RIO HONDO, Texas (ValleyCentral) – Nearly all of the city of Rio Hondo is underwater after the massive rain storms that hit the Rio Grande Valley on Thursday.

City administrator Ben Medina said Colorado Street, which is the main street through town, is underwater from the middle of the city all the way to State Highway 345, also known as Sam Houston Boulevard.

That state highway is also flooded for several miles from Rio Hondo to Cemetery Road, which is about four miles east.

Medina said the only road accessible into Rio Hondo is Reynolds Road, which is also Williams Road in San Benito.

• The city of Rio Hondo received 17.9 inches of rain. On Friday most of the city remained under water. Courtesy: Eye in the Sky Photography
• The city of Rio Hondo received 17.9 inches of rain. On Friday most of the city remained under water. the fishing pier at the city’s newest park is underwater in the Arroyo Colorado. Courtesy: Eye in the Sky Photography
• The city of Rio Hondo received 17.9 inches of rain. On Friday most of the city remained under water. Motorist can be seen driving in the middle of State Highway 345, also known as Sam Houston Boulevard, in front of the Rio Hondo Middle School. Courtesy: Eye in the Sky Photography

Meteorologist Lexie Walker says Rio Hondo receive 17.9 inches of rain on Thursday.

The city administrator says the heavy rainfall is causing problems with the city’s waste water system and lift station. He said it is not impacting the city’s drinking water.

ARROYO CITY

In nearby Arroyo City, the small fishing community was hit by more than 15 inches of rain.

On social media many homeowner reported water going over the banks of the Arroyo Colorado and getting into their homes. Others reported seeing fishing docks and lights breaking loose from the moors and flooding downstream.

SAN BENITO FLOODING

In San Benito, the entire frontage road of the expressway remains under water after the city received nearly 18 inches of rain.

An irrigation ditch on Nelson Road near San Jose Road, which is east of San Benito, went over its banks. By Irma Guzman/ValleyCentral

Many motorists were stranded on Paseo Real, Williams Road, Sam Houston Boulevard and McCullough Street.

Some drivers trying to get to San Benito had to travel south on the expressway until the State Highway 100 exit, take the turn around, get back on the expressway and then exit the Business 77 off ramp.

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