Fresh Rains Trigger Swift Water Rescues in Texas, Candlelight Vigil Postponed

On Sunday, a fresh wave of intense rainfall and flooding hit Central Texas, exacerbating an already dire situation and prompting officials to broaden rescue efforts as the death toll from the July 4 catastrophe climbed to 132. 

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has declared that rapid water rescues are currently in progress in San Saba, Lampasas, and Schleicher counties, with evacuation orders issued for several communities. In Kerr County, which has faced the most severe impact with 106 confirmed fatalities, officials are actively monitoring increasing water levels. The National Weather Service has extended a flood watch across the region, encompassing the Hill Country, the I-35 corridor, and the Southern Edwards Plateau through Monday morning.

“This poses a serious risk to life,” cautioned the Ingram Fire Department in a blunt social media post. “Today’s weather mirrors what we faced on July 4th, and we all remember how swiftly that situation escalated.” A video released by the city of Kerrville captured the powerful streams of water cascading over roadways, reminiscent of the catastrophic floodwaters that impacted the area just over a week prior.

In San Saba, Judge Jody Fauley has ordered a mandatory evacuation for some regions of the city as the San Saba River has risen to 30.58 feet, with projections indicating it will reach 31.5 feet by midnight. Residents in low-lying areas, especially those north of the railroad tracks, have been advised to stay vigilant. Kerr County has issued a “Code Red” warning as of Sunday, urging residents near the Guadalupe River to get ready for potential evacuation in light of deteriorating weather conditions.

In a recent development in Travis County, encompassing Austin, authorities have prohibited recreational activities on upper Lake Travis due to concerns over flood debris and increased bacterial levels. The Lower Colorado River Authority has issued a warning to residents regarding increased E. coli levels after recent storms, especially in the Highland Lakes area.

A candlelight vigil in Ingram to honor flood victims has been postponed because of a new flood threat, and a new date has yet to be announced.

Governor Abbott announced that Texas Task Force 1 has successfully rescued numerous individuals in Lampasas County, emphasizing that state resources are entirely focused on critical life-saving efforts. "We are expanding operations in all affected counties—all while monitoring the rising waters in Kerrville," Abbott said on X (formerly Twitter).