A thunderstorm complex moved from the Rio Grande Plains into the Rio Grande Valley during the morning and early afternoon hours on May 19th. The slow forward speed of this complex led to heavy, and locally flooding rain across much of the lower Rio Grande Valley, where rainfall of 2 to nearly 5 inches fell. Water depths of 2 to 3 feet were common in the heaviest rainfall (and rain rate, which was 2 inches per hour for up to two hours in some spots) which included Weslaco, Harlingen, and Los Fresnos. Near the coast, high winds developed on the back side of the system, and contributed not only to a coastal flooding event, but also the capsizing and sinking of multiple boats in the Laguna Madre near Port Isabel. The combined damage costs from inland flooding as well as boat damage was estimated to be in the tens of thousands of dollars.

Coastal Flood in COASTAL WILLACY, TEXAS
From 19-MAY-21 10:00:00 to 19-MAY-21 16:00:00 (CST-6)
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: C-MAN Station

High northerly winds, associated with a wake low developing behind a thunderstorm complex, contributed to enhanced northerly swell which led to coastal flooding across portions of Coastal Willacy County on the morning of May 19th. Water levels topped out at 2.25ft above mean sea level (an estimated for water levels above normally dry ground) around 1:00pm in the Port Mansfield area.

Flash Flood in CAMERON, TEXAS
From 19-MAY-21 11:36:00 to 19-MAY-21 12:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: PRIMERA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Social media report received of a truck trapped in high water in the Harlingen area. Water depth was estimated to be around 3 feet.

Flash Flood in CAMERON, TEXAS
From 19-MAY-21 11:27:00 to 19-MAY-21 12:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: SAN BENITO MUNI ARPT
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Social media report received of several flooded streets with 2 to 3 feet of water depth near Miller Jordan Middle School in San Benito.

Flash Flood in HIDALGO, TEXAS
From 19-MAY-21 11:11:00 to 19-MAY-21 12:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: WESLACO
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 100.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Public report received of flood waters reaching up over the top of car wheel wells in the Weslaco area. Emergency managers also reported water depth of up to 3 feet in spots during this event, mostly in the area just south of Interstate Highway 2 between Westgate and Airport Boulevard.

Flash Flood in CAMERON, TEXAS
From 19-MAY-21 11:44:00 to 19-MAY-21 13:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: LOS FRESNOS
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Local emergency management coordinator and on-site law enforcement/fire and rescue reported water entering properties on the east side of Los Fresnos in poorly draining locations where 3 inches fell in a 2 to 3 hour period.

Flood in CAMERON, TEXAS
From 19-MAY-21 11:52:00 to 19-MAY-21 13:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: SAN BENITO
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Social media report received of water rising up to the doorsteps of homes in San Benito near the intersection of Oscar Williams Road and I69E.  Depth of water unknown, but likely 2 feet or less.

Coastal Flood in COASTAL CAMERON, TEXAS
From 19-MAY-21 09:00:00 to 19-MAY-21 15:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: C-MAN Station

High northerly winds, associated with a wake low developing behind a thunderstorm complex, contributed to enhanced northerly swell which led to coastal flooding across portions of Coastal Cameron County on the morning of May 19th. Water levels topped out at 2.51ft above normally dry ground around noon in the Port Isabel area. Other high water levels measured included 2.45ft above normally dry ground at SPI Brazos Santiago, and 2.45ft above normally high ground at the South Padre Island Coast Guard Station. These highest levels occurred generally between 11:30am and 12:15pm.  Several docks, signs, and boats sustained damage from the Storm-Force wind gusts and pounding waves associated with the event.  Dollar damages for boats are estimated and provided in a separate episode for Marine High Wind.

Flash Flood in HIDALGO, TEXAS
From 19-MAY-21 11:29:00 to 19-MAY-21 12:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: SAN CARLOS
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Social media report received of streets flooded in the San Cristobal Subdivision in Edinburg. Water depth was estimated to be 2 to 3 feet in some spots.