Heavy Rain Causes Flooding in Central Texas
Central Texas experienced intense rainfall on Friday, leading to significant flooding and multiple fatalities.
The Guadalupe River swelled rapidly, reportedly reaching nearly 30 feet deep by about 4:30 AM. A report from NBC 5 mentioned this occurrence.
By 9:10 AM, the National Weather Service indicated that the river had peaked, though additional rainfall was anticipated. Shortly after, around 10 AM, floodwaters on the Guadalupe River surged upward, rising 26 feet within just 45 minutes, resulting in substantial flooding.
Video footage from Kens 5 captured scenes of the swollen river, with reports urging police to evacuate residents living within 100 yards of the water’s edge.
Tragically, at least 13 people have lost their lives due to the severe flooding, according to Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly. The identities and ages of the victims have not been disclosed yet.
The situation was described further: 5 to 10 inches of rain fell before dawn, triggered by slow-moving intense storms in Kerr and Kendall Counties. This weather condition contributed to the Guadalupe River cresting at one of its highest levels on Friday morning. Water levels in Kerrville reportedly rose from 7 feet around midnight to about 4 AM.
The National Weather Service labeled the flooding a “life-threatening” event. It has been confirmed that at least one person died at Louise Hayes Park in Kerrville, forcing the cancellation of the “Fourth in the River” holiday celebrations. The Kerr County Sheriff’s Office received numerous calls for high water rescues.
Meanwhile, a report from KSAT 12 featured images of a girl from Camp Mystic on the Guadalupe River being evacuated late at night, walking through deep water toward safety.
By Friday afternoon, NBC reported that several children from a summer camp along the river were missing. Camp Mystic had alerted parents of any children unaccounted for that day.
However, Judge Kelly acknowledged in a briefing that there were still some uncertainties about the missing. “I can’t say they’re not sure they’re explaining everything. I know there are some missing. We know where some of them are,” he said.
In an article by Kens, it was noted that Bandera County also suffered from the floods. Just before noon on Friday, the National Weather Service stated that a flash flood emergency remained in effect for areas including Kerrville, Ingram, and Centerpoint.
In updates shared on social media, Carville police reported that officers and firefighters had been evacuating residents, utilizing Walmart as a temporary safe center.
Many roads in the area were experiencing flooding, including Arcadia Loop, Thompson Drive, Guadalupe Street, and others, with authorities advising against driving through flooded areas.
The First United Methodist Church on Thompson Drive was established as a shelter for those displaced by the flooding. Carville Fire Station personnel are monitoring local nursing and assisted living facilities, ensuring evacuations where necessary. The situation remains dynamic, and updates will be shared as they become available.
