The worst of the torrential rains is yet to come for South Texas, with the prospect of catastrophic flash flooding looming large over the region. The National Weather Service has sounded the alarm, warning that the current deluge will be exacerbated by further downpours in the coming days, potentially unleashing devastating consequences near the US-Mexico border.
In recent days, the area has been pummelled by relentless rainfall, with parts of rural Texas receiving up to 16 inches of rain on Tuesday. This has prompted emergency services to mount a significant rescue effort, with at least two dozen people rescued from flooded areas so far. A major highway near Uvalde has been shut down due to the treacherous conditions, while forecasters describe the situation as part of a typical mid-summer tropical weather pattern for Texas.
A flash flood warning remains in place for the San Antonio area, with between 2 and 4 inches of rain expected in most parts of the metropolitan area over the coming hours. Central Texas, including the Hill Country, is also at risk of flash flooding, with Kerrville identified as a particular concern. The National Weather Service has upgraded some areas to its highest 'high' risk rating for excessive rainfall, indicating a strong likelihood of severe flash flooding.
Over the next 24 hours, an additional 3 to 7 inches of rain is forecast for parts of Texas, with isolated areas potentially receiving up to 15 inches. The National Weather Service has cautioned that 'intense rain rates and compounding effects from multiple rounds of storms will result in a dangerous flash flooding threat through Thursday.' This echoes the devastating flash flood event near the Guadalupe River two years ago, which tragically claimed 139 lives.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has issued a disaster declaration for 59 counties in response to the escalating threat. He has deployed rescue teams, Blackhawk helicopters, and state personnel to assist with the response, urging Texans to heed all weather warnings and local advisories. Governor Abbott shared a weather map on X, highlighting areas that could receive up to 20 inches of rain and underscoring the extreme nature of the forecast.