At least one person has died in catastrophic flooding across central Texas, where the Guadalupe River has surged to dangerous levels, threatening the same area where 130 people, including 25 children, died in flash floods last summer. The National Weather Service in San Antonio warned of a "large and deadly flood wave" moving down the river, prompting urgent evacuations and rescue operations in multiple counties, including Uvalde, Kerr, and Kendall.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
Authorities confirmed one fatality as floodwaters inundated roads, stranded motorists, and cut off access to parts of Uvalde and surrounding communities. Texas Game Wardens and emergency crews rescued over 75 people by Thursday morning, with the Guadalupe River rising 32 feet in just four hours. Gov. Greg Abbott declared disasters across dozens of counties, deploying over 1,300 state personnel to assist in rescue efforts.
Deeper Dive & Context
Rescue Operations and Warnings
Emergency officials urged residents to move to higher ground as floodwaters continued to rise. The Uvalde County Office of Emergency Management issued a shelter-in-place order, stating that all major highways and city streets were closed due to flooding. The National Weather Service posted urgent warnings on social media, emphasizing the rapid rise of the river and the need for immediate evacuation.
Historical Context
The flooding occurred near Camp Mystic, the site of last year’s deadly floods that claimed 25 children and two counselors. The current storm system has brought over a foot of rain since Monday, with some areas experiencing 3 inches per hour. The Medina River, usually ankle-deep, has risen significantly, carrying debris and wildlife downstream.
Government Response
Gov. Abbott activated state resources, including the Texas Game Wardens, who rescued over 40 individuals from submerged vehicles and homes. The storm system also spawned a tornado near San Antonio, causing power outages and sparking transformers near a busy highway.
Long-Term Implications
The region could receive half a year’s worth of rain in just days, raising concerns about sustained flooding and infrastructure damage. Officials compared the current conditions to the devastating floods of 2015, highlighting the severity of the situation.