Abbott confirms third Texas flood death, warns of dangers downstream

Nueces River crests after reaching major flood stage

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said Friday that a third person has been confirmed killed by flooding this month that prompted more than 500 rescues and has damaged homes and businesses, with some areas remaining inaccessible.

The victim died Monday after attempting to drive through floodwaters, Abbott said.

Abbott traveled to the city of Cotulla, about 90 miles (145 kilometers) southwest of San Antonio, for a flyover to assess the damage. The governor said floodwaters have left some areas of the city still unreachable.

The Nueces River reached major flood stage at 29 feet (8.8 meters), but has crested and is expected to continue to decline, Abbott said. However, he warned that areas downstream will continue to see waters rise into early August, particularly at the Lake Corpus Christi reservoir.

“Anyone living, working, commuting or just walking around areas downstream of the Nueces … needs to be aware of possible dangers,” Abbott said.