Flash flooding turns deadly in Central Texas on Friday, July 4
KERRVILLE, Texas – Catastrophic flash floods swept through Central Texas early Friday morning, claiming the lives of at least 24 people and leaving dozens more unaccounted for, according to Kerr County officials. The situation remains critical, as emergency crews continue search and rescue operations along the Guadalupe River, which surged to nearly 30 feet (9.1 meters) in Kerrville, well above major flood stage.
Historic rainfall—measured between 12 and 15 inches (305 to 381 mm) in some areas—prompted the National Weather Service (NWS) to issue multiple Flash Flood Emergencies, beginning near San Angelo and later near Kerrville, where water levels rose rapidly, catching entire communities off guard.
“We didn’t know this flood was coming,” said Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly during a Friday press conference. “Rest assured, no one knew this kind of flood was coming.”
‘Deadly flood wave’ devastates Texas Hill Country
The FOX Forecast Center described the flooding as a “deadly flood wave,” with automated gauges showing rapid rises along the Guadalupe River from Center Point to Sisterdale. In Comfort, Texas, the river rose over 26 feet (7.9 meters) in just 45 minutes. In Kerrville, it climbed more than 20 feet (6 meters) within one hour.
The Guadalupe River, swollen beyond its banks, flooded homes, washed away roads, and isolated entire communities. Footage from a bridge in Kerrville shows the river roaring beneath, carrying large debris. NOAA river gauges confirm the river reached one of its highest levels ever recorded, eclipsing even the deadly July 1987 floods.
Hundreds rescued, dozens missing
Officials confirmed that around 300 people have been rescued so far, but warn that many more remain unaccounted for due to the widespread nature of the flooding and the number of recreational areas along the river. Among the missing are children attending a summer camp.
A message to parents from Camp Mystic, a private Christian camp for girls located near Hunt, 18 miles west of Kerrville, confirmed they had suffered “catastrophic level” flooding. The letter stated, “If your daughter is not accounted for, you have been notified.” The camp reported the loss of power, water, and Wifi, and said the highway into the camp had been washed away, severely limiting access to assistance.
“Please continue to pray and send any help if you have contacts to do so,” the letter concluded.
Evacuations ordered, shelter set up at Walmart
The Kerrville Police Department issued an urgent evacuation order for all residents living near the Guadalupe River, calling this a “life-threatening event.” A nearby Walmart has been converted into a shelter for displaced residents.
The Kerr County Sheriff’s Office said multiple bodies have already been recovered and confirmed the death toll has risen to 24, with more expected. Victims include both adults and children.
“The entire county is an extremely active scene,” deputies said. Residents are urged to shelter in place and avoid all non-essential travel. Anyone living near streams, creeks, or the river should move to higher ground immediately.
In San Angelo, authorities report a 2-mile-wide area severely affected by flooding. The city’s emergency dispatch center received over 100 calls for rescue and assistance between 5 and 6 a.m. Friday.
Widespread rainfall continues across West Texas and New Mexico
Flood Watches remain in effect across West Texas and parts of New Mexico through Friday evening, with forecasts predicting 3 to 5 more inches (76 to 127 mm) of rain in some spots.
Meteorologists blame a stationary front draped across the region, combined with an upper-level disturbance moving through the Four Corners, for the persistent thunderstorms that have triggered this devastating flooding.
This week’s flooding shares striking similarities with the mid-July 1987 disaster, when slow-moving thunderstorms led to deadly flooding along the Guadalupe River, resulting in a dozen deaths and widespread damage.
