First responders with the Texas Game Wardens rescue a man from his home on East Mesquite Street in Uvalde on Thursday, July 16, 2026, after the Leona River flooded the roadway.

First responders with the Texas Game Wardens rescue a man from his home on East Mesquite Street in Uvalde on Thursday, July 16, 2026, after the Leona River flooded the roadway.

Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-NewsPeople gather to watch as the Perdenales River floods Ranch Road 1623 in Stonewall, Thursday, July 16, 2026.

People gather to watch as the Perdenales River floods Ranch Road 1623 in Stonewall, Thursday, July 16, 2026.

Mikala Compton/Austin American-StatesmanA first responder with the Texas Game Wardens gives directions while preparing for a water rescue on East Mesquite Street in Uvalde on Thursday, July 16, 2026, where the Leona River flooded.

A first responder with the Texas Game Wardens gives directions while preparing for a water rescue on East Mesquite Street in Uvalde on Thursday, July 16, 2026, where the Leona River flooded.

Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-NewsWater levels of the Pedenales River rise in Johnson City, Thursday, July 16, 2026.

Water levels of the Pedenales River rise in Johnson City, Thursday, July 16, 2026.

Mikala Compton/Austin American-StatesmanBill Dozier, left, and Sharon Dozier sit on their flooded front porch along North Camp Street in Uvalde on Thursday, July 16, 2026, as they consider their next steps. They said water was ankle-deep inside their house Thursday morning.

Bill Dozier, left, and Sharon Dozier sit on their flooded front porch along North Camp Street in Uvalde on Thursday, July 16, 2026, as they consider their next steps. They said water was ankle-deep inside their house Thursday morning.

Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-NewsFrom right, Jodye Koopland, her sister Tamra Ward, husband Max Koopland and son Grady Koopland sit on the gymnasium floor in a makeshift evacuation center at Comfort High School after heavy rain caused flooding in Comfort, Texas on Thursday, July 16, 2026. The Koopland family is from the Dallas area, but has been traveling in an RV and has been living in Comfort for about one month.

From right, Jodye Koopland, her sister Tamra Ward, husband Max Koopland and son Grady Koopland sit on the gymnasium floor in a makeshift evacuation center at Comfort High School after heavy rain caused flooding in Comfort, Texas on Thursday, July 16, 2026. The Koopland family is from the Dallas area, but has been traveling in an RV and has been living in Comfort for about one month.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanWater is feet from homes along the banks of Cypress Creek after heavy rain caused flooding in Comfort, Texas on Thursday, July 16, 2026.

Water is feet from homes along the banks of Cypress Creek after heavy rain caused flooding in Comfort, Texas on Thursday, July 16, 2026.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanThe Harrison family sits in circles on the floor and in camping chairs in a makeshift evacuation center at Comfort High School after heavy rain caused flooding in Comfort, Texas on Thursday, July 16, 2026. The family was staying at The Meyer Hotel for a family reunion when they evacuated in the morning as the level of Cypress Creek rose.

The Harrison family sits in circles on the floor and in camping chairs in a makeshift evacuation center at Comfort High School after heavy rain caused flooding in Comfort, Texas on Thursday, July 16, 2026. The family was staying at The Meyer Hotel for a family reunion when they evacuated in the morning as the level of Cypress Creek rose.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanGary Shipman and Sofia Patton look across the Guadalupe River over at their ranch from Howdy’s Bar and Grill on Thursday, July 16, 2026, in Kerr County.

Gary Shipman and Sofia Patton look across the Guadalupe River over at their ranch from Howdy’s Bar and Grill on Thursday, July 16, 2026, in Kerr County.

Andrew J. Whitaker/San Antonio Express-NewsDebris from the flooded Guadalupe River on Thursday, July 16, 2026, in Kerrville.

Debris from the flooded Guadalupe River on Thursday, July 16, 2026, in Kerrville.

Andrew J. Whitaker/San Antonio Express-NewsBill Dozier walks through his flooded yard along North Camp Street in Uvalde on Thursday, July 16, 2026. He said water was up to his ankles inside his home.

