Local Radio Steps Up During South Texas Flooding

Radio broadcasting stations in South Texas, particularly in the Texas Hill Country (e.g., Kerrville, Uvalde areas) and broader affected regions, are largely operational and actively serving as key information lifelines during the July 2026 flooding, despite some disruptions. Heavy rainfall (10–25+ inches in spots) triggered flash flood emergencies, catastrophic river flooding (e.g., Guadalupe River), evacuations, rescues, and at least two deaths in mid-July 2026. 

This echoes the devastating 2025 floods but with lower loss of life so far.

Key Stations and Operations

• Jam Broadcasting (Kerrville area, including multiple FM and one AM station): Stations remain on the air. They experienced a temporary major power outage due to debris damaging electrical infrastructure, but power was restored quickly. They have relayed Emergency Alert System (EAS) messages, city official updates, and emergency info. Downtown businesses flooded again, adding economic strain after last year's revenue losses.
• Ranch Radio Marketing Group (Kerrville, five FM stations): Stations are on air as of July 17, despite initial operational issues and flood damage to some employees' homes. They previously coordinated efforts like "Hill Country Strong" for real-time crisis info.
• Texas Public Radio (TPR) and other NPR member stations (San Antonio, Hill Country, etc.): Actively providing breaking news coverage, live updates, and podcasts on the floods. Streams and on-air programming continue without reported major outages.
• Broader South Texas/Rio Grande Valley and Central Texas stations: No widespread reports of stations going offline. Radio has historically proven resilient in the region when cell service and other comms fail.

RadioWorld reports local radio has stepped up with nonstop emergency broadcasting, debunking misinformation, and supporting first responders and communities—roles they filled effectively in 2025. Challenges include power outages, flooded infrastructure/businesses, employee personal impacts, and economic setbacks, but operators report quick adaptations and continued service.

Overall, stations are faring well in maintaining broadcasts and community support amid the crisis, underscoring radio's reliability in disasters where other systems may falter. For the latest, check local outlets like TPR or Kerrville stations directly.