Catastrophic Flooding Grips Central and South Texas Again
Central Texas, the Hill Country, and South Texas are once again under siege from life-threatening flash flooding. Slow-moving storms have parked over the region since Tuesday, dropping staggering amounts of rain on ground that was already saturated — and forecasters warn more is on the way.
…FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH THURSDAY EVENING…
- WHAT…Flooding and flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible.
- WHERE…A portion of south central Texas, including the following counties, Bandera, Bexar, Blanco, Burnet, Comal, Dimmit, Edwards, Frio, Gillespie, Guadalupe, Hays, Kendall, Kerr, Kinney, Llano, Maverick, Medina, Real, Travis, Uvalde, Val Verde, Williamson and Zavala.
- WHEN…Through Thursday evening.
- IMPACTS…There is a potential for life threatening flooding somewhere in the watch area. Considerable to locally catastrophic flash flooding impacts are likely for the southern Edwards Plateau, Rio Grande, western Hill Country, and US 90 corridor west of San Antonio. Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. Catastrophic impacts are possible downstream of the heaviest rains. Low-water crossings may be flooded. Extensive street flooding and flooding of creeks and rivers are possible.
- ADDITIONAL DETAILS… – Intense rainfall rates and compounding effects from multiple rounds of storms will maintain a dangerous flash flood threat through Thursday. Additional rain amounts of 2 to 6 inches are possible within the Flood Watch area with isolated amounts of 10 to 15 inches possible in the Rio Grande Plains, southern Edwards Plateau, western Hill Country, and US 90 corridor west of San Antonio. – http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
Rainfall totals have been extreme. More than 14 inches of rain was reported in Sabinal on July 14 alone, and Uvalde County has seen up to 16 inches so far, with more than half a year’s worth of rain falling in just days. In southwestern Kendall County, including Boerne, the National Weather Service reported 4 to 12 inches of rain, calling the situation “particularly dangerous” and warning of “catastrophic” damage.
Rescues have been widespread. Officials say at least 25 high-water rescues had been carried out across Uvalde County by Wednesday morning, with more underway as water levels continued to climb. By Tuesday, that number had reached at least 36 people pulled from floodwater in Uvalde County, with additional rescues in neighboring Medina County. The Leona River gauge reported a 20-foot wall of water that could rise an estimated 15 feet, prompting voluntary evacuations along the river. Imminent flooding near D’Hanis, outside San Antonio, threatened to hit homes with 5 to 6 feet of water.
A tornado added to the chaos Wednesday morning.
The National Weather Service confirmed a tornado touched down in northwestern San Antonio near Interstate 10. The twister struck near the University of Texas at San Antonio, damaging an apartment complex and displacing 10 to 12 students, though no injuries were reported.
Rivers across the region are surging. The Nueces River below Uvalde was nearing a record crest, forecast to reach 24.30 feet against a record of 24.88 feet set in October 1996.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has issued a disaster declaration for 59 counties, and officials are urging residents to avoid low-water crossings, stay off the roads, and heed evacuation orders. With another round of storms expected Wednesday night, emergency crews across the Hill Country and South Texas remain on high alert.
Sources:
- CNN, “Dangerous heavy rain is hammering parts of Texas, raising flood risk in waterlogged region,” July 15, 2026
- Associated Press via KETK, “Heavy rains keep drenching South Texas after downpours led to dozens of rescues,” July 15, 2026
- KXAN Austin, “Live updates: Flash flood risk continues as heavy rain falls across Central Texas,” July 15, 2026
- News 4 San Antonio, “At least 25 rescued as flooding overwhelms Uvalde County, Nueces River continues to rise,” July 15, 2026
- The Texas Tribune, “Live updates: Heavy rains continue as Texas’ flash flood concerns persist,” July 15, 2026
- KSAT, “Officials: Dozens of Uvalde County residents rescued from severe weather; Mandatory evacuation in effect for some,” July 15, 2026
- The Watchers, “Texas flash flooding prompts water rescues and road closures near Uvalde,” July 15, 2026