Bill Dozier walks through his flooded yard along North Camp Street in Uvalde on Thursday, July 16, 2026. He said water was up to his ankles inside his home.

Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-NewsMark Isbell, owner of Arrowhead Creek Vineyards, watches as the Perdenales River floods his property in Stonewall, Thursday, July 16, 2026. Isbell, his wife Kim and their dog were able to evacuate the RV they reside in on the property before the flood swelled and overtook their home.

Mark Isbell, owner of Arrowhead Creek Vineyards, watches as the Perdenales River floods his property in Stonewall, Thursday, July 16, 2026. Isbell, his wife Kim and their dog were able to evacuate the RV they reside in on the property before the flood swelled and overtook their home.

Mikala Compton/Austin American-StatesmanThe Perdenales River floods over Mark Isbell’s RV home at Arrowhead Creek Vineyards in Stonewall, Thursday, July 16, 2026. Isbell, his wife Kim and their dog were able to evacuate the RV before the flood swelled and overtook their home.

The Perdenales River floods over Mark Isbell’s RV home at Arrowhead Creek Vineyards in Stonewall, Thursday, July 16, 2026. Isbell, his wife Kim and their dog were able to evacuate the RV before the flood swelled and overtook their home.

Mikala Compton/Austin American-StatesmanFloodwater covers decorations on Bill Dozier’s porch as he sits with his wife, Sharon, on North Camp Street in Uvalde on Thursday, July 16, 2026, considering their next steps. They said water was ankle-deep inside their house Thursday morning.

Floodwater covers decorations on Bill Dozier’s porch as he sits with his wife, Sharon, on North Camp Street in Uvalde on Thursday, July 16, 2026, considering their next steps. They said water was ankle-deep inside their house Thursday morning.

Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-NewsTexas Governor Greg Abbott receives a briefing on the latest information from flooding around Texas before providing an update to the press at the State Operations Center in Austin, Thursday evening, July 16, 2026.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott receives a briefing on the latest information from flooding around Texas before providing an update to the press at the State Operations Center in Austin, Thursday evening, July 16, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanFloodwater leaves mud and debris throughout Rich Diesel Repair on Crossing Street in Center Point on Thursday, July 16, 2026. The nearby Guadalupe River rose more than 30 feet in three hours overnight.

Floodwater leaves mud and debris throughout Rich Diesel Repair on Crossing Street in Center Point on Thursday, July 16, 2026. The nearby Guadalupe River rose more than 30 feet in three hours overnight.

Ricardo Delgado/StaffDeputy fire marshal Brady Constantine addresses media during a press conference at Kendall County Road & Bridge after heavy rain caused flooding in Comfort, Texas on Thursday, July 16, 2026.

Deputy fire marshal Brady Constantine addresses media during a press conference at Kendall County Road & Bridge after heavy rain caused flooding in Comfort, Texas on Thursday, July 16, 2026.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanMark Isbell, owner of Arrowhead Creek Vineyards, watches as the Perdenales River floods his property in Stonewall, Thursday, July 16, 2026. Isbell, his wife Kim and their dog were able to evacuate the RV they reside in on the property before the flood swelled and overtook their home.

Mark Isbell, owner of Arrowhead Creek Vineyards, watches as the Perdenales River floods his property in Stonewall, Thursday, July 16, 2026. Isbell, his wife Kim and their dog were able to evacuate the RV they reside in on the property before the flood swelled and overtook their home.

Mikala Compton/Austin American-StatesmanBill Dozier hops out of his truck into floodwater as he checks on his house along North Camp Street in Uvalde on Thursday, July 16, 2026. He said water was up to his ankles inside his home.

Bill Dozier hops out of his truck into floodwater as he checks on his house along North Camp Street in Uvalde on Thursday, July 16, 2026. He said water was up to his ankles inside his home.

Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-NewsBindi looks out the window of her owner Skylor Dozier’s trailer on North Camp Street as floodwaters rise in Uvalde on Thursday, July 16, 2026.

