RIO HONDO, Texas (ValleyCentral) – Almost the entire city of Rio Hondo is submerged following the extensive rainstorms that swept through the Rio Grande Valley on Thursday.

City administrator Ben Medina reported that Colorado Street, the main thoroughfare through the town, is flooded from the center of the city 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.

Meteorologist Lexie Walker noted that Rio Hondo experienced 17.9 inches of rain on Thursday. The city administrator highlighted that the torrential rainfall is creating issues with the city’s wastewater system and lift station. However, he assured that it is not affecting the city’s drinking water.

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

On social media, many homeowners 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.

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

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.