UVALDE, Texas – Recently, parts of Texas faced serious threats from flash flooding, while other areas began the cleanup after days of heavy rain that sadly resulted in the deaths of two individuals.
The National Weather Service declared a flash flood emergency early Friday for the city of Sonora in Sutton County, located about 170 miles (274 kilometers) northwest of San Antonio. This warning came as local authorities struggled to manage escalating water levels.
In response to the dire conditions, the local sheriff’s office utilized boats to rescue individuals trapped by floodwaters. Residents in low-lying areas along the Dry Devils River were advised to evacuate, although this was not a mandatory order. Chief Deputy Jon Gann emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating, “The water’s up to the top of the banks. If we get any more, we’re going to be into homes.”
Flash flood warnings extended across several counties in the Texas Hill Country, where many communities were still recovering from devastating floods that occurred a year prior. Flood warnings were in effect through the weekend in areas downstream, as rain began to ease on Friday. Some rivers were projected to reach historic levels.
Since the storms began on Tuesday, some locations west of San Antonio have recorded over 2 feet (60 centimeters) of rain. Rescuers, including those on boats and helicopters, have successfully saved more than 200 people stranded in their vehicles or homes, as announced by Governor Gregg Abbott.
The flooding crisis affected multiple counties near the Mexico border and in the Hill Country by San Antonio, with nearly 6 million residents across Texas under a flood watch this week.
Tragically, one victim was reported to have drowned after their vehicle was swept away while driving on a flooded road near Uvalde. Another fatality, identified as 65-year-old John Mark Steward from Kerrville, occurred when his mobile home was swept into Goat Creek on the Guadalupe River. This river had been the site of devastating floods last year that claimed the lives of over 20 children and counselors at Camp Mystic.
The severe weather system, which has been slow-moving, was expected to drift in a northwesterly direction on Friday, heading toward the Texas Big Bend area in the western part of the state.
In Uvalde, one of the cities hardest hit by the flooding, waters were receding, and officials announced the reopening of Route 90, a major highway that had been closed due to floodwaters that surged through the city overnight into Thursday.
Residents expressed their concern and fear as this flooding brought back memories of last summer’s catastrophic floods in the Hill Country that resulted in over 100 fatalities during the July Fourth holiday. Josiah Rodriguez, a local resident, shared, “It’s crazy happening two times in one year.” He described how he awoke to the sound of heavy rain and had to navigate flooded roads to assist in evacuating relatives.
“Last year there was no warning of it,” Rodriguez continued. “It just kind of happened overnight and took everyone by surprise. This year, a lot more alerts have gone into place, a lot more safety measures.”
Many residents felt caught off guard during last year’s floods when the Guadalupe River overflowed unexpectedly. Local leaders faced criticism for their slow response in that crisis.
So far, the Guadalupe River has remained below record levels reached in 2025. Near Camp Mystic, which has remained closed since last year’s incident, the Guadalupe reached approximately 20.5 feet (6.3 meters), which is enough to cause flooding according to data from U.S. Geological Survey and National Water Prediction Service.
As Texas continues to navigate the challenges posed by severe weather, the community remains resilient, working together to ensure safety and recovery.
___
Collins reported from Hartford, Connecticut.
