Flooding in Texas Causes Chaos and Prompts Emergency Response

The Guadalupe River surged dramatically in Texas on July 16, 2026, following flash floods that hit Center Point. The flooding prompted evacuations and numerous water rescues across Central Texas. Dangerous floods are affecting southcentral Texas, marking a year since previous catastrophic flooding where over 130 people died. Governor Greg Abbott confirmed at least one fatality in the current emergency. More than 80 rescues have been executed, with the state’s deployment of over 1,300 responders and 46 boats.

A vast area in Texas, from Kerrville south to Uvalde and extending to Laredo, remains under flood alerts. In Uvalde County, floodwaters were observed nearly reaching rooftops, according to Texas Department of Public Safety footage. Many areas experiencing flooding on Wednesday have been further inundated.

The National Weather Service noted showers and thunderstorms continue to develop, exacerbating dangerous conditions. Local NPR stations report some residents noting that flooding levels exceed those of 2025. While Kerrville’s water levels have mostly receded, various road and bridge closures persist. Authorities urge residents to stay indoors. Local police highlight the unhelpfulness of spectators driving around to view the flooding.

One summer camp has evacuated, while state officials commend enhanced safety measures in response to increased disaster resource allocation, such as improved warning systems and flood mitigation efforts. The Guadalupe River near Comfort rose swiftly Thursday morning, leaping from 5.46 feet to 37.05 feet within three hours, per the U.S. Geological Survey.

Comfort’s Volunteer Fire Department reported vehicles swept away and stressed the importance of staying off roads. The department shared a video showing rapid floodwaters winding through neighborhoods. Despite rain cessation in some localities, water levels are anticipated to continue rising due to upstream runoff traversing creeks and rivers.

A NOAA map highlights over 20 Texan locales where major or moderate flood levels are recorded or forecast. Governor Abbott warns potential record-breaking floods in this historically flood-prone area, comparing expected rainfall exceeding 30 inches to last year’s July floods with 20.29 inches.

Camp Mystic remains closed after the tragic deaths of 25 campers and two counselors last year from rushing floodwaters. This was part of the broader loss of over 130 lives throughout the Hill Country region. The National Weather Service forecasts continued excessive rainfall in the Hill Country, with the storm advancing west toward the Big Bend region.