Death and destruction swept through Texas Hill Country on Friday as torrential rains unleashed catastrophic flooding, leading to multiple fatalities and triggering urgent boat rescues. Months’ worth of rainfall fell within just a few hours, overwhelming riverfront communities and forcing emergency teams to evacuate children’s summer camps threatened by rising water.
In central Kerr County, up to 10 inches of rain inundated the area overnight, causing the Guadalupe River to swell rapidly and overflow its banks, sparking widespread flash flooding. There are at least 13 people dead in Kerr County alone, officials said Friday afternoon.
Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said at a press conference that 23 girls from Camp Mystic in Hunt County are unaccounted for after the Kerrville flooding.
“We are praying they’re found safe,” Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick said in a Friday press conference.
Interactive maps by Windy.com show the affected areas and the severity of the Texas flooding.
Texas Floods: Weather Radar
Guadalupe River Could Rise to 36 Feet Near Spring Branch
The Guadalupe River, which winds through the scenic Hill Country, is currently at risk of breaching its banks in multiple locations. Areas affected include Kerrville, Comfort, Hunt, and near Spring Branch, with floodwaters expected to reach moderate levels — a threshold that poses a threat to low-lying infrastructure and residential areas. According to the NWS, river levels near Spring Branch could rise to 36 feet, leading to impacts such as the inundation of secondary roads and low bridges within the floodplain.
The Guadalupe’s river gauge at the unincorporated community of Hunt, where the river forks, recorded a 22-foot rise in just about two hours, according to Bob Fogarty, meteorologist with the National Weather Service’s Austin/San Antonio office. Fogarty said the gauge failed after recording a level of 29 and a half feet.
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Texas Floods: Thunderstorms Live Tracker Map
NWS Warns Texans About Moving Water, Potential Damage
Recreational users of the river have been urged to clear out immediately, as the swift, turbulent flow creates extremely hazardous conditions. “Recreationalists should evacuate the riverbanks because of dangerous turbulent flow,” the advisory states. Sections of Guadalupe River State Park are also expected to suffer damage, including picnic tables, trash receptacles, and equipment located in low-lying areas. The NWS further warned that homes at the lowest elevations in Kendall County near Canyon Lake are at risk of flooding.
Residents are being urged to exercise extreme caution. The NWS reiterated the life-threatening danger of attempting to cross flooded roads or walk through rising waters. “Turn around, don’t drown,” the agency cautioned, noting that most flood-related deaths occur in vehicles. Just six inches of fast-moving water is enough to knock an adult off their feet, and two feet can sweep away most cars.
Texas Floods: Satellite Forecast
Texas Rescue Workers Search Floodwaters
Emergency crews carried out dozens of rescues as floodwaters surged across Texas Hill Country, with search operations ongoing amid reports of missing persons. Families with children and relatives attending local summer camps anxiously sought updates, desperate for news as the flooding placed loved ones in danger.
Rob Kelly, the county’s chief elected official, confirmed that the flooding had resulted in multiple fatalities and numerous water rescues. However, he declined to provide exact figures, stating he had been advised against doing so while authorities continue efforts to identify the victims.
“Most of them, we don’t know who they are,” Kelly said during a news conference. “One of them was completely naked, he didn’t have any ID on him at all. We’re trying to get the identity of these folks, but we don’t have it yet.”
Texas Floods: Rain Accumulation
What Happens Next
The flood warning remains in effect until just before 1 a.m. Sunday morning, with further updates expected by 5 a.m. Friday. Residents can stay informed by visiting www.weather.gov or tuning into local news alerts. In the meantime, those living along the Guadalupe River are advised to prepare for possible evacuation and to move to higher ground at the first sign of rising water.
Emergency responders and local officials are monitoring the situation closely, as saturated soil and continued rainfall could exacerbate flooding. With many Texans traveling or vacationing over the Fourth of July weekend, officials are especially concerned about people underestimating the risks near waterways.
This article includes reporting by The Associated Press.