Torrential downpours in south Texas have washed out major highways and stranded multiple motorists, prompting emergency crews to conduct at least two dozen rescues across the region after storms dumped up to 16 inches of rain in rural areas on Tuesday.
Officials shut down portions of a highway near Uvalde, about 80 miles west of San Antonio, due to rapid water accumulation.
>>> Kylian Mbappé's Unfinished Business and France's Uncertain Future
National Weather Service meteorologist Monte Oaks said the event is part of a recurring atmospheric cycle typical for the region during this time of year.
“This is called a typical mid-summer tropical weather pattern that happens in Texas,” Oaks said.
He explained that slow-moving low-pressure systems stall over the state periodically, bringing prolonged precipitation.
“About once every five years, we’ll get socked in with a daily recurrence of heavy rain chances that’s generally produced by a stagnant kind of a pattern with a low-pressure center that’s just not moving very fast,” Oaks added.
A flash flood warning remains active for the San Antonio metro area, where forecasters anticipate 2 to 4 inches of rain.
Central Texas regions, including the Hill Country and Kerrville, face a moderate risk of flash flooding, recalling a similar disaster two years ago along the Guadalupe River that claimed at least 139 lives.
>>> US Mint to Release Trump Commemorative Coin for 250th Anniversary
Meteorologists warned that overnight storms could drop more than a foot of additional rain, elevating parts of the region to a rare level 4 “high” risk of excessive rainfall through Thursday.
“Intense rain rates and compounding effects from multiple rounds of storms will result in a dangerous flash flooding threat through Thursday,” the National Weather Service said.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott confirmed the mobilization of state emergency assets.
“Texans, this is JUST ONE of the weather scenarios I have been referring to in my disaster declaration.
Note the amount of rain and the early morning hour it is being predicted.
We have deployed rescue teams, Blackhawk helicopters & state personnel to respond to this danger,” Abbott said.
>>> Allen Millyard's Viper V10 Motorcycle Heads to Auction
The governor urged residents in high-risk zones to remain vigilant and comply with instructions from local emergency management personnel.
