Central Texas is facing a dangerous return of extreme weather. Flash flood emergencies swept across parts of Kerr and Uvalde counties Thursday as torrential rains inundated the region, bringing back haunting memories of a catastrophic disaster from just one year ago.
The National Weather Service issued urgent warnings for low-lying areas, water crossings, and urban zones across the Texas Hill Country. "Life threatening flash flooding of low water crossings, small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses," the San Antonio office declared, urging residents to seek higher ground immediately.
Some areas received up to 20 inches of rain within 48 hours. The Guadalupe River at Comfort rose more than 30 feet overnight alone. Authorities issued shelter-in-place orders for Kerrville and Uvalde residents, while flash flood warnings extended to counties near the Mexican border including Kinney, Maverick, and Zavala.
Emergency crews launched water rescues as the weather system moved through. Uvalde County officials closed major highways and city streets, directing residents to stay home unless evacuating from immediate danger. A flood watch remained in effect through Thursday evening.
The timing amplifies the region's trauma. Exactly one year earlier, devastating Fourth of July weekend floods killed more than 100 people across the Texas Hill Country. Among the victims were 25 girls and two counselors at Camp Mystic, a Christian girls' summer camp situated on the Guadalupe River's banks. That same stretch of river faced another flash flood emergency Thursday.
Governor Greg Abbott issued a statement Wednesday emphasizing the state's immediate priority. "Our primary focus right now and throughout the remainder of this torrential rain is saving lives," he said.
The rainfall distribution stretched across multiple counties. Uvalde bore the brunt with up to 20 inches recorded, while Bandera, Kerr, and Real counties experienced 3 to 12 inches. Officials repeatedly warned drivers against crossing flooded roadways, a danger that repeatedly claims lives during flash flood events.
As of Thursday morning, no deaths or injuries had been reported, though rescue operations were still underway.
Author James Rodriguez: "Back-to-back disasters in the same stretch of Texas prove these aren't once-in-a-century events anymore, and the region's still not ready."
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