Kerrville deals with 'catastrophic' flash flood emergency as Guadalupe river rises, deaths reported

Residents in Kerrville, a city in Texas, have been urged to seek higher ground immediately and avoid traveling through the area amid a dire warning bout a potentially deadly flood wave. Severe flooding have prompted evacuations along the Guadalupe River in Texas on Friday morning after the National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning, the authorities told The New York Times.

Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly said there have been multiple deaths from the county’s flooding, but declined to give a specific number at a Friday press conference, according to CNN. Authorities are expected to provide an update later today around 3 p.m. local time (4 p.m. ET). Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly confirmed “devastating and deadly” flooding in the area, but did not provide the number of casualties associated with it.

"Automated rain gauges indicate a large and deadly flood wave is moving down the Guadalupe River," the National Weather Service (NWS) warned in issuing their Flash Flood Emergency. "Flash flooding is already occurring. This is a Flash Flood Emergency for the Guadalupe River from Center Point to Sisterdale. This is a particularly dangerous situation. Seek higher ground now!"



"Catastrophic" flash flooding along the Guadalupe River in Texas from Hunt downstream to Comfort has caused deaths, authorities said. "Move to high ground immediately!" warned Jeff Lindner, a meteorologist and director of Harris County Flood Control District flood operations and forecasting, in a post on X. "This is a life threatening flash flood situation."

Kerr County Sheriff's Office confirmed there had been fatalities but said it would not release more information until the next of kin are notified. The NWS has extended the flash flood emergency, the most severe flood alert, for Ingram and Hunt, Texas, until 3:00 p.m. CT.

A new flash flood warning, flagged by the service as a “considerable” damage threat level, has been issued for parts of Mason, Menard, and San Saba counties in west central Texas.


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"Our Office is working with a wide variety of local and state agencies to respond to calls and rescues," the sheriff's office said in a statement on its Facebook page. "The entire county is an extremely active scene. Residents are encouraged to shelter in place and not attempt travel. Those near creeks, streams, and the Guadalupe River should immediately move to higher ground."

"This is a devastating situation," Meteorologist Avery Tomasco told CBS Austin, noting that the flood could set an all-time record for the Guadalupe River. Satellite imagery shows numerous homes, businesses, and venues along the river likely being washed away. Reports have confirmed ongoing rescues of people trapped on rooftops. According to US Census, around 53,900 people live in Kerr County — where catastrophic flooding is taking place-are threatened by catastrophic flooding.

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Flash flood in Kerville

Heavy rainfall pounded South Central Texas on Friday morning, unleashing a "deadly flood wave" that prompted four flash flood Emergencies. The deluge led to widespread flooding, with numerous high-water rescues and homes inundated across the region.

“Conditions are life-threatening! DO NOT go out onto the roads,” the National Weather Service in San Angelo urged Friday morning. “Expect roads washed out and rapid rises on rivers and creeks.”

Flooding turned deadly Friday morning in Kerr County — about 75 miles west of Austin. In Kerrville – the seat of Kerr County – Mayor Joe Herring Jr. issued a disaster declaration for the city Friday morning due to the dangerous flooding.

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Widespread rainfall amounts of 4 to 6 inches — with some reports of over 10 inches — have fallen from San Angelo to Kerrville since late Thursday evening, prompting multiple flash flood emergencies as the Fourth of July holiday weekend began. The NWS said the river has reached the second-highest height on record, higher than the famous 1987 flood.

A nearby Walmart has been established as a shelter. The Kerr County sheriff's office said they are working with a wide variety of local and state agencies to respond to calls and rescues.

"The entire county is an extremely active scene," deputies said. "Residents are encouraged to shelter in place and not attempt travel. Those near creeks, streams, and the Guadalupe River should immediately move to higher ground."

Rounds of rain and storms will move through the state of Texas on Friday and Saturday, raising the flash flood concerns, especially across West Texas. A flood watch remains in effect for the Hill Country through 10 p.m., as heavy rain is expected to continue into the late morning and early afternoon. Another round of storms could contribute to further flooding on Saturday before conditions improve next week.