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Guadalupe River

News

Texas Flooding: Flash Flood Warnings, River Levels Rise – Latest Updates

by David Harrison – Chief Editor July 15, 2025

written by David Harrison – Chief Editor

Texas Floods Unleash Risky deluges: Hill Country Camps Report Safety amidst Rising Waters

Table of Contents

Texas Floods Unleash Risky deluges: Hill Country Camps Report Safety amidst Rising Waters
- Hill Country Camps Navigate Floodwaters Safely
- Eagle Pass Faces Active Flood Rescues

texas is grappling with severe flooding this morning as relentless overnight rainfall continues to inundate already water-logged regions. From the Rio grande to the Hill Country, areas experienced between 1 to 5.5 inches of rain, with Concan seeing the moast notable accumulation. The Frio River is anticipated to crest at 15 feet by 11 a.m., raising alarms for moderate flooding.

Flash flood warnings are currently in effect for Uvalde, Kerr, Real, Kinney, and Maverick counties. While some warnings are set to expire mid-morning, they may be extended if the downpour persists. The community of Hunt is a particular point of concern, with the South Fork of the Guadalupe River experiencing a rapid rise, creating a perilous flooding situation. A flash flood watch remains active thru 9 p.m. tonight for much of the Hill Country and western counties, including Utopia, Sabinal, and Marble Falls, where significant flooding is already underway.

Hill Country Camps Navigate Floodwaters Safely

Officials at the H.E. Butt Foundation Camp in Leakey, Texas, provided an update around 9 a.m., confirming that rising river levels led to the temporary closure of River Road at approximately 2:45 a.m. Crucially, all campers and staff are reported to be safe and secure within cabins and ranch houses.Camp officials noted that with the rain subsiding, water levels are beginning to recede, and they are optimistic about River road reopening later today. Contingency plans for indoor activities were already in motion, underscoring the camp’s commitment to camper safety.

The camp’s robust flood notification system was activated overnight,with risk management and operations teams closely monitoring conditions. They maintained constant dialog with the Real County Sheriff and camp directors via text and radio, ensuring a smooth and effective response.

Alto Frio Baptist Camp reported no damage and confirmed the safety of all staff members on its campus. Situated on elevated ground, the camp’s facilities are currently out of immediate danger. However, they have advised arriving churches to postpone their camps until at least tomorrow, pending reassessment of road and river conditions.

Eagle Pass Faces Active Flood Rescues

In Eagle Pass, emergency crews from the Fire department are actively engaged in multiple flood rescues in the Quemado area. Rising waters pose a significant threat to homes and roadways. The department issued a stern warning via their official Facebook page, urging residents to avoid driving through flooded streets.

July 15, 2025 0 comments

Entertainment

Content Writing Tips: Improve Your Skills & Productivity

by Julia Evans – Entertainment Editor July 11, 2025

written by Julia Evans – Entertainment Editor

INGRAM, Texas – The recent devastating floods along the Guadalupe River have left the heart of Ingram’s community theater severely damaged, with the building’s floor collapsed and the indoor space now too unstable to enter.

For 66 years, the Hill Country Arts Foundation Point Theatre has been a cultural hub where neighbors gathered to watch performances and express themselves.

Sarah Tacey, executive director of the Hill Country Arts Foundation, said volunteers have been working tirelessly despite the extensive damage.

“They were here just up to their chins and mud with the rest of us, and they said we’re here for the long haul with you,” Tacey said.

Floodwaters broke windows and pushed debris through the building, including the recently opened ceramic studio. The flood also knocked out the outdoor theater’s walls.

Despite the physical destruction, Tacey said the community’s loss is far more profound.

“We lost a building. It’s nothing compared to the loss of life,” she said.

The theatre’s Facebook page has honored its beloved members who did not survive the floods, which is why volunteers continue their work.

“We’re trying to honor the people who loved us that we’ve lost,” Tacey said. “We’re fixing the things we can and mourning the things that we can’t.”

An insurance adjuster told Tacey that the building damage, excluding the equipment inside, is estimated to be at least $1.2 million in damages.

However, Tacey told KSAT that support has poured in from across the globe, including donations from people in the theater community.

Tacey said she remains hopeful the theater will be restored and its spotlights will shine again.

More recent coverage of the Hill Country floods on KSAT:

July 11, 2025 0 comments

World

At Least 80 Dead Including 28 Children

by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor July 7, 2025

written by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor

Texas Floods Claim Dozens, Many Still Missing

Search efforts intensify as authorities assess the scale of the disaster.

