Torrential rains unleashed life-threatening flash floods across Texas Hill Country on Thursday, forcing evacuations and water rescues in the same region where deadly flooding killed campers at Camp Mystic one year ago. The Guadalupe River at Hunt surged 10 feet in just one hour, cutting off roads and bridges as Governor Greg Abbott warned the state faces record-breaking flooding that could exceed 30 inches of rainfall.

Multiple Towns Trapped by Rising Waters

Flash flood emergencies remained active Thursday morning for Kerrville, Hunt, Uvalde and Knippa, with emergency responders conducting water rescues as rivers overflowed their banks. The Guadalupe River at Center Point rose an alarming 32 feet in four hours, approaching levels last seen during the catastrophic July 4, 2025 floods that claimed lives at a children’s summer camp. Engineers inspected the Highway 87 bridge over the Guadalupe River near Comfort, concerned that surging currents carrying debris might have compromised structural integrity. While the bridge passed inspection Thursday, 63 residents sheltered in an evacuation center with their pets, waiting for floodwaters to recede.

Six Months of Rain Falls in 48 Hours

The Uvalde area received up to 20 inches of rain over 48 hours, more than six months worth of typical precipitation for the region. Near Boerne, rain gauges measured 3.5 inches in a single hour Wednesday morning, causing Cibolo Creek to rise 10 feet in 90 minutes and crest at a record-breaking 22 feet. The National Weather Service issued particularly dangerous situation warnings, urging residents to seek higher ground immediately as rainfall rates of 2 to 4 inches per hour continued. Texas Hill Country, often called Flash Flood Alley, has seen similar devastation before, making Thursday’s emergency especially concerning for communities still recovering from last summer’s tragedy.

Massive State Response Mobilized

Governor Abbott declared disaster declarations for 59 counties Wednesday, with more expected to follow. More than 1,300 state personnel from 30 agencies deployed across affected regions, supported by 800 vehicles, 75 boats and 20 aircraft. Rescue teams pulled more than 75 people from floodwaters as of Wednesday evening. Abbott emphasized the state’s focus remains on saving lives as the storm system continues producing dangerous conditions. Authorities anticipated a second wave of flooding Thursday afternoon, though not as severe as morning levels. The fast-moving disaster highlights the vulnerability of Hill Country communities to extreme weather events in an area where terrain and geography create ideal conditions for rapid, deadly flooding.