The National Weather Service issued a Severe Flood Watch for multiple Texas counties covering central and south Texas from July 14 into July 16–17, 2026, affecting counties from the Edwards Plateau and US 90 corridor to the Rio Grande at Laredo and Columbia Bridge.
This watch matters because the alert warns of excessive rainfall capable of producing flash flooding and rapid rises on rivers and streams, posing a potential for life-threatening conditions in low-lying and flood-prone areas. Flood Watch conditions mean residents should be prepared to take immediate action if localized flooding or Flood Warnings are issued.
Areas and timing of the watch
The Severe Flood Watch covered a wide list of central and south Texas counties including Llano, Burnet, Williamson, Val Verde, Edwards, Real, Kerr, Bandera, Gillespie, Kendall, Blanco, Hays, Travis, Kinney, Uvalde, Medina, Bexar, Comal, Maverick, Zavala, Frio, and Dimmit with the initial watch period from July 14 at 1:59 PM CDT through July 16 at 7:00 PM CDT. Separately, Webb County received an extension of the watch beginning July 14 at 11:49 PM CDT through July 17 at 7:00 PM CDT that specifically named the Rio Grande at Columbia Bridge and Rio Grande at Laredo as locations at elevated risk due to rising river levels.
Expected rainfall and flood impacts
Forecasts indicated storm totals of generally 2 to 6 inches across the watch area with isolated totals of 10 to 20 inches possible in the Rio Grande Plains southern Edwards Plateau and the US 90 corridor west of San Antonio. Forecasters warned of considerable to locally catastrophic flash flooding potential along portions of US 90 and rapid rises on the Rio Grande near Laredo and Columbia Bridge.
Public safety guidance and status update
Residents in the watch areas were urged to monitor updated forecasts, prepare to move to higher ground if necessary, and follow instructions from emergency services. Officials reiterated that in the event of flooding one should dial 911 for emergencies and avoid driving through flooded roadways. Last update: July 15, 2026. Authorities advised staying alert for subsequent Flood Warnings that would identify specific locations and timing of imminent flooding.
