Lead: warning issued for La Salle County
The National Weather Service issued a Severe Flood Warning for La Salle County, Texas, affecting the Nueces River at Cotulla and nearby communities on 22 July 2026 until 23:30. The warning named populated areas including Cotulla, Tilden, Three Rivers, Mathis, Bluntzer, and Calallen and instructed residents to be prepared for major flooding.
Why the warning matters
The warning indicated that major flooding was imminent or occurring with river levels well above the established flood stage of 15.0 feet. Forecasters expected the Nueces River at Cotulla to fall to 25.5 feet early Monday morning, a level that remained significantly above flood stage and capable of overflowing banks and inundating low-lying areas.
Details of impact and safety guidance
Areas listed in the warning included small towns and communities along the river corridor. The advisory emphasized that rivers may overflow their banks and that low-lying sections of roads and property could be submerged. Authorities advised residents to avoid driving through flooded roads and warned that most flood deaths occur in vehicles.
In case of emergency, callers were directed to dial 911. The message reiterated standard safety guidance: do not attempt to walk near riverbanks, and follow the mnemonic “Turn around, don’t drown” when encountering flooded roads. Residents were urged to follow instructions from the National Weather Service and local officials.
Forecast timing and river levels
The Severe Flood Warning was active until 23:30 on 22 July 2026. Forecast information provided projected a gradual fall in river stage, but the predicted level of 25.5 feet early Monday still represented ongoing major flooding conditions relative to the 15.0-foot flood stage. That projection signaled continued inundation of the flood plain and risk to infrastructure and private property.
Ultimo aggiornamento: 24 July 2026. Residents should continue to monitor official updates and heed local emergency instructions as conditions evolve.
