Zapata County Fire Department/emergency Management

07/23/2026

🌧️🚨 WEATHER UPDATE | ZAPATA COUNTY 🚨🌧️

The Zapata County Fire Department is closely monitoring Tropical Storm Bertha as periods of heavy rainfall are expected to move into our area later today through Friday.

According to the National Weather Service:

🌧️ Zapata County is expected to receive some of the highest rainfall totals in Deep South Texas.

What to Expect

☔ Best chance for rain:
Late this afternoon through Friday

🌧️ Expected rainfall:
• Generally 1 to 2 inches
• Localized amounts of 3 to 4 inches are possible where heavier rain bands persist.

⚠️ Because of the potential for locally heavy rainfall:

• Dry creeks and arroyos may quickly fill with fast-moving water.
• Low-water crossings and flood-prone roadways may become hazardous.
• Localized flash flooding is possible where heavier rain bands develop.

🥵 Heat Advisory

A Heat Advisory remains in effect for Zapata and Starr Counties from 1:00 PM until 7:00 PM today.

Heat index values may reach 113°F this afternoon.

Please stay hydrated, limit strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day, and check on elderly family members and neighbors.

Safety Reminders

🚗 Never drive through flooded roadways.

🌊 Turn Around, Don't Drown.

📱 Keep weather alerts enabled on your phone.

⚠️ Be especially cautious near arroyos, low-water crossings, and other flood-prone areas.

The Zapata County Fire Department will continue monitoring weather conditions and provide updates as additional information becomes available.

Stay safe, Zapata County.

🚒 Zapata County Fire Department

Joe Rathmell
Zapata County Commissioner Pct.1 David R. Moya
Pedro Morales Zapata County Pct.2 Commissioner
Jose A. "Joey" Solis, Zapata County Commissioner,Pct. 3
Roberto C. Garza Commissioner Pct. 4
Sheriff Ramon E. Montes
Zapata County Sheriff's Office
Zapata County News

07/22/2026

07/22/2026

🌡️🌧️ WEATHER UPDATE FOR ZAPATA COUNTY

Zapata County is experiencing a Moderate to Major HeatRisk today, with dangerous heat expected to continue into next week. Although Zapata County is not currently included in the Heat Advisory, residents should still take precautions to prevent heat-related illness.

Drink plenty of water, limit strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day, take frequent breaks, and never leave children or pets unattended inside a vehicle.

🌧️ Heavy Rainfall Possible Thursday

Portions of Zapata County are under a Marginal Risk, Level 1 of 4, for excessive rainfall on Thursday in association with Tropical Storm Bertha.

The best chance for rainfall will be Thursday afternoon into the overnight hours. General rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are possible across the highlighted area, with locally higher amounts where heavier rain bands develop. The exact location of the heaviest rainfall remains uncertain.

Residents are encouraged to prepare today:

Clear debris from drainage ditches, culverts, and other drainage areas.
Check tires, brakes, and windshield wipers before traveling.
Be prepared for reduced visibility and difficult driving conditions during heavy downpours.
Never drive through a flooded roadway. Turn Around, Don’t Drown.
Keep weather alerts enabled and continue monitoring local updates.

Localized flooding may occur in low-lying, flood-prone, and poor-drainage areas. Zapata County officials will continue monitoring conditions and provide additional information as needed.

07/20/2026

🚨 COMMUNITY UPDATE 🚨

Many residents have noticed Fire, EMS, and Rescue vehicles from across Texas throughout Zapata County and have asked why they are here.

We want to reassure everyone that there is no immediate cause for alarm.

Due to the anticipated floodwaters moving into our area, the State of Texas has pre-positioned additional Fire, EMS, Urban Search & Rescue, Swift Water Rescue, and Medical resources in Zapata County as a precautionary measure. These specialized teams are standing by and ready to assist if conditions worsen.

This proactive approach ensures that resources are already in place should they be needed, allowing for a faster and more effective response while helping keep local emergency resources available to continue serving the citizens of Zapata County.

The Zapata County Fire Department, in conjunction with the Zapata County Sheriff's Office, Zapata County Judge Joe Rathmell, the Zapata County Commissioners Court, Emergency Management, and our local, state, and federal partners, are closely monitoring the situation and will continue to provide updates as conditions change.

