Imagine going to bed with the sound of rain, only to wake up with water rushing through your front door. Millions of families in Texas and the South are facing that exact fear this week.
WHAT HAPPENED
A massive storm system is stalling over the southern United States. It is dumping heavy rain on Texas, Louisiana, and nearby states. The threat is highest in the Texas Hill Country and Big Bend areas.
Warm air from the Gulf of Mexico is hitting a cold front. This clash creates a recipe for constant, heavy rain. Some spots could see storms track over the exact same areas for days.
This comes right after deadly floods hit Missouri last week. In some parts of Missouri, up to 12 inches of rain fell in just a few hours. Now, the danger is moving south.
FACT BOX
- 135 people died in Texas Hill Country floods during a July 4 storm last year.
- 5 to 8 inches of rain could fall in West and Southwest Texas by mid-week.
- 1 to 3 inches of rain is expected across a wider area from the Gulf Coast to Central Texas.
- 2 out of 4 is the current flash flood risk level for millions of people.
- 9 to 12 inches of rain triggered flash floods in Missouri last week.
WHY IT MATTERS
The ground in many of these areas is still wet from past rain. When heavy rain hits wet soil, the water cannot sink in. It has nowhere to go but up and into people's homes.
Many of the threatened towns sit along rivers that flood quickly. For people who lost friends and neighbors last year, this storm brings back terrible memories. It is a reminder of how fast a normal day can turn deadly.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
Local leaders will likely issue official flood alerts soon. Rescue teams are getting gear ready in high-risk zones.
People in the paths of these storms should watch local weather reports closely. Those visiting parks or campgrounds like Big Bend should prepare to leave quickly if the rain starts to build up.
WHAT WE STILL DON'T KNOW
- Will the storm system stay in one place longer than expected?
- How well have local rivers cleared since last year's floods?
- Are campgrounds and parks ready to get visitors out in time?
SOURCE NOTE
This story is based on reporting by FOX Weather.
Transparency notes
Published: Jul 13, 2026. No major post-publication update has been logged.
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Sources
External source links were not provided in this article body. Our editors reference publicly available materials and update stories as new verified information arrives.