Severe storms claim lives and cause chaos in South Texas
- Over a foot of rain fell in parts of South Texas, inundating streets and prompting rescue operations.
- Authorities executed more than 50 rescues in Alamo, while over 200 residents awaited help in Harlingen.
- The severe storms resulted in significant flooding, leading to airport closures and school cancellations.
In South Texas, severe thunderstorms have caused catastrophic flooding, leading to widespread damage and numerous rescues. Falling over a foot of rain within a short period inundated several regions, particularly affecting areas like Weslaco and Harlingen, which reported more than 14 and 21 inches of rain, respectively. The unprecedented rainfall prompted authorities to conduct over 50 rescues in Alamo alone, while reports indicated more than 200 individuals in Harlingen were either rescued or awaiting assistance, illustrating the severity of the situation and the urgent response needed by first responders. The flooding not only trapped residents in their homes but also forced many drivers to abandon their vehicles. With the region’s drainage system overwhelmed, the local authorities prioritized medical emergencies while conducting rescues. Alongside these rescues, schools and airports in the area faced significant disruptions, with Valley International Airport pausing operations due to the flooding. School districts throughout South Texas canceled classes, affecting thousands of students. Cameron County officials, facing nearly 17 inches of rainfall, requested a disaster declaration from the state Governor Greg Abbott, highlighting the scale of the crisis. With approximately 3,700 individuals without power due to the storms, the community grappled with the aftermath and the potential for further flooding should additional rainfall occur. The National Weather Service issued flood warnings and cautioned residents about additional showers that could exacerbate the current situation. Officials continue to assess the damage, striving to provide necessary assistance to those affected. Local leaders, including Weslaco Mayor Adrian Gonzalez and Alamo Fire Chief R.C. Flores, expressed their commitment to support the community through this unprecedented weather event. Although the storm had subsided, the consequences of the flooding created ongoing challenges for South Texas as they worked towards recovery and rebuilding efforts.