At least one person has died during rescue operations in south-central Texas, where extreme, life-threatening flash flooding has triggered emergency responses. The region, which is still recovering from catastrophic flooding that claimed more than 100 lives just one year ago, has seen some areas receive up to 20 inches of rainfall.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott confirmed the fatality during a press conference on Thursday, noting that the victim was not a camper. He emphasized that the state's primary focus remains on saving lives, with more than 70 people already rescued from dangerous conditions. Emergency crews, supported by drones and helicopters, have been working to reach stranded drivers and residents trapped in their homes since the floodwaters began to rise rapidly overnight on Thursday.
The National Weather Service (NWS) in San Antonio issued flash flood emergencies for parts of Kerr and Uvalde counties, as well as areas surrounding the Guadalupe and Pedernales rivers. The NWS warned that the situation is particularly dangerous, specifically citing the risk to low-water crossings, small creeks, urban highways, and underpasses. Residents in Kerrville and Uvalde have been placed under shelter-in-place orders, and a broader flood watch remains in effect through Thursday evening.
The intensity of the storm system caused the Guadalupe River at Comfort to rise more than 30 feet within a few hours. Rainfall totals over the past 48 hours have reached up to 20 inches in the Uvalde area, while Bandera, Kerr, and Real counties have recorded between 3 and 12 inches. The Uvalde County Office of Emergency Management has advised residents to stay home, noting that many major highways and city streets are currently closed due to water over the roadways.
This severe weather event occurs almost exactly one year after devastating floods during the Fourth of July weekend caused over 100 deaths in the Texas Hill Country, including 25 girls and two counselors at Camp Mystic. As the current torrential rain continues, officials are urging the public to avoid crossing flooded roads and to seek higher ground immediately if in danger.
