Weather
Weather news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
WeatherWATCH: TxDOT video shows street flooding on South Padre Island
SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The storm that pushed across the entire Rio Grande Valley on Wednesday morning caused street flooding on Padre Boulevard on South Padre Island. The Texas Department of Transportation posted a video of the aftermath on the island, showing rainwater on sidewalks and in parking spaces along the major roadway. Deep
WeatherTexas Water Development Board Outlines Strategic Plan to Secure Future Water Supply
The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) has outlined a strategic plan to secure the state's future water supply amid projected population growth and potential droughts. The plan anticipates a 53% population increase from 2030 to 2080, while current water supplies may decline by 10%. Irrigation currently consumes the most water, but municipal use is expected to rise significantly. The TWDB recommends over 10,000 projects, with an estimated cost of $174 billion, more than double the previous plan. Key strategies include conservation, reuse, and major reservoir projects to meet future demands.
WeatherFlood advisories issued for Cameron and Hidalgo counties
A flood warning for Cameron County was canceled after initial advisories expired. Severe weather impacted Brownsville Metro and Valley Metro RGV, causing delays. San Perlita ISD dismissed all students and staff on Wednesday morning due to the storms. Thunderstorms moved through the Rio Grande Valley, prompting several warnings that have since ended. As of Wednesday at 12:20 p.m., Magic Valley Electric Cooperative and AEP Texas reported 2,063 outages, primarily in Cameron County. The Brownsville Public Utilities Board identified outages affecting over 5,350 customers, resolving them by 11 a.m. Residents can download the KRGV FIRST WARN 5 Weather app for updates.
WeatherSevere weather leaves hundreds without power in the Valley
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A severe weather alert has caused power outages affecting more than 800 customers, according to AEP Texas and Magic Valley Co-Op outage maps. 9:49 a.m. Within a few minutes, 235 customers in Hidalgo County are now reporting no power, according to the AEP power outage map. In Cameron County, 403 customers
Morning storm activity before hot, dry weekend arrives
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A line of thunderstorms developing across northern Mexico will push east through lunchtime Wednesday, posing a risk for gusty winds and or damaging wind gusts, heavy rainfall, lightning and thunder. While the chance for redevelopment through the afternoon is uncertain, general trends show early activity will transition to mostly cloudy skies
WeatherSevere Weather Advisory Issued for Several Counties
The National Weather Service has issued a severe weather advisory for Cameron County due to dangerous conditions expected in Laguna Vista, Bayview, and Laguna Heights. Forecasts predict heavy rainfall, possible hail in Los Fresnos, and strong wind gusts reaching up to 70 miles per hour. The storm may also bring lightning strikes. Additionally, electrical outages have been reported across the Rio Grande Valley, with AEP and Magic Valley reporting 2,691 outages in Hidalgo County, 248 in Willacy County, and 65 in Cameron County. Authorities urge residents to stay alert for weather updates.
WeatherLaguna Heights man recounts close calls with tornadoes and hurricanes ahead of Facing the Fury special
Arnold Ochoa, a resident of Laguna Heights, shared his experiences with hurricanes and tornadoes, emphasizing the importance of knowing when to evacuate. Having witnessed storms like hurricanes Allen and Dolly, as well as a tornado that struck in May 2023, Ochoa warns that not all homes in Laguna Heights are equipped to withstand future hurricanes. During a recent discussion with the National Weather Service, they highlighted the critical differences between well-constructed homes and those vulnerable to damage. Barry Goldsmith from the Weather Service stressed that even minor improvements can enhance safety. Ochoa's insights will be featured in Channel 5 News' special, Facing the Fury, airing on May 28 at 6:30 p.m.
WeatherSevere thunderstorm watch issued for Starr County
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Starr County will be under a severe thunderstorm watch until 6 a.m. on Wednesday. Additionally, Starr County and the western portions of the Rio Grande Valley are under a slight risk for severe weather on Tuesday night going into Wednesday morning. While forecast models continue to vary in both intensity and
WeatherTexas DPS Urges Residents to Plan Ahead for Hurricane Season
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is urging residents to prepare for the upcoming 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season, which runs from June 1 to November 30. Texans are advised to create emergency plans, including identifying evacuation routes and ensuring vehicles are fueled. Special considerations should be made for individuals with disabilities and pets. An emergency kit should include water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, hygiene items, and important documents. Residents can find more information on emergency preparedness at the Texas Hurricane Center and are encouraged to register with the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry for additional support during disasters.
