Donovan Allen promised himself he would never live near a river again.

After the July 4, 2025, floods swept away his trailer — and nearly everything he owned — the 50-year-old Kerrville welder searched for a safe place to start over. In April, he paid $50,000 for a new trailer and parked it at KOA Journey, about 2 miles north of the Guadalupe River.

Although it sits near the river and several creeks, the RV park had never flooded, according to residents and the park’s longtime owner, Annie Wirth.

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He rebuilt his welding business. He unpacked his belongings, decorated, made room for his motorcycle and prepared for his 28-year-old son to move into the second bedroom.

For the first time since last summer, Allen allowed himself to exhale. He thought his life was finally stable again.

Then, before dawn Thursday, the water came anyway.

Donovan Allen, 50, picks his tools and bolts out of the mud where they were washed by flooding at the Kerrville KOA near Goat Creek, July 17, 2026. Allen’s RV, which he was recently able to purchase the RV after losing his previous one to last year’s flooding, was flooded when Goat Creek came over its banks near the Guadalupe River earlier this week.

Donovan Allen, 50, picks his tools and bolts out of the mud where they were washed by flooding at the Kerrville KOA near Goat Creek, July 17, 2026. Allen’s RV, which he was recently able to purchase the RV after losing his previous one to last year’s flooding, was flooded when Goat Creek came over its banks near the Guadalupe River earlier this week.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman

Allen awoke around 2:30 a.m. to find that the parking lot outside his window had become a “raging river.”

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Within minutes, muddy water 4 to 5 feet deep tore through the campground as electrical equipment exploded overhead, casting green streaks across the sky. With seconds to react, Allen abandoned nearly everything he had spent the past year rebuilding.

“It was a split decision, because I had milliseconds to get my truck and back it up,” he said, gesturing at his welding truck’s wheel wells to show how far the water rose. “The water was already up to here.”

The truck — essential to his welding business and livelihood — survived. His home did not.

Neither did the sense of security he thought he had finally found.

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“It’s never flooded here,” he said. “That’s why I came here. I was like, ‘I’m not moving anywhere by the river anymore. Never again.’ Look what’s happened.”

Vehicles and RVs washed out of Buckhorn Lake Resort and onto the Interstate 10 frontage road near Goat Creek Road by flooding, July 17, 2026.

Vehicles and RVs washed out of Buckhorn Lake Resort and onto the Interstate 10 frontage road near Goat Creek Road by flooding, July 17, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman

As floodwaters swallowed the campground, Allen said he watched his neighbors fight to survive. One man punched through the skylight of his trailer and climbed onto the roof, where he clung for hours awaiting rescue. Gripping a rope, Allen and other residents formed a human chain and tried to reach him, but the current was too strong.

“If he had not gotten to the roof, he probably would have died,” Allen said. “We couldn’t get to him.”

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Hours later, emergency responders rescued the man and a 78-year-old woman trapped several trailers away, residents and Wirth said. Everyone at the RV park survived.

July 4 floods changed how officials responded

The flooding in Kerrville and other Hill Country communities devastated homes and businesses, but it has not been nearly as deadly as last year’s disaster. 

The 2025 floods killed more than 130 people, including 25 campers and two counselors at Camp Mystic, a girls camp. As of Friday, authorities had reported two deaths in this year’s flooding: John Mark Steward, a 65-year-old Kerrville resident, and a 74-year-old man in Uvalde County.

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Personal belongings are scattered among rubbles, vehicles and RVs washed out of Buckhorn Lake Resort and onto the Interstate 10 frontage road near Goat Creek Road by flooding, July 17, 2026.

Personal belongings are scattered among rubbles, vehicles and RVs washed out of Buckhorn Lake Resort and onto the Interstate 10 frontage road near Goat Creek Road by flooding, July 17, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanVehicles and RVs washed out of Buckhorn Lake Resort and onto the Interstate 10 frontage road near Goat Creek Road by flooding, July 17, 2026.

Vehicles and RVs washed out of Buckhorn Lake Resort and onto the Interstate 10 frontage road near Goat Creek Road by flooding, July 17, 2026.

Sara Diggins/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-NewsFirst 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-NewsA woman drives past vehicles and golf carts washed out of Buckhorn Lake Resort and onto the shoulder of the Interstate 10 frontage road near Goat Creek Road by flooding, July 17, 2026.

