Texas declares disaster amid flash floods in 59 counties

A dangerous, multi-day deluge continues to pound central and southwest Texas, triggering widespread flash flooding, dozens of water rescues, and a state disaster declaration as forecasters warn of potentially catastrophic rainfall through Thursday, July 16, 2026. The relentless storms have already dropped up to a foot of rain in some areas since Monday, July 13, saturating the ground and setting the stage for a worsening crisis.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has issued a disaster declaration for 59 counties and activated statewide emergency resources, including swift-water rescue teams, military helicopters, and state troopers. The National Weather Service has placed more than six million people under flood watches, with the highest Level 4 out of 4 flash flood risk in effect for parts of South Texas for a second consecutive day on Wednesday, July 15. This marks the first time the Weather Prediction Center has issued its highest alert on back-to-back days since April 2025.

Emergency crews have been conducting rescues across the hardest-hit regions. In Uvalde County, authorities reported at least 45 people had been pulled from floodwaters by the end of Tuesday, with additional...