Updated Oct. 26, 2026: expanded with how to get disaster help, how flood insurance works and how to prepare for the next flash flood.
Quick answer: Flash floods hit the Texas Hill Country from July 15–18, 2026, killing at least two people. Crews made more than 230 rescues, according to officials quoted by KUT and other outlets. It struck the same region as the deadly July 4, 2025, flood. Gov. Greg Abbott issued a state disaster declaration on July 19. If your home flooded, standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood. You need flood insurance, and most new NFIP policies take 30 days to start.
The July 2026 Texas floods at a glance
| Item | What we know |
|---|---|
| Dates | July 15–18, 2026 |
| Area | Texas Hill Country, including Kerr and Kendall counties |
| Deaths | At least 2, per Gov. Abbott |
| Rescues | More than 230 water rescues, per officials |
| State action | Disaster declaration issued July 19 |
| Context | Less than two weeks after the first anniversary of the July 4, 2025, flood |
Reports differed on some details, such as exactly where the two victims died and how many counties the state declaration covered. We list only the facts that major outlets agreed on.
What happened
Heavy rain fell over the Hill Country in mid-July and sent rivers and creeks over their banks. KUT reported at least two deaths. Abbott said a man and a woman were swept away; the man was in an RV at the time.
Rescue teams used boats and helicopters to reach people stranded in homes, vehicles and campgrounds. ABC13 Houston reported that better preparation and warning tools helped save lives compared with 2025.
The flooding hit the same area where the July 4, 2025, disaster killed dozens of people, including children at Camp Mystic on the Guadalupe River. That loss led to new state focus on flood warnings and camp safety.
Why the Hill Country floods so fast
- Thin soil over limestone. Rain cannot soak in, so it runs off quickly.
- Steep hills and narrow valleys. Water funnels into rivers like the Guadalupe and Pedernales.
- “Flash Flood Alley.” Central Texas is known as one of the most flash-flood-prone regions in the US.
- Night storms. Rivers can rise many feet while people sleep.
How to get help after a flood: 6 steps
- Stay safe first. Do not walk or drive through floodwater. “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” is the National Weather Service rule.
- Take photos and video of all damage before you clean up.
- Call your insurance companies: flood insurance for building and contents, and auto insurance (comprehensive coverage) for a flooded car.
- Check for federal aid at DisasterAssistance.gov. Help is only available in counties under a federal major disaster declaration.
- Contact the Texas Division of Emergency Management for state resources and damage surveys.
- Keep every receipt for hotels, repairs, cleanup supplies and food. They can support insurance claims and aid requests.
Flood insurance: what is and isn’t covered
| Situation | Homeowners policy | Flood policy (NFIP) |
|---|---|---|
| River overflows into your home | Not covered | Covered |
| Heavy rain pools and enters the house | Usually not covered | Covered if it meets the flood definition |
| Pipe bursts inside the home | Usually covered | Not needed |
| Building damage limit | — | Up to $250,000 |
| Belongings limit | — | Up to $100,000 |
| Waiting period | — | Usually 30 days |
Renters can buy flood coverage for belongings, too. Private flood insurers may offer higher limits or shorter waits.
Also read: Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Water Damage?
Made-up example (not real people): These are made-up examples to show how coverage works.
The Lopez family, Kerrville bought NFIP flood insurance in April. When the river rose in July, their policy had been active for months. It paid for drywall, flooring and their washer and dryer, minus the deductible.
Ben, a renter in Comfort, had only renters insurance. It did not cover flood. He lost his furniture and had to rely on savings and any federal aid his county qualified for.
How to prepare for the next flash flood
- Know your flood risk. Look up your address on FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center.
- Buy flood insurance now, not when rain is in the forecast, because of the 30-day wait.
- Turn on emergency alerts on your phone and get a NOAA weather radio.
- Plan two ways out of your neighborhood that do not cross low-water crossings.
- Keep a go-bag with water, medicine, phone chargers, copies of IDs and insurance papers.
- Store documents in waterproof bags or upload copies to secure cloud storage.
