Why It Matters
Heavy rainfall across southwest Texas and the Hill Country has triggered widespread flash flooding, emergency rescues, and river-overflow threats affecting dozens of counties. The disaster has claimed at least two lives and forced the activation of emergency shelters and disaster declarations across the region.
What Happened
Days of intense rainfall triggered flash flooding, emergency rescues, and warnings across southwest Texas and the Hill Country region. Governor Greg Abbott declared a disaster affecting 59 counties, mobilizing state resources as water-saturated ground amplified the flood risk.
Emergency responders conducted more than 230 rescues as of Thursday, with more than 40 occurring in Uvalde, Del Rio, and Bandera counties on that day alone. Uvalde received more than 25 inches of rain over three days, placing the region among the hardest-hit areas.
Rivers across the region surged to dangerous levels. The Guadalupe River threatened communities near Kerrville, Center Point, and Comfort, where one adult fatality occurred. The Pedernales River triggered flash flood warnings in Gillespie and Blanco counties Thursday morning. The Lower Colorado River Authority opened floodgates downstream of Central Texas reservoirs that had reached capacity. The Rio Grande near Laredo faced potential entry into flood stage Saturday night, with water levels potentially reaching nearly 21 feet by Sunday evening.
Edwards, Real, northern Uvalde, and western Kerr counties received several additional inches of rain from overnight storms, and forecasters cautioned that river flooding would continue despite predictions that rainfall would ease Friday.
Two people were rescued and 68 others sought shelter in Kendall County. Authorities opened multiple emergency shelters: three facilities in Kerr County (Calvary Temple, City West Church, and Center Point ISD Gymnasium); three in Uvalde County (Dalton Elementary, Flores Elementary Campus, and Southwest Texas College); and three reunification centers and shelters in Zavala County. The Uvalde County Fairplex began accepting pets. A shelter also opened at Fredericksburg United Methodist Church for residents in the Fredericksburg and Gillespie County area.
By the Numbers
At least 2 — deaths reported by Governor Abbott
More than 230 — rescues conducted as of Thursday
More than 25 inches — rainfall received by Uvalde over three days
59 — counties covered by the governor’s disaster declaration
Nearly 21 feet — anticipated Rio Grande water level by Sunday evening near Laredo
6 inches — depth of floodwater sufficient to cause a person to fall
1 foot — depth of floodwater sufficient to sweep a vehicle during flood conditions
Zoom Out
The Hill Country and southwest Texas region has faced severe flooding repeatedly in recent years. In July of last year, floods in this same area killed more than 100 people, making the current emergency a sobering reminder of the region’s vulnerability to heavy rainfall events. Climate patterns and topography combine to create conditions where rainfall saturates ground quickly, reducing the landscape’s capacity to absorb additional water and increasing the risk of catastrophic overflow in rivers and streams.
Flash-flood emergencies have become more frequent across Texas, with multiple counties in the state maintaining active rescue and response capabilities year-round.
What’s Next
Residents can report damage through the Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool, which authorities have made available for disaster documentation. The National Weather Service will continue monitoring river levels and flood conditions as the system moves across the region. Emergency shelters remain open pending further assessment of water recessions and community needs. State and local officials are expected to expand or reduce shelter operations based on forecasts and rescue demands in coming days.