New Flooding in Central Texas Prompts Rescues as Death Toll Rises to 132

On Sunday, torrential rain and floods hit Central Texas, deepening the tragedy and pushing officials to increase rescue operations as the July 4 death toll reached 132. 

Gov. Greg Abbott said rapid water rescues were underway in San Saba, Lampasas, and Schleicher counties, with evacuations in various locations. In Kerr County, the most impacted with 106 confirmed fatalities, officials monitored rising water levels as the National Weather Service extended a flood watch for the Hill Country, I-35 corridor, and Southern Edwards Plateau through Monday morning.

“This is a life-threatening situation,” the Ingram Fire Department tweeted. „We are witnessing the same weather pattern today as on July 4th—and we know how quickly that became deadly.” Kerrville shared video of torrents of water gushing across roads, mimicking the week-old floodwaters that devastated the region.

With the San Saba River rising to 30.58 feet and predicted to peak at 31.5 feet by midnight, Judge Jody Fauley ordered a mandatory evacuation for parts of the city. Pay close attention to low-lying areas, particularly those north of the railroad tracks. Kerr County issued a “Code Red” warning Sunday for Guadalupe River communities to prepare for evacuation due to severe weather.

Further east, Travis County, which includes Austin, restricted upper Lake Travis activities due to flood debris and high bacterial levels. The Lower Colorado River Authority warned Highland Lakes residents of high E. coli levels after recent storms.

The new flood threat postponed an Ingram candlelight vigil to memorialize flood victims, with no replacement date specified.

Gov. Abbott said Texas Task Force 1 has rescued dozens of Lampasas County residents and committed state resources to life-saving operations. “We are expanding operations in all affected counties while closely monitoring Kerrville and other danger zones,” Abbott said on X.