Severe storms and flash flooding continued to batter parts of Central and Southwest Texas on Thursday, leaving at least two people dead, forcing evacuations and prompting hundreds of rescues across communities already shaken by deadly flooding last year.
The hardest-hit areas include the Texas Hill Country, Kerr County, Uvalde County, Kendall County, Blanco County and communities along the Guadalupe, Nueces and Pedernales rivers. The National Weather Service issued flash flood emergencies in multiple counties after days of heavy rainfall sent rivers and creeks rising rapidly.
The Associated Press reported that more than 200 people had been rescued, including residents pulled from rooftops and vehicles as floodwaters moved through neighborhoods and low-water crossings. Texas Parks and Wildlife game wardens reported rescuing more than 40 people, primarily in Uvalde County, while state and local emergency crews used boats, helicopters and drones to reach stranded residents.
Gov. Greg Abbott issued a disaster declaration for 59 counties and said the state had deployed emergency resources across South-Central Texas. Reuters reported that more than 1,300 personnel from more than 30 agencies were activated as part of the response. Abbott said the state’s immediate priority was saving lives and supporting local officials in flooded communities.
The flood damage is widespread. Reuters reported that more than 100 roads had been washed out or closed. Local reporting from the San Antonio Express-News described collapsed bridges, destroyed roads, damaged businesses, damaged RV parks and mobile homes swept away by rising water. Some communities that were still rebuilding from last year’s catastrophic Hill Country floods are again facing major losses.
In Kerr and Kendall counties, the Guadalupe River rose sharply after repeated rounds of heavy rain. Around Kerrville, Center Point and Comfort, river levels reached major flood stage, with some locations seeing water rise to levels comparable to or higher than the July 2025 flood. The AP reported that the Guadalupe River surged above the height of a two-story building in roughly five hours.
Uvalde County also experienced dangerous flooding after extreme rainfall totals. Reports from the region said 10 to 20 inches of rain had fallen over 48 to 60 hours in some areas, with isolated totals higher. AP reported that up to 28 inches of rain fell over three days in Uvalde County, cutting off some communities and making travel extremely dangerous.
Forecasters said the flooding was caused by repeated rounds of thunderstorms, very moist air, saturated soils and the terrain of the Hill Country. The region’s steep hills, shallow soil and narrow river valleys can turn heavy rain into fast-moving walls of water. That geography makes flash flooding especially dangerous because rivers and creeks can rise within minutes.
The National Weather Service warned that additional rainfall could worsen flooding in already saturated areas. The Austin/San Antonio forecast office said widespread storm totals of 2 to 6 inches were possible in the flood watch area, with isolated totals of 10 to 20 inches possible mainly over the Rio Grande Plains, southern Edwards Plateau and western Hill Country.
Flood predictions remained focused on rivers already running high. Major flood conditions were reported along parts of the Guadalupe and Pedernales rivers, and officials warned residents near creeks, low-water crossings and flood-prone roads to stay alert. Emergency managers urged people not to drive through water, even if a road appears passable.
The latest flooding is also the first major test of warning upgrades installed after last year’s deadly July 4 Hill Country disaster. Local officials and residents told the Houston Chronicle that new sirens and enhanced warning systems helped some communities receive earlier alerts, although officials said the systems still need refinement.
Shelters have opened in affected counties, and emergency crews continued search, rescue and damage-assessment operations Thursday. Officials said residents should monitor local alerts, avoid flooded roads and move to higher ground immediately if warnings are issued.
The full cost of the damage is not yet known. With roads, bridges, homes, businesses and agricultural areas affected, local officials said recovery could take weeks or months in some communities. More rain in the forecast could slow that recovery and create additional flooding before rivers fully recede.
