Flash Floods Danger Not Over: Texas Hill Country Ravaged

July 4, 1:43 PDT

Keypoints Summary – Flash Floods Danger

Flash Floods danger not over as Guadalupe River surged 25–29 feet in under 45 minutes
Multiple fatalities confirmed; many remain missing and unidentified
Dozens of campers, including children, impacted at several summer camps
Emergency crews, boats, and helicopters still searching
Roads washed out, power outages, and evacuation centers activated
More torrential rain is forecast, increasing risk
Lack of warning systems worsened the sudden deluge
Rescue coordinated by National Guard, FEMA, Coast Guard, local teams
This historic flood easily surpasses levels seen in 1987 and 1998
Crisis in Texas Hill Country is far from over

Flash Floods Danger Not Over as Waters Rise 25 Feet in 45 Minutes

Flash Floods danger not over in Texas Hill Country. In Kerr County, the Guadalupe River surged from around 7 feet to nearly 30 feet in less than an hour. Within 45 minutes, water rose about 25 feet—washing away roads, pulling homes into the current, and overwhelming any natural defenses. Even river gauges were submerged and failed. This draining rapid rise turned a quiet night into a storm of death and chaos.

Death Toll, Missing, and Unidentified

Authorities confirmed at least six fatalities, though they suspect more victims remain unidentified. Many bodies surfaced without ID, and dozens of people still remain missing. Camp Mystic reported several campers missing this morning. Families are at evacuation centers, glued to social media and phones. Officials haven’t released names; they stress the recovery count is likely to rise.

Camps, Cabins, Kids in Harm’s Way

The floods struck summer camps near the river—Camp Mystic, Camp Waldemar, Camp Rio Vista. Camp Mystic suffered “catastrophic level” flooding. Some campers escaped; others are still missing. A family near Ingram clung to a tree as water rose inside their home—only surviving because their teen son was tall enough. Children were asleep when the water flooded cabins, and chaotic evacuation continues today.

Rescue Efforts in Full Swing

Swift water teams, Texas National Guard, FEMA crews, and the U.S. Coast Guard launched boat and helicopter rescues. Hundreds have been plucked from rooftops and trees. Emergency shelters are open in Kerrville, Ingram, and Comfort. Reunification centers set up at local shelters and a Walmart in Kerrville. Yet many roads are still washed out, hindering rescue work.

What Caused This Catastrophe?

A staggering 10 inches of rain fell in just a few hours—half the area’s annual average. The hilly landscape funneled water aggressively into the Guadalupe River, turning harmless creeks into death traps. The lack of early warning and the speed of the rise caught everyone off guard—some say this is the most dangerous river valley in the United States.

More Rain on the Way

Meteorologists warn further rounds of torrential rain. That means the rivers may crest again—likely reaching or surpassing today’s catastrophic levels. Flash Flood Emergency alerts remain active for thousands. Authorities repeatedly urge residents: stay off the roads and get to high ground.

Infrastructure and Power Outages

Nearly 2,700 power customers lost service after substations flooded. Roadways including FM 1350 and Highway 27 are impassable. RV parks near Ingram were wiped out, homes submerged or swept downstream. In Kerrville, the Fourth of July fireworks were canceled due to safety concerns.

Historical Comparison: A Flood for the Ages

This flood event eclipsed levels recorded during the 1987 and 1998 disasters. In Comfort, the river reached 29.9 feet—far higher than previous records. Damage is widespread. The crawl of buried homes and vehicles along steep creek valleys shows just how rare—and catastrophic—these floods are.

Help and What You Can Do

State and federal resources are on the scene. Governor Abbott activated FEMA and the National Guard. Volunteers from groups like the Cajun Navy pitched in. Authorities ask those who want to help to donate via the Red Cross. Rescue efforts are ongoing and more aid is needed for evacuees and families forced out of their homes.