A flash flood emergency has been declared in Menard, Texas, after torrential rainfall triggered widespread flooding across central parts of the state, according to the U.S. National Weather Service (NWS). Residents—including those staying at a nearby RV park—were urgently instructed to move to higher ground as conditions rapidly deteriorated.
Forecasters warned on Thursday that the ongoing storm posed an “extremely dangerous and life-threatening” threat, with additional rounds of severe weather expected through the night.
Flash Flood Emergency in effect for southeastern Concho County, west central McCulloch County and central Menard County, Texas.
“Flash flooding is already occurring. In addition, local emergency management reported that water was entering homes in the Harris Hollow section of… pic.twitter.com/EEiDSDldCQ
— AZ Intel (@AZ_Intel_) November 20, 2025
Menard Sees Over 9 Inches of Rain—Far Above Monthly Average
Menard has recorded over 9.2 inches of rainfall, dramatically surpassing its typical November average of about 2 inches, an NWS spokesperson told Newsweek. Meteorologists say more heavy rain is likely as the storm system continues to push across the region.
A flash flood EMERGENCY is in effect for Menard, Texas! Between 6 and 9 inches of rain have fallen, and another 1-2 inches are possible.
Water is entering homes in the Harris Hollow section of town! EVACUATE TO HIGHER GROUND if in southeastern Concho, west central McCulloch or… pic.twitter.com/MkWCoOzxsq
— MyRadar Weather (@MyRadarWX) November 20, 2025
The emergency alert, issued by the NWS office in San Angelo around 1:30 p.m. local time, included areas near the intersection of US 83 and Highway 29 in Menard, a community of roughly 1,300 residents.
The warning stated: “This is a FLASH FLOOD EMERGENCY for Menard. This is a PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS SITUATION. SEEK HIGHER GROUND NOW!”
Residents were further advised to avoid travel “unless you are fleeing an area subject to flooding or under an evacuation order.”
Stronger-Than-Expected Rainfall Triggers Emergency
The declaration came after heavier-than-forecast rainfall Thursday afternoon. NWS lead meteorologist Emily Heller called the developing storm “concerning,” noting that several cities would receive rainfall far above their typical monthly totals.
Large Parts of Texas Under Flood Warnings and Watches
Flash flood warnings and watches are in place across large portions of central and western Texas as the moisture-heavy storm system moves northeast.
In the Concho Valley, intense rainfall on Wednesday delivered up to 4 inches in under two hours, flooding low-lying areas and city streets, according to the NWS in San Angelo. A flash flood warning remains active for McCulloch and Concho counties, covering Brady and Melvin, through 11:30 a.m. on November 20.
A separate warning remains in effect for Sutton and Kimble counties, including the Interstate 10 corridor between Sonora and Junction, where 2–4 inches of rain have already fallen. Another 1–2 inches are expected, with the alert valid until 10:30 a.m. on November 20.
Other affected regions include Austin, Waco, Del Rio, and multiple surrounding towns and rural communities.
Flash Flood Emergency: The Highest-Level Alert
A flash flood emergency is the most severe flood alert the NWS issues, reserved for catastrophic and potentially deadly flooding either occurring or imminent. These alerts are rare; the last comparable warning in Texas occurred in July during severe Hill Country flooding that resulted in more than 130 deaths.
Heavy rainfall is expected to continue across Texas through Thursday night, impacting millions of residents.
