Record-breaking Rain Pummels Central Texas, Leaving One Dead and Dozens Rescued

At least one person has died and scores of others have been rescued as relentless rain triggered catastrophic flash flooding across the Texas Hill Country, prompting Governor Greg Abbott to declare a disaster in 59 counties. According to cfjctoday.com, Abbott confirmed there has been 'one loss of life' in the flooding, which has forced evacuations and high-water rescues in several communities.

cfjctoday.comAt least 1 person has died as Texas flooding forces evacuations and high-water rescues, Abbott says

Emergency crews in Uvalde County have been particularly busy, with video showing water covering roads and vehicles being swept away, FOX 7 Austin reported. The National Weather Service issued Flash Flood Emergencies for Kerr and Uvalde counties, warning of life-threatening conditions as the deluge continued.

FOX 7 AustinAbbott declares disaster in 59 Texas counties as flooding hits

"This comes a little more than a year after Kerrville and other vulnerable communities along the Guadalupe River saw devastating flooding last July 4 that killed 135 people."

Fox WeatherFlash Flood Emergencies issued for Kerr, Uvalde counties as life-threatening floods slam Texas Hill Country

Fox Weather noted the grim coincidence, as the same region was ravaged by a deadly flood just over a year ago. The current storm system has brought rainfall totals that Governor Abbott said were likely to break records, according to the New York Times.

"the rain in the state was likely to break records."

Residents in southwest Texas have been urged to evacuate as severe downpours continue, koat.com reported. The disaster declaration covers 59 counties, a figure confirmed by both NTD and FOX 7 Austin, and allows the state to mobilize resources for rescue and recovery operations as the flood threat persists.

2 sources

NTDTexas Declares Disaster in 59 Counties as Threat of Dangerous Flash Flooding Continueskoat.com1 person has died as Texas flooding forces evacuations, high-water rescues, governor says