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Texas Hill Country flood updates: Governor confirms 2 dead as rivers rapidly rise, break records

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Last updated: Friday, July 17, 2026 8:11PM GMT
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Rain continuing to fall over the Texas Hill Country has prompted several counties to be under flash flood warnings, with the biggest concern being rapidly rising creeks and rivers.

A man, identified by family members as 65-year-old Mark Steward, died near Comfort when he was swept away in an RV, while another woman was killed when the car she was driving was swept away near Uvalde, according to Texas Governor Greg Abbott. He added that more than 230 rescues have happened since the emergency began.

The National Weather Service announced that a gauge along the Guadalupe River had risen 32 feet in just four hours and was expected to reach a crest similar to the catastrophic July 4, 2025, river flood.

Abbott said in a press conference on Thursday that the Nueces River near Uvalde set a new record and was releasing water at twice the rate of Niagara Falls at one point.

ABC13 is continuing to follow the dangerous floods in the Texas Hill Country and will bring you live updates.

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Key Headlines

Here's how the news is developing.
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3 hours and 28 minutes ago

FM-481 bridge collapses in Uvalde County following torrential downpours and flooding

A major bridge has collapsed after the Texas Hill Country remains under flash flood warnings amid rising creek and river levels.

The Farm-to-Market Road 481 Bridge over the Nuencas River fell after days of rain across the area. The bridge connects the Uvalde area to Eagle Pass Road.

The Texas Department of Public Safety released aerial images of the bridge, nearly submerged by the river and with a portion missing, rendering it dangerously impassable.

Officials urged drivers to stay off the roads as clean-up is underway to recover from the flooding and rainfall.

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12:36 PM GMT

Family identifies Texas Hill Country flooding victim as 65-year-old Mark Steward

Relatives have identified one of the two people killed in the devastating flooding in Texas Hill Country.

Family members said 65-year-old Mark Steward died after his home in Kerrville was washed away.

Family members have identified one of the victims who died in the Texas Hill Country flooding as 65-year-old Mark Steward. (Credit: Family Photo)
Family members have identified one of the victims who died in the Texas Hill Country flooding as 65-year-old Mark Steward. (Credit: Family Photo)

Gov. Greg Abbott said a woman also died when she was swept away by floodwaters.

First responders are in place across that region, as Abbott said more than 230 people have been rescued so far.

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1:15 AM GMT

12 specialized trained members sent to assist with Texas Hill Country flooding, HFD says

The Houston Fire Department said they sent 12 specialized trained members to assist with the Texas Hill Country flooding on Thursday.

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12:54 AM GMT

This little guy was rescue-ready when Texas Game Wardens helped him safely on his way

This little guy was rescue-ready when Texas Game Wardens helped him safely on his way.🤿 As recovery efforts continue in the Texas Hill Country, first responders are doing incredible work to keep communities safe and carry out lifesaving rescues.
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