Fatalities: Two dead in Texas floods - Heavy rain expected

Two fatalities have been confirmed amid severe flooding in the U.S. state of Texas, where rescue teams have saved over 230 individuals. Governor Greg Abbott described the situation as "life-threatening, catastrophic flooding" that poses the primary risk through the night and into the early morning hours.

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Life-threatening, catastrophic flooding continue to represent our main risk this evening, overnight and into the early morning hours.

The governor highlighted Uvalde and Johnson City, located west of Austin, as particularly dangerous areas. Abbott noted that the Nueces River, flowing near Uvalde, is projected to exceed a 30-year-old record high during the night. He emphasized the river's flow rate, stating it could be twice that of Niagara Falls.

Forecasters at the National Weather Service predict that dozens of counties in West Texas could experience life-threatening floods by Friday. Governor Abbott urged the public not to underestimate the peril, warning that driving through flooded roads, even if they appear safe, can be extremely dangerous. He characterized the event as "historic" high water.

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And the Nueces River near the valley has a flow rate that is twice the rate of Niagara Falls.

This region experienced devastating floods last summer, which resulted in over 100 deaths and at least 161 people missing, according to previous reports. At that time, authorities faced accusations that their warning systems had failed. The current "historic" flood event underscores the vulnerability of the area to extreme weather.

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Unfortunately, it is already a historic high water event.