What is the location of the flooding?
As of July 16, 2026, catastrophic flash flooding is affecting South Texas, primarily across the Texas Hill Country and surrounding regions. The flooding is centered on the Guadalupe River basin, where rapidly rising water levels have prompted multiple Flash Flood Emergencies.
The event follows days of torrential rainfall and comes nearly one year after the deadly July 2025 Texas Hill Country floods (1).
The most severely affected areas include the Guadalupe River between Center Point and Bergheim, the Pedernales River, the Nueces River Basin, the Frio River Basin, the Sabinal River, and several creeks and tributaries across South Central Texas. Rivers and streams have risen rapidly, producing dangerous flooding across roads, neighborhoods, campgrounds, and low-lying communities (2).
Which cities or areas are affected by the flooding?
The flooding is impacting numerous communities across South Texas. The following cities and communities have been directly affected:
- Bandera
- Bergheim
- Boerne
- Brackettville
- Camp Wood
- Center Point
- Comfort
- Concan
- Del Rio
- Fredericksburg
- Hondo
- Hunt
- Ingram
- Johnson City
- Kerrville
- Knippa
- Lakehills
- Leakey
- Medina
- Montell
- Sabinal
- San Antonio metropolitan area
- Stonewall
- Utopia
- Uvalde
- Uvalde Estates
- Waring
Flood impacts also extend across portions of Blanco, Edwards, Gillespie, Kendall, Kerr, Kinney, Maverick, Medina, Real, Val Verde, and Zavala counties, with additional flooding occurring along the Guadalupe, Nueces, Frio, Pedernales, Sabinal, and Devils rivers (3).
What is the current containment status of the flooding?
As of July 16, 2026, the flooding remains active and is not contained. Additional rounds of heavy rainfall continue to move across South Texas, causing rivers and creeks to rise rapidly and producing new flash flooding.
The National Weather Service has issued multiple Flash Flood Emergencies and Flash Flood Warnings across the region. Emergency crews continue conducting swift water rescues, monitoring river gauges, closing flooded roads, and supporting affected communities. Floodwaters remain dangerous, particularly along the Guadalupe River, Pedernales River, Nueces River Basin, and Frio River Basin (4).
Texas officials have deployed more than 1,300 emergency personnel and hundreds of emergency response vehicles. A disaster declaration covering dozens of counties remains in effect while rescue operations continue.
Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?
Numerous emergency alerts and evacuation measures remain in effect across South Texas.
- Flash Flood Emergencies have been issued for portions of the Guadalupe River, Pedernales River, Uvalde County, Hunt, and Kerrville.
- Mandatory evacuations have been ordered in parts of Uvalde as floodwaters continue rising.
- Kerrville officials have urged residents to shelter at the highest level of their homes while floodwaters remain dangerous. A shelter-in-place order has been issued for Kerrville as emergency operations continue.
- Emergency shelters have opened in flood-affected communities, particularly around Uvalde, while rescue operations continue.
The National Weather Service continues advising residents to avoid flooded roads, move to higher ground when instructed, and follow the "Turn Around, Don't Drown" safety guidance (5).
How can I protect myself from mold after flooding?
It’s important to take steps to prevent mold after a flood.
- Before entering a flooded area, make sure it is safe and free from electrical hazards or structural damage.
- Use protective gear: wear gloves, goggles, and a KN95/FFP2 mask to minimize exposure to mold spores.
- If there is still standing water, remove it as quickly as possible. Use pumps, wet-dry vacuums, or buckets to extract the water.
- Open windows and doors to facilitate air circulation and use fans, dehumidifiers, and HVAC systems to help dry the space. This step is crucial within the first 24-48 hours after flooding to prevent mold growth.
- Remove and discard any items that have been severely damaged by floodwater and cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried. This includes carpets, upholstered furniture, mattresses, and any other porous materials.
- Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces with a detergent or cleaner suitable for mold remediation. Use a solution of 1.5 cups of bleach mixed with one gallon of water to disinfect nonporous surfaces. Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products, as the fumes are toxic.
- Maintain an indoor relative humidity (RH) of 35-50%. High humidity promotes mold growth, so consider using dehumidifiers in damp areas.
- Run a high-performance air purifier for mold, both during and after the mold removal work.
- If the flooding and mold damage are extensive, consider contacting professionals specializing in mold remediation to ensure proper cleanup and restoration.
Remember, mold can pose health risks, so it's important to take these steps promptly and thoroughly. If you experience persistent mold-related health issues or have concerns about extensive mold growth, consult with a medical professional or a mold remediation specialist.
