Overview
- The slow‑moving storm system, which began Monday, dumped widespread heavy rain with many areas receiving 10 to 20 inches and prompted a rare Level 4 of 4 excessive‑rainfall warning from federal forecasters.
- U.S. Geological Survey gauges showed dramatic river rises including an approximately 32‑foot jump in about four hours, and the National Weather Service warned a “large and deadly flood wave” was moving downstream on the Guadalupe River.
- Emergency crews carried out dozens of high‑water rescues and mandatory evacuations while state officials activated a disaster response covering 59 counties and deployed more than 1,300 personnel, National Guard assets and aircraft.
- Officials confirmed multiple fatalities, rescue teams reported 40–75 people saved in early operations, and flooding damaged infrastructure with more than 100 roads closed and some bridges swept away.
- Forecasts show the heaviest rain shifting west and easing beginning Friday, but substantial river rises, recovery needs and the risk of record rain — worsened by the Hill Country’s steep terrain and a warmer, moister atmosphere — will prolong impacts for communities and emergency responders.