Rain keeps falling on Jim Wells County, schools and DPS close

Rain kept soaking Jim Wells and Duval counties Monday, and the biggest disruption hit where residents depend on daily routines the most: Agua Dulce ISD shut down, and the Jim Wells County Department of Public Safety closed as roads stayed wet and travel became more difficult. Most people still pushed through their day, but the closures showed the storm was already reaching school operations and public services.

The National Weather Service in Corpus Christi placed much of the Coastal Bend and Victoria Crossroads under a Moderate Risk, or level 3 of 4, for excessive rainfall and possible flash flooding. Forecasters said widespread moderate to heavy rain would continue through Tuesday, especially along the coast, before the flash-flood risk eased to a Marginal Risk by Wednesday. They also put the chance of tropical development along the Texas coast at 60 percent, with coastal flooding and rough surf expected to continue through Friday.

Weather alerts stretched from McMullen County down to Kleberg County, keeping a wide stretch of South Texas under watch as the rain pattern moved through the region. That broader footprint mattered in Jim Wells County because it meant the wet roads and drainage concerns were not isolated to one town or one neighborhood. Alice, where flooding was documented after overnight storms in May, has already shown how quickly rain can turn into a transportation problem for commuters and school traffic.

The scene in Duval County showed how people were adapting even with the storm hanging over the area. At the Duval County Civic Center, Melissa Trevino spoke with Elma Martinez, who had gone to play bingo with friends despite the rain. Martinez said the weather would not keep her away, but she also reminded drivers to be careful and watch the road. Her trip underscored the split many residents faced: carry on with life if they could, but stay alert for slick pavement and standing water.

Creeks across the area had water in them, but they were not close to overflowing when checked. That offered some relief, but not much comfort, because the rainfall forecast still pointed to more trouble ahead. For Jim Wells County, the question now is not whether rain would interrupt the day, but which low spots, school routes and service offices would take the next hit if the storms kept coming.