Rescues are underway as Texas experienced flash flooding this week due to torrential rainfall that has left at least one dead.
The Weather Prediction Center predicted severe floods Wednesday and Thursday, as forecasters estimated the state could see more than 10 inches of rain.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued a disaster declaration Tuesday morning, stating the “heavy rainfall and flash flooding poses a threat of imminent disaster.”
The declaration was issued for 59 counties where “severe property damage, injury or loss of life” were potential threats. The events led to multiple swift-water rescues by the Texas Game Wardens while Abbot called on the National Guard to assist.
Which regions were hit?
One of the hardest-hit areas recorded more than 10 inches of rainfall as roads became rivers throughout much of South Texas. Drone footage shows the transformed state of Uvalde.
A shelter-in-place order remains in effect for residents as excessive rainfall continues to slam the area. Officials say the city is “impassible” at the moment and there is no way in or out, per ABC affiliate KSAT.
“Please remain at home unless you are in immediate danger or your location is no longer safe,” the Uvalde County Office of Emergency Management posted on Facebook. “If you do not feel safe, dial 911 immediately for the fastest emergency response.”
Flash floods will continue to be a danger for the residents as storms look to be circling back to the area.
As of Wednesday afternoon, the Texas Game Wardens said they had rescued more than 40 people from homes and submerged vehicles.
Which regions are on flood warning?
As of Thursday, Kerrville, Comfort and Uvalde, among other cities, are at “high risk” for catastrophic, severe flash floods, officials said
Video of the Guadalupe River swelling to reach the leaves of trees shows how hard the region has been as of Thursday morning.
Meanwhile, San Antonio, Austin and San Angelo are major cities experiencing “moderate risk” for flash floods. Other parts of West and Central Texas were given a slight risk for flooding during the disaster.
Some flood warnings are expected to remain in effect until Friday evening, per NBC and ABC affiliate KSBW.
Saving lives
Separated by only a year, the current floods follow the Central Texas floods that caused Texas’ deadliest inland flooding in over a century. One hundred and thirty-five people died during the 2025 flooding.
Abbott told media the state has 1,300 state personnel, 30 agencies and more than 800 vehicles, including 75 boats and 20 aircraft, deployed with one focus in mind.
“We are dealing with and responding to a flood that is likely going to break records,” he said. “Our primary focus right now and throughout the remainder of this torrential rain is saving lives.”