Tragic flash floods in central Texas have resulted in at least 82 fatalities, including 28 children, and that number is expected to climb. Dozens remain missing as rescue teams continue searching for survivors near the Guadalupe River.

Grim Discovery

“We’re seeing bodies recovered all over, up and down,” said **Kerrville** City Manager **Rice Dalton** Sunday, reflecting the dire situation as search-and-rescue operations centered on locating the missing campers. At least 10 girls attending **Camp Mystic**, an all-girls Christian summer camp, and one counselor are among those still unaccounted for, according to **Kerr County** Sheriff **Larry Leitha**.

A firefighter assists a resident in New Braunfels, Texas, June 2024. (AP Photo/Chris Hernandez)

Massive Rescue Effort

More than 850 individuals have been rescued in **Kerr County** alone in the first 36 hours, according to **Texas** Gov. **Greg Abbott**. Approximately 400 first responders from more than 20 agencies have been mobilized for rescue and recovery efforts in the affected areas, Sheriff **Leitha** stated.

Federal Response

President **Donald Trump** signed a major disaster declaration for **Kerr County** Sunday morning. **Abbott** has declared Sunday a “day of prayer.” “Relentless” efforts will be made to locate every person affected by this event, according to **Abbott**.

Counties Grapple with Loss

In addition to the deaths in **Kerr County**, local authorities in nearby counties have reported further fatalities. One woman was discovered in a submerged vehicle in **Tom Green County**, while another person was found deceased under a vehicle in **Williamson County**. At least three additional deaths occurred in **Burnet County**, and seven in **Travis County**, according to reports. Two residents were confirmed dead in **Kendall County** as well.

Weather Service Under Scrutiny

**W. Nim Kidd**, director of the **Texas** Division of Emergency Management, has criticized the National Weather Service (NWS) for allegedly underestimating the rainfall. Despite warnings issued prior to the flooding, questions remain about the accuracy of the forecasts.

The NWS, already impacted by previous federal budget cuts, experienced the loss of almost 600 employees. **Homeland Security** Secretary **Kristi Noem** stated that the **Trump** administration will “honor” the disaster declaration issued by **Abbott**.

Unanswered Questions

Despite warnings issued as early as Friday morning, it remains unclear why **Camp Mystic** and other summer camps weren’t evacuated. **Kerrville** City Manager **Rice Dalton** acknowledged this as “a great question,” but did not provide a definitive answer, emphasizing the city’s focus on the ongoing search for missing children.

Concerns Over Future Flooding

The NWS office in **Austin** and **San Antonio** issued a warning shortly after midnight on Monday about the continuing threat of flash flooding in the affected areas. Any further heavy rainfall could lead to “rapid runoff and flash flooding.”

Staffing Levels at the NWS

A representative from the union for NWS employees told CNN that the **Austin** and **San Antonio** offices were adequately staffed, but the **San Antonio** office was missing a coordination meteorologist to work directly with emergency managers. **Noem** said the **Trump** administration aimed to “upgrade” the technology the NWS uses to send alerts.

Some NWS field offices have reported the loss of around-the-clock staffing and reductions in weather balloon launches. Longtime meteorologist **Troy Kimmel** told CBS Austin that local Texas offices such as the Austin/San Antonio office experienced some staffing shortages.

Trump’s Response

**Trump** called the reported deaths “shocking” and pledged federal aid in conjunction with **Abbott**. He has previously advocated for states to take on greater responsibility in managing weather disasters.

Remembering Past Floods

The Guadalupe River has a history of flooding, with a notable incident in 1987 resulting in 10 teenage fatalities and 33 injuries. As Texas and other states approach the peak of the 2025 hurricane season, continued vigilance is crucial. NOAA predicts an above-average Atlantic hurricane season, forecasting 13 to 19 named storms, with six to 10 becoming hurricanes. Already this year, the U.S. has experienced eight weather and climate disaster events, each exceeding $1 billion in damages (NOAA 2024).

Ongoing Threat

The NWS has issued a flood watch for **San Antonio** and surrounding areas, cautioning about the potential for additional rainfall and flash flooding in low-lying regions.

July 7, 2025 0 comments

News

Hill Country flooding death toll rises to 43 as search continues for missing girls, other survivors

by David Harrison – Chief Editor July 6, 2025

written by David Harrison – Chief Editor

The official death toll jumped to 43 following the catastrophic floods that hit the Texas Hill Country as of Saturday evening, local officials announced during a news conference.

Among the 43 dead were 15 children and 28 adults. Twelve adults and 5 children are still unidentified.

Twenty-seven girls from Camp Mystic, a Christian camp for young girls, were also still missing as friends and families posted desperate messages online seeking help locating them. Many more people could still be unaccounted for, officials warned, noting that visitors to the area for the July 4th weekend make it difficult to assess an exact number of people unaccounted for.

