UVALDE, Texas — Gov. Greg Abbott on Friday urged residents living near swollen rivers to remain vigilant through the weekend as floodwaters continue to rise across parts of Texas, even as rainfall begins to ease.
Abbott issued the warning during a visit to Uvalde, where he also signed a major disaster declaration for communities affected by this week’s flooding. The declaration will be submitted to President Donald Trump to request federal assistance for response and recovery efforts.
State officials said runoff from recent heavy rains continues to flow into already swollen rivers and streams, increasing the risk of flooding despite improving weather conditions.
“The rivers are going to continue to rise,” Abbott said, warning of the ongoing threat to communities near waterways.
The Nueces River near Uvalde remains the state’s primary area of concern. Abbott said flooding nearly isolated the city after rivers surrounding it overflowed.
Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd said even one to two inches of additional rainfall could cause severe flooding in saturated areas.
“We are not out of this fight yet,” Kidd said. “Life safety remains our number one priority.”
Officials urged residents not to drive around road barricades because roads may be washed out beyond visible floodwaters.
State officials said more than 2,700 personnel, 1,500 vehicles, 90 boats and more than 20 aircraft have been deployed to support flood response operations. Abbott said state resources have rescued more than 270 people, while local responders in the Uvalde and Zavala areas have rescued more than 300 others.
About 125 people remained in shelters in the Uvalde area as of Friday afternoon. State officials reported two flood-related deaths statewide, including a man whose vehicle was swept away north of Uvalde on Thursday.
Abbott said the disaster declaration currently covers 28 counties and will expand as additional damage assessments are completed.
State officials said recovery efforts are underway alongside ongoing rescue operations. The Texas Department of Transportation continues reopening roads, while local governments are preparing debris removal and rebuilding efforts.
Abbott said Texas has received assistance from Oklahoma, Louisiana, Colorado and Florida and that officials have no unmet resource needs.
Flooding also damaged the FM 481 bridge southwest of Uvalde, forcing the closure of a key route between Uvalde and Eagle Pass. The Texas Department of Public Safety said floodwaters washed away part of the bridge after heavy rainfall in Uvalde County.
Transportation officials have not announced when the bridge will be replaced.
