Powerful Storms Trigger Severe Flooding in South Texas and Northeastern Mexico

• Severe storms flood South Texas
• Dozens of water rescues reported
• Authorities issue warnings and open shelters

South Texas is reeling from the aftermath of powerful storms that swept through the region on Thursday, causing historic flooding, shutting down a major airport, and prompting dozens of water rescues.

Many drivers were forced to abandon their vehicles on roads and in parking lots as some areas saw over 12 inches of rainfall in just a few hours.

“It’s like someone dumped a bucket of water on us—it’s too much for the drainage system,” said Álamo Fire Chief R.C. Flores, speaking with KRGV in Weslaco, Texas.

“Many of these are stranded drivers with no immediate danger, but we need to prioritize medical emergencies,” he added.

Extreme weather floods South Texas towns

Flores reported that Alamo police and fire departments responded to more than 50 water rescues on Thursday.

In Weslaco, Mayor Adrian Gonzalez noted that the Texas city received nearly 14 inches of rain, sparking flash floods.

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This led to between 30 and 40 rescue operations for stranded motorists and residents trapped in their homes.

“This is historic rainfall affecting the entire valley, not just Weslaco. It’s just too much water in too short a time,” Gonzalez said during a press conference.

The National Weather Service reported that 6 to 12 inches of rain fell in parts of South Texas within 24 hours.

Palmview, located west of McAllen, received over 18 inches over two days.

In Cameron County, officials asked Governor Greg Abbott to declare a disaster after more than 17 inches of rain caused significant flooding in the Texas county.

“These rainfall totals are record-breaking—and not in a good way,” said Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño, Jr., via Facebook.

“All county resources are currently engaged, and we’re providing assistance however we can,” he added.

The Valley International Airport in Harlingen, Texas was closed, and all flights were canceled due to flood conditions.

“We’re working tirelessly to reopen, with safety as our top priority,” airport officials said in a statement.

As of Friday afternoon, over 3,700 customers remained without power in multiple counties, according to AEP Texas.

This Thursday a sudden flood warning was issued for some areas of southern Texas, because of the flood that hit the area.

The National Meteorological Service extended its warning of sudden flooding for northwestern Hidalgo and the east of the counties of … pic.twitter.com/9cdtlpl9ve

– El Universal (@el_universal_mx) March 28, 2025

On Thursday, a flash flood warning was issued for parts of South Texas following the deluge. The National Weather Service extended warnings through early Friday for Cameron, Hidalgo, and Willacy counties.

“There’s a pause in the rain this morning, which will allow floodwaters to slowly recede,” the agency stated online.

“But isolated storms could return this afternoon.»

«And any additional rainfall could quickly cause more flooding.”

The Pharr-San Juan-Alamo School District opened two emergency shelters Thursday night. A shelter was also opened in Weslaco.

More than 20 school districts and college campuses across South Texas canceled classes on Friday due to the storms.

Residents are urged to remain vigilant, monitor official weather channels, and take all necessary precautions.

Follow ongoing updates and alerts via local authorities and the National Weather Service.

#Tamaulipas

The center of #Mcallen #Texas also suffers strong floods; Authorities on both sides of the border monitor the Rio Grande/Riobravo due to increased flow. Attention!
DC #Reynosa #Mante #Madero #CDVictoria #Brownsville pic.twitter.com/8bu4cdpkqk

– El Standard de Tamaulipas (@Elstandardddetam) March 27, 2025

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