Texas Flash Flooding: Governor Greg Abbott Issues Disaster Declaration as Record Rainfall Threatens State

AUSTIN, Texas — As catastrophic Texas flash flooding continues to batter the state, Governor Greg Abbott held a press conference to announce a sweeping disaster declaration and urge residents to prioritize safety amid life-threatening weather conditions. With rainfall totals projected to exceed 30 inches in some areas, state emergency management and public safety officials are mobilizing unprecedented resources to protect communities across the region.

Governor Abbott confirmed that a disaster declaration has already been issued for 59 counties, with the possibility of adding more as needed. To date, more than 1,300 state personnel from over 30 agencies—including the National Guard, Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Game Wardens, and the Texas Department of Transportation—have been activated. The state has deployed more than 800 vehicles, 75 boats, and 20 aircraft to support ongoing rescue and recovery efforts.

Fortunately, no loss of life has been reported so far, and more than 75 individuals have already been rescued. However, officials emphasized that the primary danger over the next 24 to 48 hours will be rapidly rising rivers and the severe risk of driving through floodwaters.

Governor Abbott noted that this event is expected to be more severe than the Fourth of July floods last year, which saw 20.29 inches of rainfall. The current storm system is projected to deliver more than 30 inches of rain. The Nueces River Basin and its tributaries are considered the most at-risk areas, though officials warned that no nearby basin is entirely safe. A flash flood emergency was declared in Kendall County until 8:00, with a broader flood watch covering nearly all of South Central Texas. A high risk of excessive rainfall extends from Sonora to Del Rio, including Eagle Pass and Bulverde, where 10 to 15 inches of rain have already fallen, with another 10 to 15 inches expected by the following morning.

Chief Nimkit of the Texas Division of Emergency Management reinforced the severity of the situation, highlighting that meteorologists are reporting rainfall rates of up to three inches per hour. He noted that the vast majority of rescues have involved stranded motorists and strongly urged residents to work from home and avoid travel. Chief Nimkit also confirmed that local emergency operations centers are fully supported by state resources and are prepared to issue mandatory evacuation orders if necessary.

General Celzer of the Texas Military Department detailed the military’s readiness, stating that 10 helicopters, over 750 personnel, and 100 military vehicles are staged throughout the affected area for ground and air search-and-rescue operations. He emphasized that these units maintain rigorous, year-round proficiency, including a recent multi-day exercise involving 87 aircraft alongside interagency partners.

Jessica Butler of the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) added that crews have been actively responding since Sunday evening. TxDOT personnel are working 24-hour shifts to monitor roadways, place barricades, and close flooded roads in coordination with law enforcement. At the peak of the afternoon, 114 roads were impacted by flooding. Butler urged the public to check DriveTexas.org for real-time road conditions and to strictly adhere to the “turn around, don’t drown” mantra.

During the question-and-answer portion of the briefing, Governor Abbott addressed public preparedness, stating that Texas is better prepared for major flooding events now than ever before. He cautioned that even after the rain stops, rivers will continue to rise as water works its way through the ground system. When asked about emergency alert systems, he stressed that residents in the affected regions must remain hyper-aware of their surroundings, regardless of whether they receive phone alerts.

Abbott also briefly addressed an unrelated political matter, confirming that an announcement regarding a new Secretary of State will be made in the coming weeks. He stated the primary goal of the new appointee will be to ensure flawless elections, guarantee that only legal votes are cast, and restore public trust and confidence in the state’s election system.

The briefing concluded with a reminder that assistance has been gratefully received from neighboring states, including Louisiana and Oklahoma, as first responders continue to battle the elements. Currently, more than 2.5 million people remain under a level 3 or level 4 flash flood threat across the Hill Country and Big Bend regions.