📸 The photos below show only some of the personnel and specialized equipment currently staged in Zapata County in support of this mission.

We sincerely appreciate the support of our partner agencies and thank the residents of Zapata County for their continued patience, cooperation, and trust.

Zapata County Fire & EMS
Serving our community. Ready when needed

07/18/2026

Statement from Sheriff Ramon E. Montes

The Zapata County Sheriff’s Office is actively monitoring the current river conditions due to increased water flows along the Rio Grande. At this time, navigation buoys that have broken loose because of the high water have been observed in the Laredo area and are continuing downstream. They have not reached Zapata County at this time, but we are closely monitoring their movement as part of the overall river conditions.

The Zapata County Sheriff’s Office is working in close coordination with the Zapata County Fire Department, U.S. Border Patrol, Texas DPS, and the Texas National Guard. Together, we are continuously observing, assessing, and sharing information to ensure we are prepared should conditions change.

Based on the latest information available, Falcon Lake is expected to increase to at least 50% capacity as floodwaters continue making their way into the reservoir from the Rio Grande. While this is positive for our regional water supply, residents should remain aware that rapidly changing river conditions can create hazardous situations near the riverbanks and in low-lying areas.

We encourage everyone to:
• Stay away from the Rio Grande and fast-moving floodwaters.
• Do not attempt to drive through flooded roads or low-water crossings.
• Secure boats, docks, and any property located near the river.
• Continue following updates from official local authorities.

The safety of our community remains our highest priority. We will continue working alongside our partner agencies and will provide timely updates as new information becomes available.

Sheriff Ramon E. Montes
Zapata County Sheriff’s Office

07/16/2026

🚨 ZAPATA COUNTY WEATHER UPDATE 🚨

The Zapata County Fire Department continues to monitor weather conditions affecting our area.

While the focus of the heaviest rainfall is gradually shifting toward portions of Southwest and South Central Texas, additional showers and thunderstorms remain possible across our region through the end of the week. Saturated soils mean that localized flooding can still occur if heavier rain develops.

Please continue to use caution, especially if traveling near:

Low-water crossings
Arroyos
Flood-prone roadways
Areas that received heavy rainfall earlier this week

Remember:
🚗 Turn Around, Don't Drown.
📱 Stay informed through trusted weather sources.
⚠️ Never drive around barricades or through flooded roads.

The Zapata County Fire Department will continue monitoring conditions and provide updates if the forecast changes.

Stay safe, Zapata County. 🚒

07/15/2026

🚨 WEATHER UPDATE | ZAPATA COUNTY 🚨

The Zapata County Fire Department is closely monitoring a developing weather pattern that may bring periods of heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and the potential for flash flooding to portions of Southwest Texas through the remainder of the week.

🌧️ What We're Watching

According to the latest National Weather Service and Texas Division of Emergency Management briefing:

⚠️ The greatest threat for heavy rainfall is expected Wednesday through Thursday across Southwest and South Central Texas.

🌊 Slow-moving thunderstorms and repeated rounds of rainfall may lead to flash flooding, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas.

⛈️ Additional rounds of rainfall remain possible through the weekend, although confidence in exact locations and rainfall amounts will continue to be refined.

📍 Residents Should Be Prepared If You Live Near:

• Medina Addition
• Arroyos and creek crossings
• Low-water crossings
• Other flood-prone or low-lying areas

✅ Safety Reminders

🚗 Never drive through flooded roadways.

📱 Monitor trusted weather sources and official updates.

🎒 Have an emergency plan and supplies ready should conditions worsen.

⚠️ Be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions.

📲 Stay Connected with Hyper-Reach

Receive emergency notifications directly from Zapata County.

📱 Sign up here:
https://signup.hyper-reach.com/hyper_reach/sign_up_page_2/?id=112942

📞 Need assistance?
(956) 265-3414

The Zapata County Fire Department will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates as additional information becomes available.

Turn Around, Don't Drown.

🚒 Zapata County Fire Department

Joe Rathmell
Zapata County Commissioner Pct.1 David R. Moya
Pedro Morales Zapata County Pct.2 Commissioner
Jose A. "Joey" Solis, Zapata County Commissioner,Pct. 3
Roberto C. Garza Commissioner Pct. 4
Sheriff Ramon E. Montes
Zapata County Sheriff's Office
Zapata County News