 7.93 inches of rain, making it the city’s third-wettest day on record. Across parts of Hidalgo and Cameron counties, some areas experienced rainfall totals of 10 inches or more, leading to significant street flooding and widespread disruption.

Visuals from the scene depicted submerged vehicles in parking lots and on roadways, prompting emergency services to launch rescue operations. Linda Ortiz Jenkins recorded a video capturing the chaos surrounding high water levels near the McAllen Police Department. “The drainage system just can’t handle this,” she said, as water swept over streets.

In a post on social media, South Texas Health System McAllen confirmed that the medical center was addressing minor flooding due to stormwater overflow. “Our facility experienced water intrusion on the first floor, but we are working swiftly to resolve the issue,” the hospital staff stated.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott declared a state of emergency in response to the severe weather conditions, enabling the activation of resources from the Texas Division of Emergency Management. “We’re monitoring the situation closely,” Abbott noted, as threats of additional severe weather were projected into the weekend.

In Brownsville, officials reported shattering the record for the wettest March day, receiving 5.70 inches of rain and prompting school closures across the Brownsville Independent School District.

“It’s the first Flash Flood Emergency we’ve issued in over three years,” Dave Dilley, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Brownsville, stated. This emergency warning affects southeastern Hidalgo County as saturated soils elevate the risk for further flooding.

The heavy weekend rains are attributed to a mix of atmospheric moisture and an upper-level storm system moving northward from northern Mexico. According to the FOX Forecast Center, this weather system is expected to bring the potential for continued heavy rainfall as it progresses toward the Texas Gulf Coast.

As flooding persisted, Alamo Fire Chief RC Flores reported that first responders conducted over 50 water rescues, including a critical response to a pregnant woman near a local Walmart. “Our priority is ensuring safety, and we are responding to urgent medical calls as they come in,” Flores said.

Local schools, including South Texas College and the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, announced temporary closures due to the weather disruptions. “It’s a dangerous situation; we advise everyone to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary,” a spokesperson for the school district added.

The National Weather Service urged residents to avoid low-lying areas and stay clear of flooded roads, where most flood-related fatalities occur. “Stay away or be swept away,” they warned as several counties remained under flood watches and warnings.

As recovery efforts continue and the storm system progresses, residents are urged to remain vigilant and to stay informed through official weather updates.