One dead as Texas Hill Country floods intensify amid high-risk warnings

Heavy rain over the past three days has produced flash floods in the Texas Hill Country, with water levels on the Guadalupe River rising more than 25 feet in some areas. The National Weather Service has kept a flood watch in effect for the US-90 corridor, the Hill Country, the Rio Grande Valley and the southern Edwards Plateau through Friday morning, and additional rain of 2-4 inches—up to 8 inches in isolated spots—is forecast.

Authorities said the flooding has resulted in at least one fatality, confirmed by Governor Greg Abbott, who said the death occurred between Kerrville and Comfort. No other deaths or missing persons have been reported in Kendall County, where officials have activated sirens, phone alerts and evacuation orders.

"This year, we’re just standing by, waiting for any type of calls to come in for help," said Kendall County Commissioner Chad Carpenter.

Local officials highlighted the difference from the July 2025 floods that killed more than 130 people, noting that advanced warnings and a high-risk flood alert were issued days before the current event. Kendall County Deputy Fire Marshal Brady Constantine said there were no reports of missing people, and the county has assisted with evacuations.

Mayor Joe Herring Jr. of Kerrville said the city is better prepared this time, though he could not rule out additional casualties. A disaster declaration has been signed in Kerr County, and a flash-flood emergency remains in effect.

Rescue crews have been deployed to retrieve residents trapped by rising waters, including a family rescued from an attic in Kerrville after a rescue boat arrived early Thursday. Comfort Fire Department Assistant Chief Danny Morales reported that flood sirens were sounded twice and residents were urged to move to higher ground.

The Weather Prediction Center reported rainfall totals exceeding 26 inches in parts of Uvalde County, roughly a year’s worth of precipitation in three days. The heavy rain is expected to subside by Friday afternoon, ushering in a dry period through the weekend.