Bindi looks out the window of her owner Skylor Dozier’s trailer on North Camp Street as floodwaters rise in Uvalde on Thursday, July 16, 2026.

Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-NewsMud coats furniture removed from the Wilson family?s flooded property along the Guadalupe River in Center Point on Thursday, July 16, 2026. The river crested at 37.94 feet, less than 2 feet below its crest during last July?s deadly flooding.

Mud coats furniture removed from the Wilson family?s flooded property along the Guadalupe River in Center Point on Thursday, July 16, 2026. The river crested at 37.94 feet, less than 2 feet below its crest during last July?s deadly flooding.

Ricardo Delgado/StaffDogs wrestle and splash around in floodwater at Koyote RV Trailer Park in Uvalde on Thursday, July 16, 2026.

Dogs wrestle and splash around in floodwater at Koyote RV Trailer Park in Uvalde on Thursday, July 16, 2026.

Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-NewsFirst responders with the Texas Game Wardens travel down East Mesquite Street in Uvalde on Thursday, July 16, 2026, to perform a water rescue, after the Leona River flooded the roadway.

First responders with the Texas Game Wardens travel down East Mesquite Street in Uvalde on Thursday, July 16, 2026, to perform a water rescue, after the Leona River flooded the roadway.

Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-NewsMary Bustos, left, hands her husband, Rodrigo Sanchez, keys to their home on East Mesquite Street in Uvalde on Thursday, July 16, 2026. They said their home had not flooded, but they evacuated to stay with family.

Mary Bustos, left, hands her husband, Rodrigo Sanchez, keys to their home on East Mesquite Street in Uvalde on Thursday, July 16, 2026. They said their home had not flooded, but they evacuated to stay with family.

Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-NewsTexas Governor Greg Abbott holds a press conference to share the latest information from flooding around Texas before providing an update to the press at the State Operations Center in Austin, Thursday evening, July 16, 2026.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott holds a press conference to share the latest information from flooding around Texas before providing an update to the press at the State Operations Center in Austin, Thursday evening, July 16, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanU.S. Geological Survey employees use a device to measure how fast the water moves as they stand above the Pedenales River in Johnson City, Thursday, July 16, 2026.

U.S. Geological Survey employees use a device to measure how fast the water moves as they stand above the Pedenales River in Johnson City, Thursday, July 16, 2026.

Mikala Compton/Austin American-StatesmanWater is feet from homes along the banks of Cypress Creek after heavy rain caused flooding in Comfort, Texas on Thursday, July 16, 2026.

Water is feet from homes along the banks of Cypress Creek after heavy rain caused flooding in Comfort, Texas on Thursday, July 16, 2026.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanJulian Garza, owner of Koyote RV Trailer Park, gathers items stuck in floodwater along North Camp Street in Uvalde on Thursday morning, July 16, 2026.

Julian Garza, owner of Koyote RV Trailer Park, gathers items stuck in floodwater along North Camp Street in Uvalde on Thursday morning, July 16, 2026.

Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-NewsA farm gate is left on High street as water recedes after heavy rain caused flooding in Comfort, Texas on Thursday, July 16, 2026.

A farm gate is left on High street as water recedes after heavy rain caused flooding in Comfort, Texas on Thursday, July 16, 2026.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanEoin Guiry - Chief Operating Officer with River Sentry, checks on the flood alarms on Thursday, July 16, 2026, in Kerrville.

Eoin Guiry – Chief Operating Officer with River Sentry, checks on the flood alarms on Thursday, July 16, 2026, in Kerrville.

Andrew J. Whitaker/San Antonio Express-NewsFirst responders with the Texas Game Wardens ask residents if they are safe as they make their way down East Mesquite Street in Uvalde on Thursday, July 16, 2026, after the Leona River flooded the roadway.

First responders with the Texas Game Wardens ask residents if they are safe as they make their way down East Mesquite Street in Uvalde on Thursday, July 16, 2026, after the Leona River flooded the roadway.

Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-NewsTexas Governor Greg Abbott receives a briefing on the latest information from flooding around Texas before providing an update to the press at the State Operations Center in Austin, Thursday evening, July 16, 2026.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott receives a briefing on the latest information from flooding around Texas before providing an update to the press at the State Operations Center in Austin, Thursday evening, July 16, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanMark Isbell, owner of Arrowhead Creek Vineyards, opens a gate alongside his dog, Perdenales, as the Perdenales River floods his property in Stonewall, Thursday, July 16, 2026. Isbell, his wife Kim and their dog were able to evacuate the RV they reside in on the property before the flood swelled and overtook their home.

Mark Isbell, owner of Arrowhead Creek Vineyards, opens a gate alongside his dog, Perdenales, as the Perdenales River floods his property in Stonewall, Thursday, July 16, 2026. Isbell, his wife Kim and their dog were able to evacuate the RV they reside in on the property before the flood swelled and overtook their home.

Mikala Compton/Austin American-StatesmanFlood water covers East Mesquite Street near the intersection of North Camp Street in Uvalde, Thursday, July 16, 2026.

Flood water covers East Mesquite Street near the intersection of North Camp Street in Uvalde, Thursday, July 16, 2026.

Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-NewsA mobile home is reflected in floodwater at Koyote RV Trailer Park after more floodwaters arrived in Uvalde on Thursday morning, July 16, 2026.

A mobile home is reflected in floodwater at Koyote RV Trailer Park after more floodwaters arrived in Uvalde on Thursday morning, July 16, 2026.

Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-NewsMark Isbell, owner of Arrowhead Creek Vineyards, looks at a photo of what the vineyard looked like prior to flooding as the Perdenales River floods his property in Stonewall, Thursday, July 16, 2026.

Mark Isbell, owner of Arrowhead Creek Vineyards, looks at a photo of what the vineyard looked like prior to flooding as the Perdenales River floods his property in Stonewall, Thursday, July 16, 2026.

Mikala Compton/Austin American-StatesmanGillespie County Sheriff's Officers stand watch as people gather to watch the Perdenales River flood Ranch Road 1623 in Stonewall, Thursday, July 16, 2026.

Gillespie County Sheriff’s Officers stand watch as people gather to watch the Perdenales River flood Ranch Road 1623 in Stonewall, Thursday, July 16, 2026.

Mikala Compton/Austin American-StatesmanDamaged trailers at River Run RV Park on Thursday, July 16, 2026, in Kerrville.

Damaged trailers at River Run RV Park on Thursday, July 16, 2026, in Kerrville.

Andrew J. Whitaker/San Antonio Express-NewsA car is surrounded by floodwater on East Mesquite Street near the intersection of North Camp Street in Uvalde, Thursday, July 16, 2026.

A car is surrounded by floodwater on East Mesquite Street near the intersection of North Camp Street in Uvalde, Thursday, July 16, 2026.

Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-NewsMark Isbell, owner of Arrowhead Creek Vineyards, watches as the Perdenales River floods his property in Stonewall, Thursday, July 16, 2026. Isbell, his wife Kim and their dog were able to evacuate the RV they reside in on the property before the flood swelled and overtook their home.

Mark Isbell, owner of Arrowhead Creek Vineyards, watches as the Perdenales River floods his property in Stonewall, Thursday, July 16, 2026. Isbell, his wife Kim and their dog were able to evacuate the RV they reside in on the property before the flood swelled and overtook their home.

Mikala Compton/Austin American-StatesmanFilomeno Escamilla checks that his door is locked before getting a ride from a friend out of Koyote RV Trailer Park after more floodwaters arrived in Uvalde on Thursday, July 16, 2026.

Filomeno Escamilla checks that his door is locked before getting a ride from a friend out of Koyote RV Trailer Park after more floodwaters arrived in Uvalde on Thursday, July 16, 2026.

Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-NewsSkylor Dozier stands on the front porch of his grandparents’ house along North Camp Street in Uvalde on Thursday, July 16, 2026. He lives in a trailer behind Bill and Sharon Dozier’s flooded house.

Skylor Dozier stands on the front porch of his grandparents’ house along North Camp Street in Uvalde on Thursday, July 16, 2026. He lives in a trailer behind Bill and Sharon Dozier’s flooded house.

Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-NewsBill Dozier, left, and Sharon Dozier sit on their flooded front porch as they talk with their grandson, Skylor Dozier, who lives in a trailer on their property along North Camp Street in Uvalde on Thursday, July 16, 2026. The Doziers said water was ankle-deep inside their house Thursday morning.

Bill Dozier, left, and Sharon Dozier sit on their flooded front porch as they talk with their grandson, Skylor Dozier, who lives in a trailer on their property along North Camp Street in Uvalde on Thursday, July 16, 2026. The Doziers said water was ankle-deep inside their house Thursday morning.

Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-NewsBill Dozier pets his dog, Guero, while sitting on the bed of his truck above floodwater at his home along North Camp Street in Uvalde on Thursday, July 16, 2026. He said water was up to his ankles inside the house.

Bill Dozier pets his dog, Guero, while sitting on the bed of his truck above floodwater at his home along North Camp Street in Uvalde on Thursday, July 16, 2026. He said water was up to his ankles inside the house.

Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-NewsJulian Garza, owner of Koyote RV Trailer Park, gathers items stuck in floodwater along North Camp Street in Uvalde on Thursday morning, July 16, 2026.

Julian Garza, owner of Koyote RV Trailer Park, gathers items stuck in floodwater along North Camp Street in Uvalde on Thursday morning, July 16, 2026.

Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-NewsWater crosses High street after heavy rain caused flooding in Comfort, Texas on Thursday, July 16, 2026.

Water crosses High street after heavy rain caused flooding in Comfort, Texas on Thursday, July 16, 2026.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanWater crosses High street after heavy rain caused flooding in Comfort, Texas on Thursday, July 16, 2026.

Water crosses High street after heavy rain caused flooding in Comfort, Texas on Thursday, July 16, 2026.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanWater crosses High street after heavy rain caused flooding in Comfort, Texas on Thursday, July 16, 2026.

Water crosses High street after heavy rain caused flooding in Comfort, Texas on Thursday, July 16, 2026.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanRich Diesel Repair employee Ryan Hess looks up at a cat named Bucket in Center Point on Thursday, July 16, 2026. Hess said Bucket scampered to the elevated ledge as floodwater rose inside the shop.

Rich Diesel Repair employee Ryan Hess looks up at a cat named Bucket in Center Point on Thursday, July 16, 2026. Hess said Bucket scampered to the elevated ledge as floodwater rose inside the shop.

Ricardo Delgado/StaffA high-water mark stains the exterior of an investment property owned by Clarence and Kami Wilson along the Guadalupe River in Center Point on Thursday, July 16, 2026. The property, where their son was living, flooded overnight.

A high-water mark stains the exterior of an investment property owned by Clarence and Kami Wilson along the Guadalupe River in Center Point on Thursday, July 16, 2026. The property, where their son was living, flooded overnight.

Ricardo Delgado/StaffKim and Mark Isbell, owners of Arrowhead Creek Vineyards, roll barrels to higher ground as the Perdenales River floods their property in Stonewall, Thursday, July 16, 2026. The couple and their dog, Perdy, were able to evacuate the RV they reside in on the property before the flood swelled and overtook their home.

Kim and Mark Isbell, owners of Arrowhead Creek Vineyards, roll barrels to higher ground as the Perdenales River floods their property in Stonewall, Thursday, July 16, 2026. The couple and their dog, Perdy, were able to evacuate the RV they reside in on the property before the flood swelled and overtook their home.

Mikala Compton/Austin American-StatesmanFurniture and other belongings are piled inside the Wilson family?s flooded property in Center Point on Thursday, July 16, 2026, after the Guadalupe River surged overnight

Furniture and other belongings are piled inside the Wilson family?s flooded property in Center Point on Thursday, July 16, 2026, after the Guadalupe River surged overnight

Ricardo Delgado/StaffJulian Garza, owner of Koyote RV Trailer Park, gathers items stuck in floodwater along North Camp Street in Uvalde on Thursday morning, July 16, 2026.

