Floodwaters Rise Again Across Central Texas
Heavy Rain Triggers Second Major Flood Emergency in Central Texas
A fresh round of torrential rainfall has triggered widespread flooding across central Texas, prompting evacuation orders and rescue operations as several rivers surged above flood stage on July 13.
According to state and federal officials, flooding is expected to persist through the night and into July 14. This marks the second devastating flood event in just over a week for the region, following the July 4 holiday weekend disaster centered around the Guadalupe River that left at least 129 people dead, including several children.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott confirmed that state emergency teams had launched high-water rescues in San Saba, Lampasas, and Schleicher counties, while evacuations were underway in Lampasas, Menard, Kimble, and Sutton counties. “We are expanding operations in all affected counties,” Abbott posted on social media. “All while monitoring the rising waters in Kerrville.”
As of early morning, some areas in central Texas recorded over six inches of rain in 24 hours. The National Weather Service (NWS) warned that additional rainfall ranging from one to six inches remained possible throughout the day under a broad flood watch covering much of Central Texas, including Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, and San Antonio.
Rivers Overwhelmed Across the Region
Flood warnings remained in effect for large swaths along the San Saba, Llano, Lampasas, Leon, and Guadalupe rivers. By 6 p.m. CT, the San Saba River was cresting near 31 feet, with projections of an additional half-foot rise overnight. Near Llano, the river reached nearly 14 feet and was expected to top 16 feet by the early hours of July 14.
Upstream near Mason, water levels were forecast to surge from 15 feet to over 20 feet by midnight. The Saba River near Menard was on a similar trajectory—rising from 12.3 to an expected 18.3 feet by 2 a.m.
Meanwhile, the Leon River near Gatesville had receded slightly to under 22 feet after reaching 25.5 feet earlier, but forecasters warned of another rise overnight. The Guadalupe River near Hunt stood at 8 feet but was expected to enter moderate flooding by nightfall, exceeding 11 feet.
At midday, the Lampasas River near Kempner peaked at 33.5 feet, then gradually fell below flood stage. By the evening, levels had dropped to around 8.5 feet.
Statewide Response Intensifies
Texas Task Force 1 was deployed to conduct rescue operations. Abbott noted that dozens had already been rescued in the Lampasas area alone.
With rainfall continuing and floodwaters remaining volatile, emergency responders remain on high alert. The NWS continues to urge residents to heed evacuation orders and avoid flooded roads.
