Torrential rains in Central Texas have caused dangerous flash floods, leading to multiple fatalities. According to CNN, officials in Kerr County, about 75 miles west of Austin, confirmed the deaths but are awaiting notification of next of kin to provide further details.
The Kerr County Sheriff’s Office described the situation as “catastrophic” and urged residents to shelter in place and avoid travel, stating that the entire county is an “extremely active scene.”
Flash Flood Strikes on July 4
According to a CNN report, the floods struck just as Texans were preparing for Independence Day celebrations, disrupting plans for parades and barbecues. Emergency crews in Kerrville and San Angelo rushed to rescue residents trapped by rapidly rising waters. Affected areas include Comfort, Center Point, and Kerrville.
In Kerrville, Mayor Joe Herring Jr. declared a disaster as floodwaters entered homes, parks, and cabins in Kerrville-Schreiner Park, forcing evacuations shortly after sunrise. Reports indicated the Guadalupe River near Hunt rose to 22 feet within three hours, reaching its second-highest level on record.
The National Weather Service issued multiple flash flood emergencies across Tom Green, Kerr, and Kendall counties, warning residents to stay indoors. In San Angelo, police advised against traveling downtown.
Heavy Rainfall Causes Overwhelm
Some areas in Central Texas received over 10 inches of rain overnight – more than the average summer rainfall – overwhelming drought-stricken soils and triggering flash floods. In Hunt, rainfall reached 6.5 inches in just three hours, a rare event with only a 1% annual chance of occurring.
Meteorologists have linked the increasing frequency of extreme weather, including these floods, to climate change. Since 1970, almost 90% of major U.S. cities have experienced intensified hourly rainfall rates.
