Catastrophic flooding is possible through Thursday along the U.S. 90 corridor west of San Antonio and in parts of the Texas Hill Country, with forecasters warning some areas could see 10 to 20 inches of rain.
The National Weather Service has issued the highest level of flash flood risk for multiple counties, including Medina, Frio, Uvalde, Kinney, Maverick, Zavala, Val Verde, Edwards, Real and Bandera. Rivers such as the Pecos, Rio Grande, Nueces, Frio, Medina and San Antonio are all expected to flood. A lull in storms is expected before heavy rain ramps up again overnight Tuesday into Wednesday.
The warnings come barely more than a year after devastating flash flooding killed 119 people in Kerr County on the July 4 holiday weekend. Residents there remain on high alert as another round of intense rainfall approaches.
Gov. Greg Abbott issued a disaster declaration Tuesday for 59 counties to speed up state resources. “Texas is positioned to respond quickly and effectively,” Abbott said in a statement. “I urge all Texans in affected areas to monitor local weather forecasts, avoid driving through flooded roadways, and have emergency supplies ready.”
Several counties have already reported road closures on U.S. 90 and other routes due to high water. The Uvalde County Sheriff’s Office urged residents to stay home, while Bandera and Medina counties listed multiple flooded roadways. Game wardens conducted swiftwater rescues in several South Texas counties earlier Tuesday.
Forecasters note the ground is already saturated from recent rains, meaning any additional heavy downpours will run off quickly and increase flash flood risk. Areas outside the worst-hit zones could still see 2 to 6 inches, including Kerr County, where some roads were barricaded Monday night.
The city of Uvalde opened a temporary shelter Tuesday afternoon for those who may need it. Residents and visitors in the region, including many vacationing in the Hill Country, are urged to have multiple ways to receive weather alerts and know their evacuation routes.
KRLD will continue monitoring the situation as storms develop.
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