WeatherPower outage affects 70 Valley customers: AEP Texas, Magic Valley
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Tuesday morning thunderstorms moving through the Rio Grande Valley have left more than 70 customers without power, according to AEP Texas and Magic Valley Co-Op. 10:15 a.m. As of 10:15 a.m., the AEP Texas and Magic Valley Co-Op maps report that 51 customers in Cameron County are experiencing power outages. In
WeatherChance for showers, thunderstorms continues into new week
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — It has been quite the weekend as there have been multiple rounds of severe weather moving across the Valley, bringing some beneficial rain. Rain chances will continue into the first half of the week due to the development of thunderstorms over the Sierra Madre. As for the severity of potential thunderstorms,
WeatherAnother round of storms coming Tuesday, clearing by the weekend
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — On this Memorial Day, we are looking at drier weather with a mix of sun and clouds. A few stray showers influenced by the sea breeze are possible but coverage is wicked low. We'll see highs this afternoon reach the upper 80s to low 90s. Northeast winds at 5 to 15mph.
WeatherAvoid flooded roads: TxDOT's safety tips for Valley drivers
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — With possible storms forecasted across the Valley this weekend, the Texas Department of Transportation is advising drivers to remember its campaign "Turn around, Don't drown." According to Valley Storm Team Forecaster Craig Verley, the Valley will see more scattered storms throughout the weekend, which could lead to some heavy rain and possible local
WeatherAEP, Magic Valley reports 1,700 customers without power in Starr, Hidalgo County
RIO GRANDE VALLEY, Texas (ValleyCentral) — More than 1,700 customers in Hidalgo and Starr County are currently without power following severe storms passing through the Valley, according to outage maps from AEP Texas and Magic Valley Co-op. According to Valley Storm Team Forecaster Craig Verley, the Valley will see more scattered storms throughout the weekend, which
WeatherScattered rain and thunderstorms could bring heavy rain
RIO GRANDE VALLEY, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Rio Grande Valley will see some more scattered showers and thunderstorms through the weekend that could include some heavy rain. While the Weather Prediction Center shows generally a half inch to one and a half inches over the next couple of days. Some of the thunderstorms could include heavy
WeatherSevere Thunderstorm Warning Issued for Several Cities in the Rio Grande Valley
The National Weather Service in Brownsville has issued a severe thunderstorm warning until 1:15 PM for several communities in the Rio Grande Valley. The storm is expected to produce winds up to 60 miles per hour, posing a risk of damage to roofs, as well as broken trees and branches. Communities affected by this warning include Harlingen, San Benito, Mercedes, La Feria, Los Fresnos, Santa Rosa, Rancho Viejo, Río Hondo, La Villa, and Palm Valley. Authorities advise residents to stay alert to weather conditions and seek safe shelter during severe storms.
WeatherAlamo holding sandbag distribution events during ongoing flood watch
The city of Alamo is distributing sandbags to residents due to a flood watch in the Rio Grande Valley this weekend. Residents must provide proof of residency to receive the bags. Empty sandbags can be collected at city hall, and residents can fill them at the Alamo Sports Complex or Robert G. Balli Park. Seniors and individuals with disabilities can request assistance at the Public Works Department. Each household can receive up to five sandbags, while businesses are limited to two per door. Thunderstorms are expected, with a risk of severe weather and flash flooding on Saturday night.
WeatherSevere thunderstorm warning for Willacy County expires
The severe thunderstorm warning for Willacy County has officially expired as of 8:15 p.m. on Friday. This warning followed a tornado warning that affected both Willacy and Kenedy counties. The storm, which had the potential for tornadic activity, was approaching Port Mansfield when the alert was issued. Currently, strong thunderstorms are passing through the northeastern coastal areas of Willacy County, with wind gusts reaching up to 40 mph and the possibility of pea-sized hail. For the latest weather updates, residents can download the KRGV FIRST WARN 5 Weather app or follow the KRGV First Warn 5 Weather team on social media.
WeatherTornado warning expires in Willacy County, severe thunderstorm warning in effect
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A severe thunderstorm warning is in effect for Willacy County. The warning is in effect until 8:15 p.m. The thunderstorm warning is followed by a tornado warning for Willacy County, which expired at 7:30 p.m. Residents in Willacy County can expect significant storms, hail, and wind gusts reaching up to 60 mph.