A life-threatening Flash Flood Emergency was issued Thursday morning for portions of the Texas Hill Country after torrential rainfall sent the Guadalupe River surging to near-record levels, prompting swift-water rescues, evacuations, and shelter openings across Kerr County.
The National Weather Service issued the emergency for the Guadalupe River from Center Point downstream through Comfort to Bergheim, warning that a “large and deadly flood wave” was moving downstream, according to the Austin American-Statesman. The emergency remained in effect through late Thursday morning.
Forecasters said a river gauge at Center Point rose 32 feet in just four hours, with the river expected to crest near levels seen during the catastrophic July 4, 2025, flooding that killed more than 130 people.
JUST IN: Kerr County, Texas, declares a state of emergency as heavy flooding overwhelms the area. pic.twitter.com/GsxxinaOHi
— Scope Report (@ScopeReport_) July 16, 2026
Rescues Underway as Floodwaters Rise
Emergency crews launched multiple water rescues across Kerr County as floodwaters rapidly overtook roads, bridges, and low-lying neighborhoods.
Officials said rescue boats were deployed throughout the county, where at least two bridges have been washed away and flooded roadways have made it difficult for first responders to reach stranded residents.
Among those rescued were 10 people who became trapped on top of a barn.
The Kerr County Sheriff’s Office described the flooding as an “extremely dangerous” countywide situation and urged anyone on safe, high ground to remain there.
Kerr County officials said evacuations were underway in several areas, including:
- Goat Creek
- Arcadia Loop
- Lowery/Guadalupe area
- Junction Highway low-water crossings
- Other flood-prone neighborhoods
Shelters Open for Evacuees
Emergency shelters have opened for residents forced to evacuate.
In Kerr County, shelters are operating at:
- Calvary Temple, 3000 Loop 534, Kerrville
- City West Church, 3139 Junction Highway, Ingram
- Impact Church for residents evacuated from the Goat Creek area
Bandera County also opened shelters at:
- Lakehills United Methodist Church, 150 Avenue J, Lakehills
- Silver Sage Hill Country Resource Center, 803 Buck Creek Drive, Bandera
Kendall County has opened emergency shelters at:
- Comfort High School at 143 US-87 North in Comfort
- Kendall County Golden Age Center at 628 Front St in Comfort
River Rises to Dangerous Levels
Meteorologists said approximately 11 inches of rain fell northwest of Kerr County overnight, pushing the Guadalupe River into major flood stage.
The National Weather Service reported the river rose about 22 feet in less than an hour in one location, while another gauge recorded a 16-foot rise in just 30 minutes.
By Thursday morning, the Guadalupe River at Comfort had reached more than 37 feet, surpassing the river’s crest during the deadly 2025 flood.
Officials warned that additional rainfall could further worsen flooding throughout the day.
Flash Flood Warnings Expand
Flash Flood Warnings remain in effect for portions of Kerr, Kendall, and southeastern Bandera counties, where Doppler radar and rain gauges measured between 3 inches and 1 foot of rainfall.
An additional inch of rain remains possible in some areas, according to the National Weather Service.
The Weather Service also issued a Flash Flood Emergency for portions of the Pedernales River in Gillespie and Blanco counties, urging residents near the river to move to higher ground immediately.
A Flood Watch remains in effect across much of Central Texas through Thursday evening.
Summer Camps Sheltering in Place
Several summer camps along the Guadalupe River reported Thursday morning that campers and staff remain safe despite rising water.
Camp CAMP said everyone at the facility was sheltering in place after floodwaters closed Skyline Drive. Officials said the camp sits more than 80 feet above the Guadalupe River and has sufficient food, water, and backup power.
Hermann Sons Life, Camp Waldemar, Camp La Junta, and Camp Stewart also reported that campers and staff were safe, monitoring conditions, and remaining in contact with emergency officials.
Authorities urged parents not to attempt to reach camps because flooded roads could place additional people at risk.
Officials Urge Residents to Stay Off Roads
The City of Kerrville issued a shelter-in-place order as floodwaters continued rising throughout the area.
Officials urged residents to avoid all travel unless evacuating from flood-prone areas and reminded motorists never to drive through flooded roadways.
Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly signed a local disaster declaration Thursday morning and requested additional assistance from the State of Texas as emergency crews continued responding to rescues and flooding across the region.
The National Weather Service warned that flash flooding is ongoing and residents near the Guadalupe River should move to higher ground immediately if instructed to evacuate.
Provided by Dallas Express
