FOLLOW US

Texas flooding has left a trail of destruction across the Texas Hill Country after a slow-moving storm system dumped feet of rain over several days, triggering deadly flash floods, bridge collapses, widespread evacuations, and hundreds of emergency rescues. 

At least two people have died as floodwaters overwhelmed communities from Kerr County to Uvalde, while emergency crews continued rescue operations and officials warned residents to avoid flooded roads and seek higher ground.

Although the heaviest rainfall had ended by Friday afternoon, flood alerts remained in effect in portions of south-central Texas as rivers continued to run high and saturated ground increased the risk of additional flooding.

Historic Rainfall Causes Texas Flooding in Hill Country

The flooding began Monday when slow-moving thunderstorms became stalled over south-central Texas. Fueled by abundant Gulf moisture, the storms produced relentless rainfall that inundated communities for days.

Some locations recorded more than 2 feet of rain, causing rivers to swell rapidly and low-lying areas to flood. The heaviest impacts were centered across the Texas Hill Country, where waterways rose to dangerous levels in only a matter of hours.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Weather Prediction Center placed portions of the region under a rare Level 4 of 4 flash flood risk on Thursday before lowering the threat as rainfall gradually eased.

Residents can monitor the latest forecasts and warnings through the National Weather Service and the NOAA Weather Prediction Center.

Texas Flooding Emergencies Across Multiple Counties

Flash Flood Emergencies—the National Weather Service's highest level of flash flood warning—were issued across numerous counties during the height of the storm.

Emergency declarations included areas near:

• Ozona in Crockett County
• Sonora in Sutton County
• Sections of Interstate 10
• Kerr County
• Uvalde County
• Surrounding Hill Country communities

Officials in Sutton County urged residents living in low-lying areas to move immediately to higher ground, while the Ozona Fire Department reported multiple water rescues and advised stranded residents to remain where they were until first responders could safely reach them.

For information about flood safety and emergency preparedness, visit the National Weather Service Flood Safety page.

Bridge Collapse Highlights Infrastructure Damage

Among the most dramatic scenes of the disaster was the collapse of the Farm-to-Market 481 bridge south of Uvalde after floodwaters undermined the structure.

Floodwaters also damaged transportation infrastructure throughout Central Texas.

The Texas Department of Transportation reported:

• At least 125 roadways were impacted by flooding.
• At least 87 roads closed because of high water, debris or structural damage.
• Damage to the Sidney Baker Bridge in Kerr County after a barge struck the bridge during the flooding.

Officials repeatedly urged motorists to avoid flooded roadways, emphasizing that even shallow moving water can sweep away vehicles.

Road conditions and closures are available through the Texas Department of Transportation.

Guadalupe River Surges at Dangerous Speed

The Guadalupe River experienced one of the storm's most dramatic rises.

According to weather officials, the river surged more than 34 feet in less than two hours, reaching major flood stage Thursday morning before slowly beginning to recede later in the day.

Meteorologists warned of large and deadly flood waves moving downstream along the Guadalupe and Pedernales rivers, with flooding later expanding into the Nueces and Frio River basins.

The rapid rise left little time for residents in vulnerable areas to evacuate.

Rescue Crews Conduct Hundreds of Emergency Operations

Emergency responders worked around the clock as floodwaters spread through communities.

Gov. Greg Abbott declared a state of emergency covering 59 Texas counties, activating the Texas National Guard, Black Hawk helicopters and additional rescue resources before the storms reached their peak.

Across the region:

• Water rescues were conducted in Ozona and surrounding communities.
• At least 10 people were rescued by helicopter from the roof of a barn near Kerrville.
• Police in Uvalde reported conducting at least 25 water rescues since Tuesday.
• Officers went door-to-door evacuating neighborhoods threatened by rapidly rising water.

Large portions of Uvalde became isolated after Taylor Slough overflowed its banks, cutting off access to parts of the city.

Two Confirmed Dead as Floodwaters Sweep Through Communities

Authorities confirmed at least two fatalities connected to the flooding.

Gov. Abbott said a woman died near Uvalde after floodwaters swept away her vehicle.

In Kerr County, the sheriff's office confirmed another death near Center Point. Officials have not publicly released the victim's identity.

Emergency managers cautioned that damage assessments and searches were continuing, meaning casualty figures could change as crews reached affected areas.

Memories of the 2025 Texas Flooding Disaster 

The latest disaster comes just over a year after the catastrophic July 2025 Texas flooding that devastated the Hill Country.

During that historic event, the Guadalupe River rose to record levels after extraordinary rainfall, killing at least 135 people.

Among the hardest-hit locations was Camp Mystic, where floodwaters swept through the all-girls summer camp. Twenty-eight people connected to the camp died, including 25 young campers, two counselors and the camp's co-executive director.

The anniversary of that tragedy has made the current flooding especially painful for many residents across the region.

Flood Threat Eases: Recovery Begins

While forecasters said the most significant flooding threat had diminished by Friday evening, lingering rainfall and swollen rivers continued to create hazardous conditions.

Emergency officials urged residents to remain cautious, avoid flooded roads and follow evacuation instructions where necessary.

Recovery efforts are expected to continue for days as crews assess damaged infrastructure, reopen transportation routes and help affected communities begin rebuilding after one of the most destructive flooding events to strike Texas this year.