A severe weather system is creating a significant risk of flash flooding across large areas of Texas, leading to high-water rescues, numerous road closures, and a statewide emergency response effort. The situation is prompting state officials to act quickly as the rains persist.
Flood watches have been issued, affecting millions of residents through Thursday, July 16, and state leaders are urging Texans to stay alert to local weather updates, avoid traversing flooded roads, and heed safety guidelines from authorities.
The National Weather Service has warned of potentially hazardous flooding conditions, particularly in central and southwestern Texas, impacting cities like Austin, Kerrville, and Del Rio. A rare Level 4 flash flood risk has been designated for parts of South Texas, with a Level 3 threat extending through central and north Texas, including areas toward Waco. Some regions may receive up to a foot of rain by week’s end.
In response to this escalating situation, Governor Greg Abbott has declared a disaster in 59 counties and activated statewide emergency resources. Teams specializing in swiftwater rescues, urban search operations, and military helicopters are on standby, while state troopers and game wardens are monitoring both land and water conditions.
Wes Rapaport from the Texas Division of Emergency Management emphasized the ongoing threat, stating, “We’ve been monitoring this storm threat for the last several days,” and noted that operations have shifted to a 24-hour schedule at the State Emergency Operations Center.
On Tuesday, heavy rainfall quickly overwhelmed local infrastructure. In Boerne, the swollen Cibolo Creek surged over roadways near Boerne City Lake, prompting significant flooding. Chris Shadrock, a spokesperson for the City of Boerne, reported that the area received between three to four and a half inches of rain, with an automated gauge recording over six inches to the west of the lake.
Further west, emergency responders tackled driving hazards in Kerrville, where heavy rainfall resulted in multiple weather-related accidents. Police noted that high water accumulation forced the closure of Hill Country Drive at Sidney Baker Street.
Medina County recorded over 10 inches of rain in several locations, leading local fire and EMS teams to conduct rescues for motorists whose vehicles were swept away in low-water crossings.
In Uvalde County, Texas Game Wardens rescued individuals from a vehicle just moments before it was entirely engulfed by rapidly rising floodwaters. In the same county, a creek overflowed behind an Ace Hardware store, inundating the adjacent M-G Building Materials yard. The South Texas Region Tactical Marine Unit of TxDOT waded through knee-deep water to assist with rescue and recovery operations.
Officials are stressing the dangers of driving during flood conditions. AAA Texas spokesperson Daniel Armbruster highlighted the common misjudgment by drivers regarding the capabilities of their vehicles in floodwaters, which can prove deadly. Adam Hammons, media relations director for TxDOT, confirmed that rain and flash flooding are being felt throughout the state, particularly in areas surrounding San Antonio and Houston.
In Central Texas, Hays County reported significant rainfall on Tuesday, and Williamson County remains under a flood watch until Thursday evening. Pflugerville has closed several low-water crossings due to flooding, affecting local trails and access points.
As the weather continues to evolve, officials are reiterating the importance of the message: “Turn around, don’t drown.” Armbruster warned that just 12 inches of moving water can sweep a vehicle away, underscoring the need for caution during this weather event. TxDOT advises against driving around barricades, as water depth can be deceptive, and even after waters recede, the ground may be unstable.
For those who must travel, AAA recommends lowering speeds, using headlights for better visibility, and keeping an emergency escape tool handy in vehicles. TxDOT encourages residents to stay informed on road conditions by checking drivetexas.org as weather conditions change throughout the week.
