1 dead in Texas floods as rising waters force rescues and leave communities cut off
UVALDE, TEXAS: At least one person has been killed in severe flooding across parts of Texas on Thursday, July 16, after days of heavy rain caused rivers to rise rapidly and triggered widespread rescue operations.
Boats and helicopters were deployed to reach people stranded in vehicles, homes, and elevated areas, while more than 1,300 first responders were sent to affected parts of the state.
Texas Gov Greg Abbott said saving lives remains the state's top priority as emergency crews continue rescue operations.
Gov. Abbott provides update on current state response to flooding in Texas:
— Governor Abbott Press Office (@GovAbbottPress) July 16, 2026
• 1,300+ Responders Deployed
• 80+ Rescues Made
• 46+ Boats Deployed
• 19+ Aircraft Deployed
Rivers will continue rising. Turn Around Don’t Drown. Find High Ground. pic.twitter.com/eUD6L8MuWi
Uvalde hit by severe flooding
Uvalde County received as much as 28 inches of rain over three days, according to the National Weather Service.
The Leona River, which is normally dry for much of the year, rose and flooded parts of Uvalde overnight.
Several roads into the city were closed, leaving residents unable to travel through much of the area.
Police also reported finding people trapped in vehicles as floodwaters spread.
The @TxDPS yesterday rescued a young girl, her family, and their two dogs in Uvalde.
— Governor Abbott Press Office (@GovAbbottPress) July 16, 2026
Texans in affected areas should remain vigilant, monitor local forecasts, follow guidance from local officials and stay far away from rising water. Turn Around Don’t Drown. pic.twitter.com/XqAOj5ZvZu
Texas Game Wardens rescued more than 40 people, primarily in Uvalde County. Additional rescue helicopters were sent to the region, including aircraft from Travis County.
The Guadalupe River also rose sharply in several locations. A gauge near Kerrville recorded a rise of about 32 feet over four hours.
Emergency crews carried out rescues in several communities affected by the flooding.
State agencies are activating all necessary resources to keep Texans safe in the Kerr County area. It is of utmost importance that Texans in impacted areas remain vigilant as rivers continue to rise.
— Governor Abbott Press Office (@GovAbbottPress) July 16, 2026
Turn Around Don’t Drown.
Check your roadways: https://t.co/JelEYtQoPJ pic.twitter.com/VsjvitNK42
Officials reportedly said some people were stranded in trees and on rooftops, while one report indicated that 10 people were trapped on the roof of a barn.
Deluge wreaks havoc across Texas
The flooding also affected areas that were still recovering from last year's disaster.
The latest flooding occurred in the same wider Texas Hill Country region that was hit by deadly floods last summer.
More than 100 people died during the July Fourth holiday period in 2025, including children and counselors at Camp Mystic.
The National Weather Service warned of a large and dangerous flood wave moving through the area.
Widespread, life-threatening considerable flash flooding is expected in south-central Texas through at least Friday. It's important to always follow instructions from local officials including NEVER driving around barricades into floodwaters. https://t.co/HmRUeJjf23 pic.twitter.com/tqSh9TpD7y
— National Weather Service (@NWS) July 16, 2026
However, officials said many residents were better prepared this time, with emergency alerts and evacuation orders issued in affected areas.
The Guadalupe River remained below the record levels reached during last year's floods.
The river near Camp Mystic also rose to levels capable of causing flooding but remained well below the previous record.
The National Weather Service said additional rain was expected before conditions improved.
