3 dead, more than 200 rescued in South Texas after flooding

Heavy rain pounded the Texas-Mexico border region, causing widespread flooding and chaos. The aftermath of the severe storms left at least three people dead, with ongoing rescue operations to save stranded residents.

Hidalgo County officials were grappling with the aftermath of the storm, which saw parts of the county receiving up to 14 inches of rain. The county judge, Richard Cortez, signed a local disaster declaration to kickstart recovery efforts and access state and federal aid.

In Harlingen, the situation was dire as the city experienced over 21 inches of rain in a week, leading to severe flooding. More than 200 residents had to be rescued, with another 200 awaiting assistance. Mayor Norma Sepulveda reassured the community of their strength in facing adversity together.

Alamo also bore the brunt of the storm, with over 100 water rescues conducted by the police and fire department. Hundreds of homes were flooded, and Chief R.C. Flores emphasized the ongoing efforts to assist residents in need.

Weslaco Mayor Adrian Gonzalez reported about 14 inches of rain inundating the city, resulting in numerous water rescues of stranded motorists and trapped residents. The historic rainstorm impacted the entire region, with abandoned cars and flooded streets visible in television news footage.

The National Weather Service recorded between 6 to 12 inches of rain in many parts of South Texas within 24 hours, leading to significant flooding. Cameron County also faced a deluge, prompting officials to request a disaster declaration from Governor Greg Abbott.

Valley International Airport in Harlingen remained closed, and power outages affected over 3,400 residents in several counties. A flood warning was still in effect for parts of South Texas, with the possibility of isolated showers and thunderstorms exacerbating the flooding.

Despite the challenges, efforts were underway to provide shelter for those affected. Schools and tourist attractions were closed temporarily, with shelters set up in Alamo, Weslaco, and Harlingen. Numerous school districts and college campuses canceled classes due to the severe weather conditions.

Looking ahead, North Texas was bracing for damaging winds and potential hail over the weekend. The resilience of the communities in the face of such adversity was evident, with a collective effort to overcome the aftermath of the devastating storm.