UVALDE, Texas — Persistent, slow-moving storms are continuing to dump heavy rain across a large portion of South Texas on Wednesday, one day after severe downpours washed out roads and farmland and triggered dozens of high-water rescue operations.
Flash flood warnings remain in effect for multiple areas, with the dangerous rainfall expected to continue through Thursday evening. According to the National Weather Service, certain locations could receive between 10 and 20 inches — or 25 to 50 centimeters — of rain by the time the storm system finally clears.
As of now, no fatalities or injuries have been reported in connection with the flooding.
On Wednesday morning, flash flood warnings were issued for several counties near the Mexican border, including portions of Kerr County. That region was devastated last year when catastrophic flooding along the Guadalupe River claimed the lives of more than 100 people. Kerr County officials confirmed they have been in communication with summer camps and retreat centers in areas at risk of river flooding.
Uvalde County has recorded the highest rainfall amounts so far, with some spots receiving up to 16 inches — about 40 centimeters — according to the weather service.
National Weather Service meteorologist Monte Oaks explained the nature of the storm system. “This is called a typical mid-summer tropical weather pattern that happens in Texas,” Oaks said. “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 that tropical moisture — primarily drawn from the Gulf of Mexico, with some contribution from the Pacific Ocean — is feeding the ongoing rainfall. He identified the areas west of San Antonio and north of Route 90 as the zones of highest concern for dangerous flooding on Wednesday.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has issued disaster declarations covering dozens of counties across the affected region.
Video footage released by authorities on Tuesday showed rescue crews navigating flooded streets by boat and captured a vehicle being swept away in rapidly moving floodwaters. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife spokeswoman Maggie Berger, five people were pulled to safety by the Texas Game Warden Search and Rescue Team, while a local game warden rescued four additional individuals.
The city of Uvalde has been identified by the weather service as the hardest-hit community. Local officials reported at least two dozen water rescues in the city, and an event center has been opened to provide shelter for residents displaced by the floodwaters. In nearby Sabinal, officials are also making arrangements to open a shelter.