“We will be relentless in going after and assuring that we locate every single person who’s been a victim of this flooding event,” Abbott said.

Abbott expanded the disaster declaration he issued Friday night to include Bexar, Burnet, Caldwell, Guadalupe, Travis and Williamson counties given continued rain and ongoing flooding. He also officially requested that President Donald Trump declare the situation a federal disaster, allowing for more federal resources. U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who also attended the news conference, said Trump indicated he would approve the request.

“That response and that relief will be coming,” Noem said.

She added that the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Border Patrol were already involved in rescue efforts while U.S. Customs and Border Protecting were assisting with coordination.

In the span of 36 hours, first responders have rescued more than 850 people, some clinging to trees to stay safe amid the rising water, Abbott said.

Meanwhile, the threat of flooding around Texas remained, and local, state and federal officials urged caution. Officials in Georgetown have evacuated parts of the city as more rain is expected Saturday in south Central Texas. There is a possibility of an additional two to four inches over the area andsome isolated pockets could see as much as 10 inches, according to the National Weather Service.

A flood watch remains in effect until 7 p.m.

In response to criticisms of the warning provided by National Weather Service ahead of the flood, Noem said upgrading their technology was among the reforms Trump sought to make at the department.

However, the agency has been dealing with staffing shortages after cuts by the Trump administration led to nearly 600 layoffs and retirements. Whether those cuts had any affect on the National Weather Service’s ability to predict or warn people of the oncoming flood remains an open question.

As floodwaters receded in the Kerrville area, the damage was becoming clear. Dozens of tree trunks were snapped in half, some at 90 degree angles. Black and silver power lines were tangled with branches along the side of the road. A few tree trunks appeared to have been stripped bare of their bark from the rushing water.

At Cross Kingdom Church, Pastor Justin Carpenter started collecting clothing, nonperishable food, toiletries and cat and dog food Friday afternoon. They had reached capacity with donations and were turning other potential helpers away. So far, only about half a dozen people had shown up seeking help. Because the areas most affected has lost cell service, it’s been hard to reach people in need.

“The biggest thing would be to get the word out into the community that we’re here and ready to give everything out,” he said.

Billy Lawrence, a 73-year-old San Angelo man, has dealt with this type of tragedy before. During flooding in the summer of 1987, he spent more than 30 days looking for bodies. The first one he found was of a child in a tree, 20 feet up.

But he said this flood is twice as bad as it was in 1987. On Saturday, he was back patrolling the river for bodies. A former volunteer with the Red Cross, he said he’s gotten used to the morbid practice.

“I’m used to death. I’ve been around it a lot,” Lawrence said.

He noted there are about 20 camps along the river in this area and said the camp counselors should receive training to check the weather every night.

“I’m not blaming them. They just have to do that,” he said.

President Donald Trump expressed his condolences in a post on his social media platform, Truth Social.

“Melania and I are praying for all of the families impacted by this horrible tragedy,” Trump wrote. “Our Brave First Responders are on site doing what they do best. GOD BLESS THE FAMILIES, AND GOD BLESS TEXAS!”

About 10 inches of rain fell within a few hours, causing flooding along the Guadalupe River which rose 26 feet in 45 minutes.

The death toll in an area historically prone to major flooding has raised questions about whether people near the river, including many vacationers in town for the Fourth of July weekend, received sufficient warning.

The private forecasting company AccuWeather and the National Weather Service sent warnings about potential flash flooding hours before the devastation.

“These warnings should have provided officials with ample time to evacuate camps such as Camp Mystic and get people to safety,” AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jonathan Porter said in a statement that called the Texas Hill Country one of the most flash-flood-prone areas of the U.S. because of its terrain and many water crossings.

Local officials defended their actions Friday while saying they had not expected such an intense downpour that was the equivalent of months’ worth of rain for the area.

One National Weather Service forecast earlier in the week had called for up to six inches of rain, said Nim Kidd, chief of the Texas Division of Emergency Management. “It did not predict the amount of rain that we saw,” he said.

However, Porter emphasized that people and officials should always take safety precautions when there is a potential for flooding.

“People, businesses, and governments should take action based on Flash Flood Warnings that are issued, regardless of the rainfall amounts that have occurred or are forecast,” Porter said. “Flash Flood Warnings indicate an immediate risk to life and property in the warned area.”

The Associated Press contributed reporting.

This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune, a member-supported, nonpartisan newsroom informing and engaging Texans on state politics and policy.

July 6, 2025 0 comments