At least two people died after severe flooding swept through areas of Central and South Texas on Thursday, according to Gov. Greg Abbott.
Powerful, slow-moving thunderstorms brought several inches of rain overnight, causing rivers and waterways to rise rapidly across the affected region.
Flash Flood Emergency Issued in Central Texas
Earlier on Thursday, the National Weather Service declared a flash flood emergency for parts of Kerr and Kendall counties.
The emergency warning included several communities, such as:
- Kerrville
- Center Point
- Comfort
Officials issued the highest-level flood alert as intense rainfall created extremely dangerous conditions for residents and travellers.
Slow-Moving Storms Dump Several Inches of Rain
Thunderstorms moved slowly across the region overnight, allowing heavy rain to repeatedly fall over the same locations.
Several inches of rainfall accumulated within a relatively short period, overwhelming drainage systems and causing water levels to increase quickly.
The resulting flooding created life-threatening conditions across roads, neighbourhoods and low-lying areas.
Guadalupe River Sends Deadly Flood Wave Downstream
The Guadalupe River rose rapidly following the overnight storms.
The National Weather Service warned that the rising river had produced a “large and deadly flood wave” moving downstream.
Communities located along the river faced significant danger as fast-moving floodwaters continued travelling through the region.
At Least Two Deaths Confirmed
Gov. Abbott confirmed that at least two people had died during the flooding.
No additional information was immediately provided about the victims or the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
Authorities continued assessing the damage and monitoring conditions as floodwaters moved through Central and South Texas.
The deadly flooding in Central and South Texas demonstrates how quickly slow-moving thunderstorms can create catastrophic conditions. Heavy overnight rainfall caused the Guadalupe River to rise sharply and sent a dangerous flood wave downstream.
Residents in affected areas should continue following official weather warnings and avoid flooded roads, rivers and low-lying locations while emergency conditions remain active.