DOTHAN, Ala. (WDNews
— A series of severe flooding events across the United States from spring into mid-July has left dozens dead, hundreds missing, and thousands of homes damaged. From the Mid-Atlantic to the desert Southwest and Central Texas, communities continue to recover as emergency response teams work around the clock.
April 2–7: South and Midwest Tornadoes and Flooding
A massive storm system struck the South and Midwest during the first week of April. Alongside 156 confirmed tornadoes, flash flooding impacted parts of Missouri, Kentucky, Arkansas, and Tennessee. Floodwaters contributed to at least 15 deaths, according to the National Weather Service. Cities like Nashville, Tenn., and Cape Girardeau, Mo., reported submerged roadways and dozens of swift water rescues.
May 13–18: Mid-Atlantic Flash Floods
Heavy rainfall from a stalled low-pressure system triggered flash floods across the Mid-Atlantic, affecting North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C. One person died in Fairfax County, Va., after a vehicle was swept away. In Montgomery County, Md., firefighters used boats to evacuate residents from apartments as local creeks spilled over their banks.
July 4–7: Catastrophic Flooding in Central Texas
Between July 4 and July 7, torrential rain overwhelmed Kerr County, Texas, dumping up to 20 inches of rain in areas around Kerrville and Ingram. At least 133 people were confirmed dead, and more than 100 remain missing as of July 15. The Guadalupe River surged past flood stage, sweeping away vehicles and structures. Governor Greg Abbott called the disaster “one of the deadliest floods in Texas history.”
July 8: Flash Flood Emergency in Ruidoso, New Mexico
Just days later, flash flooding struck Ruidoso, N.M., in Lincoln County. The flood was intensified by wildfire burn scars, creating dangerous runoff that killed three people, injured several others, and left four missing. First responders conducted over 85 swift-water rescues in a matter of hours.
July 12–13: Second Wave Hits Texas
Central Texas faced another bout of rain between July 12 and 13, further complicating rescue efforts already underway in Kerr, Bandera, and Gillespie Counties. Emergency officials say flooding conditions returned rapidly, endangering crews and worsening infrastructure damage.
According to the National Weather Service, more than 1,200 flood events have been recorded across the U.S. since the beginning of July—roughly double the usual number. Experts cite record-warm Gulf waters and an overly saturated atmosphere as key contributors. The Gulf Coast, Southeast, and Midwest remain at elevated risk for additional flooding through August.
