Texas shifts to flood recovery as risks linger along Nueces River
Governor Greg Abbott warned that dangerous flooding remains possible downstream of the Nueces River while Texas moves from rescue to rebuilding after deadly storms that prompted disaster declarations for dozens of counties.
Texas is transitioning from emergency response to recovery after catastrophic flooding that killed at least two people and led to disaster declarations for dozens of counties. Governor Greg Abbott said the greatest concern remains along the Nueces River, where evacuations continue in parts of Uvalde County as water levels recede slowly.
The river peaked at a record 28.01 feet in Uvalde County, surpassing the previous high set in 1996, and floodwaters damaged the FM 481 bridge southwest of Uvalde, cutting a key link between Uvalde and Eagle Pass. Abbott cautioned that even if skies are clear, water flowing downstream may still rise and pose hazards for downstream communities.
As rivers fell over the weekend, residents from Kerrville to Uvalde began cleaning damaged homes and businesses while officials assessed damage and coordinated relief. Abbott signed a major-disaster declaration for 28 counties and noted that President Donald Trump approved the request, enabling federal assistance.
Preliminary estimates show damage to at least 490 homes and 100 businesses in Kerr County and about 100 homes in neighboring Kendall County, with full losses still being tallied. Local volunteers have organized donation drives, cleanup crews and supply distributions to support families beginning the rebuilding process.
Community groups, including the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, have launched a flood relief fund, and Abbott urged Texans to contribute to the Rebuild Texas Fund administered by the OneStar Foundation, which works with volunteer organizations to aid recovery.