Uvalde, Texas – Days of relentless rain have turned parts of south and central Texas into a zone of urgent rescues, with emergency crews working through the night to reach people cut off by rapidly rising water. The National Weather Service described a large and deadly flood wave moving down rivers already scarred by last summer’s tragedy. No deaths or injuries have been reported so far, yet the situation remains fluid and dangerous.
Overnight Rescues in Uvalde
Floodwaters overran the city of Uvalde overnight into Thursday, severing road access and leaving residents isolated. Police spokesperson Juli Alvarado said there was no way into the city at that point and that rescues had been happening throughout the night. Multiple people trapped in vehicles were being pulled to safety, with crews responding quickly once dispatch received calls. Uvalde officials deployed boats for water rescues and planned helicopter flights once daylight arrived. Texas Game Wardens have already assisted in the rescue of more than 40 people, most of them in Uvalde County. The coordinated effort between local police, fire crews, and state wardens has kept the focus on reaching those still in harm’s way.
Rain Totals and River Rises
The National Weather Service recorded 10 to 20 inches of rain across the region in just two days, including eight inches that fell in a two-hour window early Thursday. Several gauges along the Guadalupe River showed dramatic rises, with one location near Kerrville climbing 32 feet in four hours. Downriver near Center Point the river rose more than 30 feet between midnight and 4 a.m. Forecasters warned that the current flood wave could reach levels similar to the catastrophic July 4, 2025, event. Near Hunt the Guadalupe River hit about 20.5 feet, still below the 37.5-foot crest recorded last year but high enough to threaten roads and structures. Additional flood watches remained in effect for dozens of counties through Friday evening.
Evacuations and Community Strain
Mandatory evacuations were ordered in parts of Uvalde earlier in the week, with officers going door to door to notify residents. Many families along the Leona River packed vehicles and left as water crept closer, though some were unsure of their final destination. Lightning lit the sky while brown rapids formed in normally calm waterways, pushing against bridges and into neighborhoods. City officials in Kerrville urged residents to move to the highest levels of their homes. The Texas flood watches covered more than six million people across 57 counties as of Wednesday evening. Governor Greg Abbott issued disaster declarations for dozens of affected counties to speed state assistance.
What Matters Now
- Rescue operations continue with boats and planned helicopter support.
- River levels remain elevated but below last year’s deadly crests.
- Flood watches affect millions through Friday evening.
- State disaster declarations are already in place.
The coming hours will test whether the coordinated response can keep pace with the moving water. Communities that endured last summer’s losses are once again watching the rivers rise and hoping the worst stays at bay.
AI Disclaimer: This article was created with the assistance of AI tools and reviewed by a human editor.