A woman drives past vehicles and golf carts washed out of Buckhorn Lake Resort and onto the shoulder of the Interstate 10 frontage road near Goat Creek Road by flooding, July 17, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanPeople gather to watch as the Pedernales River floods Ranch Road 1623 in Stonewall, Thursday, July 16, 2026.

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

Mikala Compton/Austin American-StatesmanA 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-StatesmanAustin Mousser sits outside his business, Aloha Glass and Mirror, on Goat Creek Road near Kerrville, July 17, 2026, after flooding washed into the business earlier in the week, leaving it devastated and glass shards scattered on the ground.

Austin Mousser sits outside his business, Aloha Glass and Mirror, on Goat Creek Road near Kerrville, July 17, 2026, after flooding washed into the business earlier in the week, leaving it devastated and glass shards scattered on the ground.

Sara Diggins/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-NewsRubble washed out of Buckhorn Lake Resort in Goat Creek is caught in trees under the Interstate 10 frontage road near Goat Creek Road by flooding, July 17, 2026.

Rubble washed out of Buckhorn Lake Resort in Goat Creek is caught in trees under the Interstate 10 frontage road near Goat Creek Road by flooding, July 17, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanWater levels of the Pedernales River rise in Johnson City, Thursday, July 16, 2026.

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

Mikala Compton/Austin American-StatesmanAn aerial lift truck proceeds past damage on Goat Creek Road, where all the pavement has been washed away by flooding, July 17, 2026. Business owners along the road say the road had only just been freshly repaved in the area.

An aerial lift truck proceeds past damage on Goat Creek Road, where all the pavement has been washed away by flooding, July 17, 2026. Business owners along the road say the road had only just been freshly repaved in the area.

Sara Diggins/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-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 Pedernales 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 Pedernales 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-NewsVehicles and RVs washed out of Buckhorn Lake Resort and onto the Interstate 10 frontage road near Goat Creek Road by flooding, July 17, 2026.

Vehicles and RVs washed out of Buckhorn Lake Resort and onto the Interstate 10 frontage road near Goat Creek Road by flooding, July 17, 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/StaffPeople arrive at a flooded low water crossing on the Old Kerr Highway, separating them from State Highway 16 after catastrophic flooding impacted rivers across Central Texas and the Hill Country, Friday morning, July 17, 2026.

People arrive at a flooded low water crossing on the Old Kerr Highway, separating them from State Highway 16 after catastrophic flooding impacted rivers across Central Texas and the Hill Country, Friday morning, July 17, 2026.

Sara Diggins/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-StatesmanDeputy 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-StatesmanAn RV sits crooked where it was washed by flooding at the Kerrville KOA near Goat Creek. Residents of the RV park woke up to dangerous flooding as Goat Creek came over its banks near the Guadalupe River.

An RV sits crooked where it was washed by flooding at the Kerrville KOA near Goat Creek. Residents of the RV park woke up to dangerous flooding as Goat Creek came over its banks near the Guadalupe River.

Sara Diggins/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-NewsTexas 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-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-NewsGillespie 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-StatesmanA 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-StatesmanBill 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-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-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/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-NewsPeople gather to watch as the Pedernales River floods Ranch Road 1623 in Stonewall, Thursday, July 16, 2026.

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

Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman

“What happened last year was a warning to people on or near rivers, as well as to communities around those rivers, whether it be counties, cities, or the state, that no one can be complacent when rain falls, and waters rise,” Gov. Greg Abbott said during a news conference Thursday evening. “We’re applying the lessons that we learned last year to all these other river basins.” 

He said Texas Parks and Wildlife Department game wardens helped evacuate more than 80 people from campgrounds around the affected river basins before floodwaters rose. Responders had conducted more than 230 rescues as of Thursday evening, Abbott said.

Wirth said the park had never been threatened by flash flooding during her 37 years as its operator. This time, heavy rain swelled the surrounding creeks and the Guadalupe River.

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Once again, Allen was left with the ruins of his uninsured trailer and another period of uncertainty ahead.

“We don’t truly own anything in this life, anyway,” he said, standing in a sea of caked mud that was once his living room.

— Faith Bugenhagen contributed to this report.