At least twenty-four people were killed Friday after torrential rain triggered catastrophic flash floods in Central Texas, overwhelming rivers and sweeping away vehicles, homes, and livestock.
The flooding hit hardest southwest of Dallas–Fort Worth and north of San Antonio, in a rural corridor that includes Kerrville, Brady, Mason, Menard, and McCulloch. The Guadalupe River surged more than 20 feet in a matter of hours, peaking near 35 feet — its second-highest level on record.
“This has been a very devastating and deadly event,” said Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly. Officials warned the death toll may rise as search teams continue work in hard-hit areas like Hunt and Ingram.
Camp Mystic and Camp Waldemar, two large children’s summer camps along the Guadalupe, safely evacuated hundreds of campers. However, there are 20 young campers and several other people remain unaccounted for. Emergency crews are conducting water rescues along flooded creeks and submerged roads.
Gov. Greg Abbott declared a state of disaster, mobilizing National Guard troops and state emergency teams. Kerrville’s mayor also issued a local declaration, urging residents to avoid travel and seek higher ground.
The National Weather Service issued flash flood emergencies across the region after up to 10 inches of rain fell overnight. Officials warned more storms could arrive this weekend. Much of the area had been in drought, making the ground less able to absorb heavy rainfall and increasing runoff risk.
This scenic stretch of Texas Hill Country, usually a destination for tubing and camping, became the site of one of the state’s deadliest flood events in years. Officials say recovery efforts will take time, especially as more rain could still be on the way.
UPDATED to include a more accurate count as of Sat., July 5, 9:00 a.m.
