The National Weather Service issued a Severe Flood Warning for Val Verde County, Texas, affecting the Devils River and parts of the Rio Grande in effect across overlapping time windows through the evening of July 18, 2026 and into July 20, 2026 at some specific sites. Last update: July 18, 2026.
The warnings matter because they forecast both major and minor flooding at distinct river locations that could threaten life, recreationists, motorists and livestock in low-lying areas. The alerts cover the Devils River at multiple measurement points and the Rio Grande at Eagle Pass, with predicted crests and flows that may inundate low crossings and create hazardous conditions on roadways.
Warning area and timing
The alert covered Val Verde County, specifically naming the Devils River at Pafford Crossing near Comstock and at measurement points identified as Cauthorn Ranch near Juno and Bakers Crossing 19N of Comstock, and the Rio Grande at Eagle Pass. The warning periods overlapped: one advisory remained in effect through 03:00 on July 20, 2026 for Pafford Crossing, while other notices set an end time of 8:00 PM CDT on July 18, 2026 for the county-wide advisory that included Cauthorn Ranch, Bakers Crossing and Eagle Pass. Residents in the stated areas were advised to follow local emergency instructions and monitor evolving forecasts.
Forecasted river levels, flows and timing
Forecasts differed by site. The Devils River at Pafford Crossing was expected to rise above flood stage and crest at about 14.6 feet on the evening of the advisory with an estimated peak flow near 150,000 cubic feet per second described as major flooding and carrying life-threatening risk to those on or near the water. At Cauthorn Ranch and Bakers Crossing, the Devils River was forecast to rise above flood stage and crest near 8.4 feet early on the following morning before falling below flood stage later that day; that lower crest was characterized as producing minor flooding with specific impacts to low highway crossings.
Impacts on crossings, travel and livestock
At a level near 8.0 feet, several low crossings on Highway 163 were expected to be flooded, with potential to strand motorists. The advisories warned recreationists to avoid river access during peak flows and noted that livestock in vulnerable low-lying pastures could be affected where water overtops banks. Motorists were reminded to avoid driving around barricades or through flooded areas and to turn around and seek alternate routes if encountering floodwaters.
Safety guidance and emergency contacts
Authorities advised those in affected areas to move to higher ground if in flood-prone locations and to contact emergency services at 911 if immediate assistance was required. The notices recommended following guidance from the National Weather Service and local officials, exercising caution near riverbanks, and recognizing that nighttime conditions reduce visibility and increase danger near rising water.
