Flash Floods in Texas Leave Devastation and Dozens Missing After Record Rainfall

The Guadalupe River surged with astonishing speed, rising up to 25 feet in just 45 minutes and overwhelming communities before dawn. Meteorologists attribute this sudden escalation to record moisture levels and remnants of Tropical Storm Barry, which fueled the deluge over Kerr County and surrounding regions.

Within hours, neighborhoods, summer camps, and roadways were submerged. The force of the floodwaters swept away vehicles, uprooted trees, and destroyed river gauges, making it difficult for authorities to track the full extent of the disaster as it unfolded.

Officials described the event as nearly unprecedented, rivaling the infamous 1987 flood, and warned that the situation remained dangerous with more rain forecast for the coming days.

Search and Rescue Efforts Intensify as Dozens Remain Missing

Hundreds of state and local emergency personnel, supported by helicopters, boats, and drones, launched a massive search and rescue operation across the devastated region. By Friday evening, at least 237 people had been rescued, but more than 20 girls from Camp Mystic, a private Christian summer camp, were still unaccounted for.

Rescue teams focused on riverbanks, treetops, and low-lying subdivisions, where survivors might be stranded or unable to call for help. The rapid onset of flooding left little time for evacuation, compounding the challenge for first responders.

The state’s top officials, including Governor Greg Abbott, pledged limitless resources to the rescue mission, while local authorities set up assistance stations for displaced residents.

Did you know?
The 2025 Guadalupe River flood is being compared to the 1987 Hill Country flood, which killed 10 teenagers and dropped 11 inches of rain. This year’s floodwaters rose even faster, overwhelming river gauges and emergency systems in a matter of hours.

What Led to the Catastrophic Flooding in Central Texas

The National Weather Service had issued flash flood watches and warnings as early as Thursday afternoon, but the intensity and pace of the rainfall far exceeded forecasts. In some areas, over a foot of rain fell within hours, overwhelming the Guadalupe River Basin and triggering a deadly flood wave that swept through Kerrville, Hunt, and Comfort.

Experts cited the convergence of tropical moisture and a midlevel atmospheric disturbance as the primary drivers. These conditions created a perfect storm for flash flooding, with rainfall rates surpassing 2 to 3 inches per hour and localized totals exceeding 10 inches.

The disaster declaration for Kerr County and neighboring areas underscored the severity of the event, as officials warned residents to avoid travel and seek higher ground.

ALSO READ | Deadly flooding along the Guadalupe River forces mass evacuations and disaster declarations in Texas.

Emergency Declarations and Community Impact

The devastation forced the cancellation of July Fourth celebrations across the region, including fireworks and parades, as communities grappled with loss and uncertainty. Disaster declarations enabled rapid deployment of state and federal resources, including the Texas Military Department and FEMA.

Residents near creeks, streams, and the Guadalupe River were urged to evacuate or shelter on higher ground. Local officials described scenes of destruction, with homes, RV parks, and campgrounds inundated and infrastructure severely damaged.

The psychological toll was evident as families awaited news of missing loved ones, and officials called for prayers and solidarity in the face of tragedy.

Ongoing Threats and the Path Forward

With additional rainfall expected, authorities warned that the threat of flash flooding remains acute for the next 48 hours, stretching from San Antonio to Waco. Damaged river gauges and debris-laden waters complicate ongoing rescue and recovery operations, raising concerns about further casualties and property loss.

Meteorologists and emergency managers continue to monitor conditions closely, urging residents to heed warnings and avoid flooded roads. The full scale of the disaster may not be known for days as search efforts persist and the region braces for more severe weather.