parks
Texas Hill Country floods test new warning systems after last year’s deadly disaster
By Christopher L. Keller And Rebecca Boone, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· July 18, 2026
· 6 min read
After deadly floods killed more than 100 people in Texas' Hill Country last July, officials vowed major changes in hopes of preventing the failures that contributed to the high death toll. They promised better flood warning systems, tighter safety rules for children's camps and improvements to th...
Key takeaway That work was far from done when a new round of storms began pummeling the state this week, triggering catastrophic flash floods in some of the same areas devastated in 2025.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
The recent floods in the Texas Hill Country put the new warning systems to the test, and while there is still much work to be done, residents in San Antonio and surrounding areas are watching closely to see how these systems can be applied locally. The fact that newly installed flood sirens and wireless alerts made a difference in some hard-hit areas is a promising sign, and local officials in Bexar County should take note of the proactive measures taken by agencies in Kerr County. The Guadalupe River, which runs through the Hill Country, is not far from San Antonio, and the city's own water infrastructure and flood warning systems could benefit from similar upgrades. As the city continues to grow and develop, it's crucial that officials prioritize investments in early warning systems and emergency preparedness to protect residents from the dangers of flash flooding.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: parks ·
Published: July 18, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 6 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? After deadly floods killed more than 100 people in Texas' Hill Country last July, officials vowed major changes in hopes of preventing the failures that contributed to the high death toll. They promised better flood warning systems, tighter safety rules for children's camps and improvements to th...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 18, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Christopher L. Keller And Rebecca Boone, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more parks coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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