Julian Garza, owner of Koyote RV Trailer Park, gathers items stuck in floodwater along North Camp Street in Uvalde on Thursday morning, July 16, 2026.

Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-NewsJoe Swann with River Sentry Flood Warning talks on the phone at Howdy’s Bar and Grill on Thursday, July 16, 2026, in Kerr County.

Joe Swann with River Sentry Flood Warning talks on the phone at Howdy’s Bar and Grill on Thursday, July 16, 2026, in Kerr County.

Andrew J. Whitaker/San Antonio Express-NewsA tipped over Bobcat due to flooded waters from the Guadalupe River on Thursday, July 16, 2026, in Kerr County.

A tipped over Bobcat due to flooded waters from the Guadalupe River on Thursday, July 16, 2026, in Kerr County.

Andrew J. Whitaker/San Antonio Express-NewsPerdenales the dog carries a stick as the Predenales River floods Arrowhead Creek Vineyards in Stonewall, Thursday, July 16, 2026.

Perdenales the dog carries a stick as the Predenales River floods Arrowhead Creek Vineyards in Stonewall, Thursday, July 16, 2026.

Mikala Compton/Austin American-StatesmanPeople gather to watch as the Perdenales River floods Ranch Road 1623 in Stonewall, Thursday, July 16, 2026.

People gather to watch as the Perdenales River floods Ranch Road 1623 in Stonewall, Thursday, July 16, 2026.

Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman

At least two people died as dangerous flooding swept across parts of Central and South Texas: John Mark Steward, a 65-year-old Kerrville resident, and a 74-year-old man in Uvalde County. 

Gov. Greg Abbott confirmed the deaths during a news conference Thursday evening, when he provided updates on flooding across the Hill Country. He warned residents that the worst was not over and that water levels would continue to rise in the coming days. 

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Floodwaters damaged bridges and roads, while Lake Travis continued rising and several Hill Country rivers remained above flood stage Friday. Here is what we know.

Who died in the Texas flooding?

Steward’s wife confirmed her husband’s death in a social media post after preliminary reports. 

“My heart is broken. I am devastated. My husband, Mark, was found and went to be with Jesus. Thank you for all the search and rescue people,” Jennie Steward wrote. “I am so tremendously grateful for my loving community of Kerrville/Ingram. Thank you for your prayers as I try to figure this all out.” 

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Jennie Steward was reportedly in Dallas at the time of the flooding. The mobile home where the couple lived on Junction Highway in Kerr County stood near the Guadalupe River and was swept away and destroyed by the floodwaters on Thursday morning. 

John Mark Steward was the only person at home during the incident. Steward was a caretaker at Sage Park Guadalupe, an assisted living facility for older adults, according to the Houston Chronicle. 

Texas Governor Greg Abbott, center left, with Chief of the Texas Division of Emergency Management Nim Kidd, left, Major General Thomas M. Suelzer, center right, and TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams, right, hold a press conference to share the latest information from flooding around Texas before providing an update to the press at the State Operations Center in Austin, Thursday evening, July 16, 2026.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott, center left, with Chief of the Texas Division of Emergency Management Nim Kidd, left, Major General Thomas M. Suelzer, center right, and TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams, right, hold a press conference to share the latest information from flooding around Texas before providing an update to the press at the State Operations Center in Austin, Thursday evening, July 16, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman

Abbott also confirmed the death of a 74-year-old Uvalde County man Thursday evening. The governor said the man was swept away while driving across a flooded roadway. 

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Abbott did not identify the man, and neither did Uvalde officials. The Statesman contacted local authorities but did not receive a response before publication. 

A Texas Department of Public Safety boat team reached the vehicle and found the man dead inside. 

Fredericksburg surveys flood damage

Clinton Bailey, Fredericksburg’s city manager, stood at a low-water crossing Friday morning as he surveyed the damage from Thursday’s destructive flooding, one of the worst Gillespie County has seen in years.

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While many homes and businesses survived the Pedernales River’s floodwaters, the riverbed itself was almost unrecognizable.

