Texas Flooding July 2026: Disaster Declared Across 28 Counties

Central Texas and the Hill Country region are experiencing catastrophic flooding from July 15-18, 2026. A slow-moving weather system dropped 10-20 inches of rain across the region in under 48 hours, causing rivers including the Guadalupe and Colorado to burst their banks. At least 2 people have died, more than 230 have been rescued by water-rescue teams, a major bridge has collapsed, and Texas Governor Greg Abbott declared a state disaster across 28 counties. The National Guard and FEMA have been deployed. Sources: NWS, FEMA, Texas Tribune, CNN.

As of July 18, 2026, at least 2 people have died in the Texas flooding. Search-and-rescue operations remain active across multiple counties and officials have warned the death toll could rise. More than 230 people have been rescued by water-rescue teams including swift-water units deployed by the Texas Division of Emergency Management. Sources: Texas Tribune, CNN, NPR.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott declared a state disaster across 28 Texas counties as of July 17-18, 2026, as a result of the catastrophic flooding in central Texas and the Hill Country. The declaration unlocks state resources and expedites a federal disaster declaration request to FEMA. The most severely affected areas include counties in the Hill Country west of Austin. Check the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) website for the full, current list of declared counties. Sources: Governor's office, TDEM.

Yes. A major bridge collapsed during the Texas flooding in July 2026, following extreme water levels on a Hill Country river. Emergency crews have closed multiple road crossings and low-water bridges across the affected area. Texas DOT is assessing infrastructure damage across the 28 declared disaster counties. Residents are warned to stay away from rivers, creeks, and flooded roads. Sources: Texas Tribune, CNN, Texas DOT.

A slow-moving upper-level low-pressure system stalled over Texas from July 15-17, pulling moisture from the Gulf of Mexico and producing exceptional rainfall totals of 10-20 inches in 48 hours over the Hill Country and central Texas, a region already prone to flash flooding due to its rocky, thin soils and steep terrain. The National Weather Service had issued Flash Flood Emergencies and Extreme Rainfall Warnings in the days leading up to the worst flooding. Sources: NWS, Weather.com, Texas Tribune.

Between 10 and 20 inches of rain fell across parts of central Texas and the Hill Country over a 48-hour period from July 15-16, 2026, according to National Weather Service rain gauge and radar estimates. Some locations recorded their highest rainfall totals since Hurricane Harvey (2017). The NWS called it a 'generational rain event' for the Hill Country. Sources: NWS, Weather.com.

Yes. FEMA deployed disaster response personnel to Texas after Governor Abbott's 28-county disaster declaration and submitted a federal major disaster declaration request to the White House. FEMA Urban Search and Rescue teams were activated to support local swift-water rescues. Once a federal major disaster declaration is approved, FEMA can provide individual assistance grants to affected residents and public assistance funding for infrastructure repair. Sources: FEMA, Texas Tribune.

Multiple rivers across central Texas and the Hill Country are at flood stage or above as of July 18, 2026. The Guadalupe River, Llano River, Pedernales River, and segments of the Colorado River are among those that burst their banks during the July 15-17 rain event. These rivers can rise extremely rapidly during heavy rain due to the region's geology, giving residents little warning time. Sources: NWS, USGS Water Resources.

Travel to the Hill Country and central Texas remains hazardous as of July 18, 2026. Multiple road closures and bridge failures are in effect. Texas officials are repeating the warning 'Turn Around, Don't Drown', the leading cause of flood deaths is attempting to drive through floodwater. If you are planning travel to the region, check TXDOT road closures and local emergency management alerts before departing. Sources: TDEM, Texas DOT, NWS.

To help people affected by the July 2026 Texas flooding: donate to the American Red Cross Texas Chapter, the Salvation Army Texas Division, or local community foundations in the affected counties. The Red Cross is operating emergency shelters and providing meals in the disaster zone. For volunteer opportunities, contact the Texas Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (Texas VOAD). Avoid donating unsolicited goods, as these create logistical burdens for relief organizations. Sources: Red Cross, Salvation Army, Texas VOAD.