Flooding Crisis in Central Texas: Rescues and Evacuations Amid Rising Waters

On July 16, 2026, a person looks upon the Guadalupe River in Center Point, Texas, following flash floods that have struck the region. The floods have forced evacuations and necessitated several water rescues in Central Texas.

Dangerous floods are currently affecting southcentral Texas, a region mourning the loss of over 130 lives due to flooding just a year ago. Governor Greg Abbott has reported at least one death related to the current floods. As of midday Thursday, more than 80 rescues have been executed. The governor’s office confirms the deployment of over 1,300 responders and 46 boats for emergency operations.

The flood alerts span a large area of Texas, from Kerrville southward to Uvalde and extending to Laredo. In Uvalde County, muddy waters have engulfed roads, fields, and have risen nearly to the level of rooftops, as shown in a video by the Texas Department of Public Safety. Some communities are facing repeat deluges after enduring flooding on Wednesday.

The National Weather Service offices in San Antonio and Austin report ongoing showers and thunderstorms further aggravating the flooding conditions. NPR member stations in Texas are actively covering the situation, with residents noting that the flooding is surpassing levels seen in 2025.

A noon update from the Kerrville city police department confirms that although high water levels had receded partially, many roads and bridges remain closed. Authorities emphasize the importance of residents staying indoors, cautioning against sightseeing which aids minimally in the situation.

According to the Texas Newsroom, one summer camp has been evacuated. Lawmakers highlighted the improved disaster response due to increased funding for warning systems and flood mitigation.

The Guadalupe River witnessed a dramatic rise near Comfort, Texas, on Thursday morning, escalating from 5.46 feet at 5 a.m. to 37.05 feet by 8:05 a.m., as observed by the U.S. Geological Survey. Flood sirens alerted the town, situated northwest of San Antonio. Comfort Volunteer Fire Department released a video showing rapidly moving water and advised avoiding roads.

“Even if the rain has stopped where you are, water levels are likely to continue surging throughout the day as runoff from upstream moves through our creeks and rivers,” the department stated.

The NOAA website reveals over 20 locations across Texas witnessing major or moderate flood levels. Governor Abbott has expressed concerns about the flood breaking records, in an area known for recurrent flooding.

“The Fourth of July floods last year recorded 20.29 inches of rainfall,” Abbott noted. “This storm is expected to bring over 30 inches.”

Camp Mystic remains closed after the previous year’s tragedy where 25 campers and two counselors died due to floodwaters from the Guadalupe River. This was a part of the wider loss of over 130 individuals across the Hill Country.

Forecasts predict continued excessive rain across the Texas Hill Country Thursday, with the storm progressing westward towards the Big Bend region by Friday, as the National Weather Service projects.