Full Breakdown
Catastrophic Flash Floods Sweep Texas Hill Country Again
7/18/2026, 1:01:17 PM
Core Event
Heavy rainstorms on July 15-16 2026 produced rapid river rises across the Texas Hill Country, prompting flash-flood emergencies in Kerr, Kendall, Comal and surrounding counties. The Guadalupe River surged 32 feet at Center Point in four hours and 16 feet in 30 minutes at Comfort, while the Pedernales, Sabinas Creek and other waterways also flooded. At least two people died—John Mark Steward, 65, of Kerrville, and a 74-year-old driver north of Uvalde—and more than 200 residents were rescued by boats, helicopters and drones.
Background & Context
The region is still recovering from the July 2025 floods that killed more than 130 people, including 25 girls and two counselors at Camp Mystic. Those events spurred the installation of 105 flood-warning towers along the Guadalupe River by River Sentry and prompted statewide upgrades to emergency response protocols.
Data & Statistics
- Rainfall: up to 28 inches in Uvalde County over three days; 10-20 inches in several counties, with 8 inches falling in two hours on Thursday.
- River crests: Guadalupe at Center Point 32 ft (four-hour rise); Comfort 37 ft, 1.5 ft above last year’s level.
- Deployments: Governor Greg Abbott ordered >85 boats, 20 aircraft, 200 high-profile vehicles and 1,300 personnel.
- Rescues: >230 water rescues, including >150 by Texas Game Wardens and dozens by local fire departments.
- Infrastructure damage: FM 481 bridge in Uvalde County collapsed; Sydney Baker Bridge closed; a major water-line break in Kerrville.
Official Statements & Responses
Governor Greg Abbott emphasized life-saving efforts, stating, “Our number one focus is saving lives,” and requested presidential disaster declarations for dozens of counties. Texas Game Wardens reported rapid deployment of drones and helicopters to extract stranded residents. The Texas Department of Public Safety confirmed the Uvalde bridge collapse and coordinated road-closure alerts. The Lower Colorado River Authority announced opening two Mansfield Dam floodgates on Saturday to manage rising lake levels.
Criticism & Opposition
Local leaders faced criticism for the 2025 response, with residents noting that “last year there was no warning of it.” This year, officials cited “a lot more alerts” and “a lot more safety measures,” but some community members still expressed frustration that earlier warnings had not prevented loss of life.
On-the-Ground Reports
Residents described water inundating streets, swallowing bridges, and forcing families to shelter in attics until rescue boats arrived. At an RV park in Comfort, manager Duke Earwood warned occupants to “stay put” as water levels matched the previous year’s flood. Animal-rescuer Katie Buck evacuated dozens of wildlife from a flooded enclosure in Ingram. Deer were seen being carried off by floodwaters in Boerne.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Fatalities: CNN and KUT report two deaths; NBC DFW initially confirmed “one loss of life.”
- River rise rates: NBC DFW cites a 16-foot rise in 30 minutes at Comfort; other sources note a 32-foot rise over four hours at Center Point.
- Forecasts: Some outlets indicate the threat has largely passed, while others warn of additional rain and continued flash-flood watches through Friday.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Our number one focus is saving lives,” — Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas
- “What happened last year was a warning to people on or near rivers … that no one can be complacent when rainfall and waters rise,” — Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas
- “We are still reeling from what happened a year ago,” — Jerel Haley, Kerrville Police Chief
- “You could make the argument that these were critical in intervening and saving lives.” — Ian Cunningham, Founder and CEO of River Sentry
- “It’s crazy happening two times in one year,” — Josiah Rodriguez, Kerrville resident
What’s Next
Disaster declarations enable state and federal aid, and the Lower Colorado River Authority will operate Mansfield Dam gates on Saturday. Flood watches remain active for six million residents across 57 counties, with shelters opened at Calvary Temple and City West Church in Kerrville. Authorities continue to monitor river gauges and advise residents to avoid flooded roadways and seek higher ground.