“There’s going to be a lot of cleanup and reconstruction ahead,” Bailey said, looking around at a forest of downed trees littering the floodplain. On State Highway 16, which runs parallel to the riverbed, floodwaters stripped painted asphalt and carried it off the roadway.

A section of State Highway 16 sits several feet off the roadway after catastrophic flooding impacted rivers across Central Texas and the Hill Country, Friday morning, July 17, 2026.

A section of State Highway 16 sits several feet off the roadway after catastrophic flooding impacted rivers across Central Texas and the Hill Country, Friday morning, July 17, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman

Gillespie County was not hit too hard by flooding in 2025, but Bailey said the devastation in other parts of the Hill Country led officials to take more precautions — a key to survival ahead of Thursday’s flood.

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Bailey said Fredericksburg and Gillespie County’s shared fire and emergency services had been preparing to respond since Tuesday.

“We were ready for it, in terms of getting folks and our equipment in place and getting a plan together,” Bailey said. “And fortunately, our residents heeded the warning from last year, and we fared really well.”

What has reopened in Fredericksburg?

Fredericksburg public information officer Sean Doerre told the American-Statesman that most city operations had resumed by Friday morning. 

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City Hall and most city facilities reopened on Friday after weather-related closures. Officials expected the remaining facilities to reopen later in the day.

All city streets reopened after numerous low-water crossings were closed Thursday due to flooding. However, State Highway 16 South remains closed while Texas Department of Transportation crews complete repairs.

Residents in Gillespie County can contact the county’s nonemergency dispatch line at 830-990-8793 if they’re concerned about the status of a loved one, friend or neighbor. The county’s damage-reporting line is 830-307-6246.

What are the latest river levels?

The Llano River is forecast to rise again Friday night. It was at 17.5 feet Friday morning after cresting at 20.24 feet Thursday evening. Although the river briefly receded, it is forecast to rise again, reaching a second crest of around 19.5 feet by 2 a.m. Saturday. 

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Flood stage for the river is 10 feet, and it is not expected to fall below that level until around 5 p.m. on Saturday. 

The Pedernales River at Johnson City crested at about 24 feet at 4 p.m. on Thursday and had fallen below flood stage, which is 13 feet.

Flooding in the Pedernales River washes out a low water crossing on the Old Kerr Highway near State Highway 16 outside of Fredericksburg after catastrophic flooding impacted rivers across Central Texas and the Hill Country, Friday morning, July 17, 2026.

Flooding in the Pedernales River washes out a low water crossing on the Old Kerr Highway near State Highway 16 outside of Fredericksburg after catastrophic flooding impacted rivers across Central Texas and the Hill Country, Friday morning, July 17, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman

Is Lake Travis full?

Lake Travis is projected to reach between 680 and 681 feet above mean sea level within the next 24 hours. The lake is considered full at 681 feet, though it has additional capacity in its flood pool. Its level Friday morning was about 678 feet, up from 672 feet 24 hours earlier. The lake has not reached this level since July 2019.

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Which Texas roads and bridges are closed or damaged?

Texas DPS officials reported that the FM 481 bridge in Uvalde collapsed during the flooding. 

A vehicle drives over a section of roadway that was completely washes away on State Highway 16 after catastrophic flooding impacted rivers across Central Texas and the Hill Country, Friday morning, July 17, 2026.

A vehicle drives over a section of roadway that was completely washes away on State Highway 16 after catastrophic flooding impacted rivers across Central Texas and the Hill Country, Friday morning, July 17, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman

Across Gillespie County, several roads and low-water crossings remain closed due to flooding, standing water, debris and roadway damage. Officials reported a complete bridge washout on Old San Antonio Road and road washouts at Reeh Road and Reeh-Weinheimer Road.

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Highway 87 South remains open. Just outside the county, RM 783 is closed from the county line to Interstate 10.

Officials warned that the passable roadways may have hidden damage beneath the surface.

Is more flooding expected?

Abbott warned residents that the water levels would continue to rise in the coming days. The Llano River is also forecast to rise again Friday night before falling below flood stage Saturday.

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