Life-threatening flash flooding takes hold of central Texas as storms ravage region | Texas

“Life-threatening” flooding has hit south-central Texas, where up to 20 inches of rain fell in some areas, just a year after the same area suffered devastating flooding that killed more than 100 people.

Flash flood emergencies were issued Thursday for parts of Kerr and Uvalde counties, where emergency crews were conducting water rescues, and areas around the Guadalupe River and Pedernales River, according to morning updates from the National Weather Service (NWS). No injuries or deaths have been reported so far.

“THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. SEEK HIGHER PLACE IMMEDIATELY!” a reader update From the NWS in San Antonio. “Life-threatening flash flooding in low-water crossings, small streams and creeks, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses.”

Meanwhile, flash flood warnings were also in effect for parts of Kinney, Maverick and Zavala counties, areas near the Mexican border and the Texas Hill Country near San Antonio.

A series of storms moving through the region brought heavy rainfall and caused the Guadalupe River in Comfort, Texas, to rise more than 30 feet in a matter of hours overnight Thursday. Shelter orders were issued for those living in the area Kerrville and Uvalde and a broader flood watch will remain in effect through Thursday evening.

The catastrophic weather comes just a year after devastating floods in the Texas Hill Country over the Fourth of July weekend killed more than 100 people, including 25 girls and two counselors at Camp Mystic. The Christian girls’ summer camp was located along the Guadalupe River, where flash flooding occurred once again on Thursday.

“Our primary focus right now and through the remainder of the downpour is saving lives,” Texas Governor Greg Abbott said. expression on Wednesday.

Thunderstorms 20 inch There has been a lot of rain in the Uvalde area in the last 48 hours; 10 to 12 inches of rain fell in parts of Bandera, Kerr and Real counties, and officials warned drivers not to drive through flooded roads.

“All major highways and many city streets are CLOSED due to flooding and water on the roadway,” the Uvalde county emergency management office wrote in a post on social media Thursday. “Please stay home unless you are in immediate danger or it is no longer safe where you are.”