Texas Hill Country Endures Devastating Floods, Claiming Two Lives
2 dead as catastrophic floods once – Just over twelve months following the historic deluge that devastated the Texas Hill Country, catastrophic flooding has returned to the region. The recent storm system has already claimed at least two lives, echoing the tragedy of July 2025 when the Guadalupe River burst its banks and killed more than 130 residents. According to the Weather Prediction Center, “extreme rainfall” over the past several days has deposited nearly two feet of precipitation across portions of the Hill Country.
Record-Breaking Rainfall Totals
Measurement stations throughout the region have recorded extraordinary amounts of water. In Leakey, Texas, officials documented 23.37 inches of rain beginning Monday afternoon. Meanwhile, a recording station in Kerrville—which experienced severe storms during July 2025—has measured 20.71 inches of precipitation. Most of this downpour concentrated itself across Uvalde, Kinney, Bandera, Kerr, and Gillespie counties, where widespread totals ranged between six and thirteen inches, Governor Greg Abbott reported on July 16.
The National Weather Service indicated that additional heavy rain is anticipated on July 17, driven by a slow-moving weather pattern that continues to stall over the area. This persistent atmospheric setup has allowed rain clouds to dump water repeatedly onto already saturated ground.
Rivers Surge to Historic Levels
The relentless precipitation has caused multiple waterways to swell dramatically. The Guadalupe, Nueces, and Frio rivers have all reached near or above their historical maximum levels. Preliminary data from the National Weather Service shows the Nueces River near Uvalde achieved a record crest of 28.01 feet on July 16, surpassing the previous record of 24.88 feet established in 1996. Governor Abbott noted that the Nueces River was projected to carry water at twice the volume of Niagara Falls.
Visual documentation from Kerrville reveals the Guadalupe River completely submerging roadways and toppling trees. Texas Game Wardens circulated video footage displaying vehicles being carried away by powerful currents. Abbott stated that hundreds of water rescues have already been conducted as emergency crews work tirelessly through the crisis.
“We’re facing record-shattering rainfall that leads to very dangerous flooding. We want to do everything we possibly can to protect all lives,” Abbott said.
Rescue Operations and Emergency Response
On July 16, Abbott announced that fifty-nine Texas counties remained under flood watch conditions. The governor confirmed that more than 230 water rescues had been performed since the flooding began. Emergency response teams have mobilized significantly, with 2,350 responders working on flood mitigation efforts. Approximately 1,400 vehicles—including helicopters, rescue boats, and high-clearance vehicles—have been deployed to assist in the operation.
Texas Game Wardens have participated extensively in rescues from submerged homes, vehicles, and cars pulled from roadways. One video captured a responder navigating floodwaters while carrying a small child equipped with a life vest and snorkel goggles toward a waiting boat. Another clip showed a helicopter conducting a rescue operation.
Victims Identified
At least two fatalities have been confirmed in connection with the current flooding. A man near the city of Comfort perished after being swept away while inside an recreational vehicle. Separately, a woman in Uvalde was carried off by floodwaters while traveling along a roadway. Governor Abbott has not yet disclosed the names or ages of the victims.
Jennie Steward provided information to the Associated Press identifying one of the deceased as her husband, John Mark Steward, a 65-year-old resident of Kerrville. She explained that she was visiting her parents when a neighbor informed her that their mobile home had been swept away. “It’s really hard that I wasn’t there with him,” she told the AP, noting that the couple had recently marked their third wedding anniversary.
Lessons from the 2025 Tragedy
The flooding that occurred on the night and early morning of July 4, 2025, sent the Guadalupe River pouring into neighboring communities, resulting in more than 130 deaths. Among those lost were 28 girls attending Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp. Governor Abbott emphasized that insights gained from that disaster helped prevent an even greater catastrophe this time around. Although water behavior along riverfront campgrounds differed from the previous event, more than 80 people were evacuated from campgrounds early in the crisis.
Flood warning systems installed after the 2025 flooding were activated, he said.
Officials continue to urge residents to avoid driving on any roads submerged by water as emergency operations proceed throughout the region.
