Several people have died and others are missing after flash flooding hit parts of central Texas on Friday morning. Disaster declarations have been issued for the Hill Country and Concho Valley regions, with rescues and evacuations underway since early morning. The Guadalupe River has experienced unprecedented water level surges, putting residents and infrastructure at great risk.
The Kerr County Sheriff’s Office described the situation as a “catastrophic flooding event” and confirmed fatalities, although the exact number of deaths and missing persons has not been disclosed. “We can confirm fatalities, but will not release further information until next of kin are notified,” the sheriff’s office said. Residents near creeks, streams, and the Guadalupe River have been advised to move to higher ground immediately.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced that the state is providing “all necessary resources to Kerrville, Ingram, Hunt, and the entire Texas Hill Country dealing with these devastating floods.” Acting Governor Dan Patrick warned that even light rain could lead to more flooding in the affected areas. “Even if the rain is light, more flooding can occur in those areas,” he said.
The National Weather Service issued multiple flash flood warnings, urging residents to “stay in your residence and avoid traveling” and to “shelter in place in the downtown area.” The service also warned of a “large and deadly flood wave” moving down the Guadalupe River. “Automated rain gauges indicate a large and deadly flood wave is moving down the Guadalupe River,” the warning stated.
The Guadalupe River rose 22 feet in just 30 minutes in Comfort, reaching a level of 29.86 feet, far above the flood stage. In Kerrville, the river climbed 21.6 feet within one hour, reaching 11.64 feet, well above the flood stage. The rapid rise has caused severe flooding in the city, with key roads submerged, homes and businesses damaged, and people stranded in dangerous conditions.
Texas Department of Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller urged residents to exercise caution, saying, “Folks, please don’t take chances. Stay alert, follow local emergency warnings, and do not drive through flooded roads.” The situation is expected to persist over the next several days, with local governments working with federal agencies to deploy resources for relief and recovery efforts.
Evacuations are underway, and residents are being advised to seek higher ground. A nearby Walmart has been established as a shelter for those displaced by the flooding. Emergency responders are working tirelessly to rescue those trapped and stranded. “This is a catastrophic flooding event in Kerr County,” the sheriff’s office said. “The entire county is an extremely active scene. Residents are encouraged to shelter in place and not attempt travel”.
The flooding has also had a significant impact on the environment, with widespread erosion along riverbanks and crop losses expected. Local wildlife has been displaced, seeking shelter in higher areas to escape the rising waters. As the region recovers, the focus will shift to rebuilding and restoring normalcy, though the impacts of this flood will likely be felt for months to come.