Extreme flash flooding killed at least one person and prompted widespread emergency rescue operations across south-central Texas on Thursday.
The National Weather Service in San Antonio issued flash flood emergencies for Kerr and Uvalde counties, warning of critical threats near the Guadalupe and Pedernales rivers.
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“This is a PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS SITUATION. SEEK HIGHER GROUND NOW!”
the agency said.
Low water crossings, small creeks, and urban highways experienced severe inundation, according to the National Weather Service.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced during a Thursday press conference that emergency responders had already saved dozens of stranded individuals.
“There has been one loss of life now, and that happened overnight,” Abbott said, clarifying that the casualty was not associated with any local summer camps.
More than 1,300 emergency personnel deployed to the region for aerial and ground search operations, a year after the area suffered catastrophic floods.
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“Our primary focus right now and throughout the remainder of this torrential rain is saving lives,” Abbott said.
Widespread Travel Disruptions
In Uvalde County, local emergency officials reported massive travel disruptions and urged residents to seek shelter immediately.
“All major highways and many city streets are CLOSED due to flooding and water over the roadway,” the Uvalde County Office of Emergency Management wrote.
The department advised locals to stay indoors to avoid rapidly rising waters.
“Please remain at home unless you are in immediate danger or your location is no longer safe,” the office said.
Emergency crews rescued drivers and residents trapped in vehicles, homes, and trees overnight. The Guadalupe River at Comfort rose more than 30 feet in just a few hours.
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The severe weather heavily impacts a region still recovering from devastating floods a year ago that claimed over 100 lives.
