Texas floods kill at least two, rescue over 230 residents
Heavy rain in Central and South Texas caused flash-flood emergencies, resulting in two deaths, more than 230 rescues and widespread road closures.
At least two people died as flash-flood emergencies swept across parts of Central and South Texas on Thursday, Governor Greg Abbott said. The National Weather Service had issued a flash-flood emergency for Kerr and Kendall counties after slow-moving thunderstorms dumped several inches of rain overnight, sending a large flood wave down the Guadalupe River.
A flood watch remains in effect through Friday morning for the Hill Country and portions of South Texas, with 2-4 inches of rain expected and isolated totals up to 8 inches. The Lower Colorado River Authority announced it would open additional floodgates at Wirtz Dam on Lake LBJ and Max Starcke Dam on Lake Marble Falls to manage runoff, projecting Lake Travis to rise to 680-681 feet above sea level.
The governor confirmed a second death in Uvalde, where a 74-year-old man was swept away in his vehicle after ignoring police warnings. In Kerr County, a 65-year-old man, John Mark Steward, died when rising waters carried away his mobile home. State officials reported that more than 230 people had been rescued and 87 roadways were closed.
Texas Parks and Wildlife game wardens assisted in 147 rescues and 83 evacuations across eight counties, using boats, vehicles and helicopters. Local authorities in Kerrville activated an emergency operations center early Thursday, and Mayor Joe Herring Jr. credited timely warnings for saving lives.
Rainfall totals since Sunday have exceeded 24 inches in some locations, with Ingram recording 24.38 inches. The Pedernades River at Fredericksburg peaked at 34.23 feet, while the Guadalupe River in Comfort reached 37.08 feet, surpassing last year’s July 4 crest. Forecasters warned that flood waves continue moving downstream on the Guadalupe, Pedernales, Medina and other rivers, and urged residents to stay on higher ground and avoid low-water crossings.
Animal rescue groups have taken in dozens of displaced pets, and volunteer organizations such as the Cajun Navy deployed teams to assist with swift-water recovery in the Center Point area.