Mandatory evacuation orders in Bandera were lifted Friday morning as floodwaters along the Medina River continued to recede, while officials reported no fatalities in Bandera County despite widespread flooding across the Texas Hill Country.
The City of Bandera lifted mandatory evacuations at 9 a.m. Friday, allowing residents to return to local RV parks. Officials cautioned, however, that a Flood Watch remained in effect through noon and scattered showers were expected throughout the day.
Bandera County Emergency Management Coordinator Judy Lefevers said the county avoided the loss of life seen elsewhere in the region.
"We are very blessed," Lefevers said.
The Medina River at the Texas 173 South gauge crested at 15.86 feet at approximately 7:45 p.m. Thursday before beginning a steady decline. By late Friday morning, the river continued falling as water moved downstream.
City officials said the entrance to City Park will remain closed to vehicle traffic until further notice. Pedestrians may enter when admission gates are not staffed, but officials warned that water quality has not been tested and flood debris may still create hazardous conditions.
The National Weather Service said flooding remains possible through noon Friday as saturated ground leaves rivers, creeks and low-water crossings vulnerable to additional runoff. Forecasters said another 2 to 4 inches of rain remains possible in portions of South Central Texas, with isolated higher amounts.
Medina Lake also continued its rapid recovery from the rainfall. According to the Bandera County River Authority and Groundwater District, the lake rose from 9% full one week ago to 22.4% Friday morning, with conservation storage increasing from 22,914 acre-feet to 56,989 acre-feet over the same period.
Elsewhere across the Hill Country and South Texas, floodwaters prompted hundreds of rescues and caused at least two fatalities, including one in Kerr County and one near Uvalde, according to state officials. Numerous roads, bridges and low-water crossings remain closed or damaged across the region.
Emergency officials continue urging motorists to avoid flooded roads, heed all barricades and remember the National Weather Service's message: "Turn Around, Don't Drown."
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