Southern Hidalgo County hardest hit, with Weslaco and Mercedes facing major flooding and infrastructure challenges.

The Rio Grande Valley is now under a disaster declaration, as all four counties—Hidalgo, Cameron, Willacy, and Starr—move to address historic rainfall and widespread flooding.

McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos issued an emergency proclamation after the city received 9 to 12 inches of rain, triple the forecast.

In Cameron County, Harlingen recorded over 21 inches of rain, prompting Mayor Norma Sepulveda to report over 200 rescues and request aid from the governor’s office.

Judge Eddie Treviño Jr. also called for assistance, saying the county lacks resources to support affected cities and residents.

Congressman Tony Gonzales urged Governor Greg Abbott to issue a disaster declaration for the entire Valley. A joint press conference was held today in Hidalgo County by Valley city leaders.

Hidalgo County Mobilizes Flood Recovery Operations

In the aftermath of Wednesday’s storm, Hidalgo County officials are working to coordinate flood recovery efforts, particularly in the southern portion of the county, which received up to 18 inches of rain.

“It’s a historic rainstorm,” one official said. “It affected the entire Valley, not just Weslaco.”

Officials with the County Drainage District No. 1 say the system is performing well, and water levels are receding. Structures along the Willacy County border are being actively managed to push water downstream.

In Weslaco, the frontage road between Westgate and Texas remains closed, with at least one vehicle still submerged. In Mercedes, five subdivisions remain underwater, and trucks and pumps have been requested for drainage.

Valley cities continue offering shelter and support for those displaced.