The City of Bandera declared a local state of disaster Thursday as the Medina River continued rising rapidly and the National Weather Service warned major flooding is expected through early Saturday morning.
Mayor Denise Griffin signed the declaration Thursday after the Medina River rose to 11.04 feet by 5 p.m., climbing approximately 2 feet in one hour as floodwaters made their way downstream from the North Prong of the Medina River.
The declaration states the city "has suffered and is continuing to suffer widespread or severe damage, injury, and/or loss of property resulting from severe flooding" that began with heavy rainfall on July 13.
The action follows Gov. Greg Abbott's disaster declaration for Bandera County issued July 14 and activates the city's Hazard Mitigation Plan. Under Texas law, the local disaster declaration remains in effect for up to seven days unless continued or renewed by the mayor.
Meanwhile, the National Weather Service has extended a Flood Warning for the Medina River at Bandera through early Saturday morning.
Forecasters are predicting the river will crest at approximately 24.3 feet, well above the 13-foot flood stage and comparable to the 24.5-foot crest recorded on June 22, 1997.
Officials warned that major flooding will inundate low-lying areas along the river and make numerous roads and bridges across Bandera County dangerous or impassable.
A Flood Watch also remains in effect through Friday morning for Bandera County and much of the Texas Hill Country. The National Weather Service warned that an additional 2 to 4 inches of rain is possible across the watch area, with isolated totals up to 8 inches. Forecasters cautioned that life-threatening flash flooding remains possible and that catastrophic flooding could occur downstream of the heaviest rainfall.
A Flood Advisory remains in effect until 7 p.m. Thursday for Bandera, Kerr and Real counties, where small stream flooding and flooded low-water crossings continue following widespread rainfall of 3 to 12 inches.
Emergency officials continue urging motorists to avoid flooded roads.
"Turn Around, Don't Drown" remains the National Weather Service's message, noting that most flood-related deaths occur in vehicles.
For residents displaced by flooding or needing a safe place to stay, Silver Sage has opened an emergency shelter and will remain open overnight. Cots are available for those needing temporary shelter.
Officials urge residents to continue monitoring weather forecasts, heed evacuation orders, avoid low-water crossings and never drive around road closure barricades as conditions continue to change.
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