Life-threatening flooding has intensified across parts of Texas following days of relentless rainfall, prompting officials to order residents to 'seek higher ground now.' More than a foot of rain has fallen in West Texas and the Texas Hill Country between Tuesday and Wednesday evening, with forecasters warning of a 'large and deadly flood wave' moving down the Guadalupe River.
The current emergency is unfolding along the same river that devastated the Texas Hill Country last July, when catastrophic flooding led to the deaths of 28 people at Camp Mystic. Officials have not yet reported any fatalities or injuries from the current flooding, but several tornado warnings have also been issued.
Multiple counties near the Mexico border and in the Texas Hill Country, including Uvalde and Kerrville, are affected by the storms. City officials in Kerrville are advising residents to shelter on the highest levels of their homes. Floodwaters overran Uvalde overnight into Thursday, rendering the city inaccessible and requiring extensive rescue operations.
Juli Alvarado, a spokesperson for the Uvalde Police Department, stated Thursday morning that access to the city was cut off and rescues were underway. She confirmed that multiple people trapped in vehicles were being rescued, with crews responding quickly to calls. Uvalde officials deployed boats for rescue operations and planned to use helicopters after sunrise.
Texas Game Wardens have conducted more than 40 rescues, primarily in Uvalde County, according to a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department spokesperson. The Guadalupe River near Hunt has reached approximately 20.5 feet, a level nearing that of the catastrophic July 4, 2025, flood that threatened structures and roads.
AccuWeather meteorologists described the surge as similar to a tsunami, with water rapidly inundating areas. Motorists are strongly advised against driving through flooded roads, as water depth can be deceptive, potentially stalling vehicles or causing them to float and sustain severe electrical damage. Rising water can quickly submerge cars, and the underlying road may have been washed away.