Sudden Flooding in Texas Catches Officials Unprepared

Local authorities found themselves unprepared when intense July 4th rainstorms hit Texas, causing the Guadalupe River to surge dangerously close to record levels within minutes, according to statements made during a Saturday press briefing.

A flood advisory was issued Thursday afternoon for sections of New Mexico and the western portion of Texas as slow-moving thunderstorms brought heavy rains. By that evening, certain areas like Midland and Odessa had already received up to five inches of rain.

In Kerr County, authorities were alerted to potential danger when the National Weather Service declared a flash flood warning at approximately 1:14 a.m. on Friday.

The Rapid Rise of the Guadalupe River

Mayor Joe Herring of Kerrville reported that, in the early hours, the Guadalupe River's water level surged an astonishing 26 feet within a 45-minute timeframe. This dramatic increase occurred while residents were still asleep.

The river reached a height surpassed only once before, exceeding the level set by a notorious 1987 flood, according to the National Weather Service.

Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick emphasized that evacuation decisions rest with local leaders, and there was significant uncertainty about the path of the storm.

In a news conference, Judge Rob Kelly from Kerr County stated that the county lacks a dedicated warning system along the river.

When questioned about the absence of evacuation measures on Thursday, Judge Kelly asserted, "We were unaware of the impending flood."

An Unpredictable and Hazardous River Valley

Judge Kelly illustrated the frequent flooding in the region, describing it as the most perilous river area in the U.S. "Floods are a regular occurrence here. Every downpour brings more water, but this flood was unprecedented in our experience," he indicated.

Throughout Saturday, additional rain worsened conditions, triggering emergency flash flood warnings in several counties, including Burnet, western Williamson, and Travis.