local
One year after Texas' deadliest flood in decades, survivors rebuild as families still seek answers
By Matthew Ablon at CBS Texas (KTVT) DFW
· July 4, 2026
· 13 min read
Saturday marks one year since floods ripped through Texas' Hill Country region, claiming 137 lives and leaving behind devastation in the wake of the waters. The flash floods remain the second-deadliest flood disaster in state history, with the Thrall flood of 1921 still the most devastating at 21...
Key takeaway A tragedy's timelineThe flash flooding was partly triggered by the remains of Tropical Storm Barry, which hit Mexico just days earlier on June 29, 2025.
Why this matters in Southlake News
As the Hill Country region marks one year since the devastating floods, Southlake residents are likely to reflect on their own community's vulnerability to severe weather events. While the floods that ravaged the Hill Country were unprecedented, the Dallas-Fort Worth area is not immune to similar disasters. The region's rapid growth and urbanization have increased the risk of flash flooding, making it crucial for local authorities to review and enhance their emergency preparedness plans. In Southlake, this means ensuring that residents are informed and equipped to respond to flood warnings, and that the city's infrastructure can withstand heavy rainfall. As the community looks to the future, it will be important to prioritize investments in flood mitigation and emergency response, and to support regional efforts to improve weather forecasting and warning systems. By learning from the tragedies of the past year, Southlake can reduce its own risk and build a more resilient community.
About this story
Original reporting by CBS Texas (KTVT) DFW . Southlake News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit CBS Texas (KTVT) DFW . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 4, 2026 ·
Source: CBS Texas (KTVT) DFW ·
Reading time: 13 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Saturday marks one year since floods ripped through Texas' Hill Country region, claiming 137 lives and leaving behind devastation in the wake of the waters. The flash floods remain the second-deadliest flood disaster in state history, with the Thrall flood of 1921 still the most devastating at 21...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 4, 2026 by CBS Texas (KTVT) DFW and curated for Southlake News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Matthew Ablon at CBS Texas (KTVT) DFW. To learn more about how Southlake News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Southlake News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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