ALAMO, Texas — South Texas worked to dry out on Friday after forced dozens of water rescues as severe thunderstorms closed on a street that had flooded a day ago, forced airports to close, and many drivers were forced to abandon vehicles on roads and parking lots as it was raining.
“We’re just like a bucket of water poured on us, and there’s too much for the drainage system,” Alamo Fire Station’s RC Flores told KRGV in Weslaco, Texas. “Many of these are marginalized drivers with no immediate risk, but we want to make sure we prioritize medical calls first.”
Flores said the Alamo fire and the police department responded to more than 50 water rescues on Thursday.
Weslaco Mayor Adrian Gonzalez said his city has been raining about 14 inches (36 cm) and water rescues of 30 to 40 people from scattered drivers and residents have been locked in their homes due to rising flooding.
“It’s a historic storm, affecting not just Weslaco, but all the valleys. In a short period of time, there’s a lot of water,” Gonzalez told reporters at a press conference.
Television news footage from flooded communities in southern Texas showed multiple water-infiltrating vehicles abandoned on the streets Thursday, waiting for the sidewalk for the flood to retreat.
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According to the National Weather Service, 6 inches (15 cm) to 12 inches (30 cm) of rain has been falling in parts of South Texas in the last 24 hours. Located west of McAllen, Palmview has received more than 18 inches (45 cm) of rain over the past two days.
In nearby Cameron County, authorities have asked Gov. Greg Abbott to declare a county disaster after more than 17 inches of rain caused significant flooding.
“The amount of rain we received is a record amount of rainfall, and it’s not a good idea. All county resources are currently being used and we are supporting them in every way possible.”
Harlingen Valley International Airport closed on Friday, with all flights cancelled due to flooding in the area.
“We are tirelessly working to reopen and focus on ensuring safety,” an airport official said in a statement.
More than 3,700 people were out of power in several South Texas counties Friday afternoon, according to AEP Texas.
Flood warnings remained in effect in parts of South Texas, including Cameron, Hidalgo and Willasy counties, up until Friday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service.
“We have a break from the rain this morning. This will allow the flood to gradually retreat, but we need to pay attention to the development of isolated showers and thunderstorms this afternoon.” “Additional rainfall will soon cause flood problems given the already declining heavy rain.”
The Far San Juan Alamo School District opened two shelter locations for residents Thursday night. One shelter was open in Weslaco.
Over 20 school districts and university campuses in South Texas cancelled classes Friday due to inclement weather and flooding.