How to file a flood insurance claim
If you have an NFIP policy, the steps are simple but deadlines matter.
- Report the loss to your insurer as soon as you can. Your policy number is on your declarations page.
- Write down the damage and keep samples, such as a piece of carpet, when it is safe.
- Meet the adjuster, who will inspect the damage and help estimate the loss.
- Send a signed “proof of loss”, which NFIP policies generally require within 60 days of the flood.
- Appeal if you disagree. FEMA has a formal appeals process for NFIP claim decisions.
FEMA’s FloodSmart site has a full claim checklist. Ask your insurer about an advance payment if you need money for urgent repairs.
What does flood insurance cost?
Prices depend on your home’s flood risk, elevation, size and rebuilding cost. Under FEMA’s newer pricing system, called Risk Rating 2.0, two homes on the same street can pay very different amounts. Homes outside high-risk zones often pay much less than homes near rivers.
Get a quote from your current home insurance agent or find a provider through FloodSmart.gov. Keep in mind that many flood claims come from areas outside high-risk zones. That is why it can make sense even if your lender does not require it.
Help for renters and small businesses
- Renters can buy NFIP contents coverage for belongings.
- Small businesses can buy NFIP commercial coverage for buildings and contents.
- Low-interest disaster loans from the US Small Business Administration can help homeowners, renters and businesses repair or replace property after declared disasters.
- Tax relief: the IRS often extends filing deadlines for people in federally declared disaster areas. Check IRS.gov’s disaster relief page.
Cleaning up safely
Floodwater often carries sewage, chemicals and debris. Before you start cleanup, protect your health and your claim.
- Turn off power at the main breaker if water reached outlets, and only if you can do it while standing on dry ground.
- Wear gloves, boots and an N95 mask when handling wet materials.
- Dry the home within 24 to 48 hours if you can. The EPA says mold can start growing in that window.
- Throw out food and medicine that touched floodwater.
- Never run a generator indoors or in a garage. Carbon monoxide can kill within minutes.
Common mistakes after a flood
- Driving through water. Just 12 inches of moving water can carry away most cars, the National Weather Service warns.
- Throwing items away before photos. Adjusters need proof.
- Hiring the first contractor at the door. Disaster scams spike after floods. Check licenses and never pay the full amount up front.
- Buying a flood-damaged car. Flooded cars are often cleaned and sold in other states. Check the VIN with a vehicle history report and NICB’s free VINCheck.
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FAQ
Does homeowners insurance cover flood damage in Texas?
No. Standard homeowners policies exclude flood. You need a separate flood policy through the NFIP or a private insurer.
How long does flood insurance take to start?
Most new NFIP policies have a 30-day waiting period. There are some exceptions, such as when a policy is required for a new mortgage.
Can I get FEMA money if my county was not declared?
FEMA’s individual assistance requires a federal major disaster declaration for your county. Check DisasterAssistance.gov with your address.
Is my flooded car covered?
Only if you have comprehensive auto coverage. Liability-only policies do not pay for flood damage to your own car.
Why does the Hill Country keep flooding?
Thin soil, rocky ground and steep valleys send rain into rivers very quickly. That is why Central Texas is called “Flash Flood Alley.”
Bottom line
The July 2026 floods were a painful repeat for the Hill Country, but faster warnings and rescues helped limit the loss of life. The money lesson is simple: flood is not covered by homeowners insurance. If you live anywhere near a Texas river or creek, buy flood coverage well ahead of storm season and keep a go-bag ready.
Last reviewed: Oct. 26, 2026. This article is general information, not insurance or legal advice.
Sources: KUT (July 16, 2026); ABC News; ABC13 Houston; FEMA FloodSmart (NFIP); National Weather Service: Turn Around Don’t Drown; DisasterAssistance.gov.
Featured image: Airmen help with relief after the 2025 Kerrville flood. Photo: U.S. Air Force / Zelideth Rodriguez, Wikimedia Commons, public domain; edited by Nexgen Headlines.
