Texas Hill Country Flood: What We Know So Far

KERR COUNTY – At least 79 people are confirmed dead and more than 40 remain missing after flash flooding struck the Texas Hill Country on the morning of July 4. A sudden rise in the Guadalupe River overwhelmed communities in Kerr and surrounding counties following a night of heavy rainfall, according to officials from the Kerr County Emergency Management and the Texas Division of Emergency Management.

The flooding followed a series of intense storms that dropped large amounts of rain across the region overnight, leading to what local officials are calling one of the deadliest natural disasters in recent Hill Country history.

Rainfall and River Surge

The severe weather began Thursday night, when thunderstorms stalled over parts of the Hill Country. The National Weather Service issued flash flood alerts early Friday, warning residents of possible river overflow as rain totals began to climb.

By Friday morning, the Guadalupe River near Hunt had risen more than 26 feet in less than an hour, according to data from the U.S. Geological Survey. This sudden rise left little time for evacuation, and many found themselves trapped by the fast-moving water.

Survivors described water entering their homes and cabins with almost no warning, with several people climbing into trees or onto rooftops to wait for rescue, as reported by local media outlets including the Houston Chronicle and San Antonio Express-News.

Camp Mystic Among the Hardest Hit

Camp Mystic, a longtime girls’ summer camp on the banks of the Guadalupe, suffered heavy losses. The Kerr County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that 11 campers and one adult counselor remain unaccounted for, while Texas Parks and Wildlife officials reported that two campers were found alive Sunday morning near Center Point, clinging to tree branches more than 30 feet above the flood line.

Families have gathered near the camp throughout the weekend, hoping for news, while local authorities from Kerr County Emergency Management have asked the public not to interfere with rescue operations.

Flood Impacts Spread Across Counties

While Kerr County experienced the highest number of deaths, other counties also experienced severe flooding. The Texas Division of Emergency Management confirmed fatalities in Kendall, Travis, Burnet, Tom Green, and Williamson counties.

As of Sunday afternoon, more than 850 people had been rescued from dangerous floodwaters throughout the Hill Country. Emergency crews continue to search damaged homes, riverbanks, and wooded areas.

Federal Aid Activated

President Donald Trump approved a federal disaster declaration for Kerr County on Saturday evening, allowing FEMA to provide assistance to local agencies, according to a White House press release. Governor Greg Abbott mobilized the Texas National Guard and declared a statewide day of prayer in response, as stated by the Office of the Governor of Texas.

Ongoing Weather Concerns

Although water levels have begun to recede, the National Weather Service continues to warn of additional thunderstorms in the coming days that could worsen flooding, given how saturated the soil already is. Flood watches remain in effect for several counties through early next week, and officials urge residents to avoid flooded roads and riverbanks.

Emergency Protocols Under Scrutiny

Questions are being raised about the speed and effectiveness of emergency warnings. Some residents say they received no alerts before floodwaters reached their homes, and others are asking why riverside camps like Mystic weren’t evacuated earlier.

Dalton Rice, Kerrville’s City Manager, said in a July 6 press conference that the city will review emergency planning and communication once the immediate crisis has passed.

Meanwhile, community organizations including the American Red Cross Central Texas and the Salvation Army Hill Country Division have stepped up to offer food, shelter, and support to affected families.