KERRVILLE, Texas — At least six people have died in catastrophic flooding in Kerr County, according to Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly, as reported by KABB.
The Kerr County Sheriff’s Office confirmed fatalities but said it would not release further information until next of kin are notified.
An unspecified number of people remain missing as search and recovery efforts continue with local and state agencies responding to calls and rescues throughout what officials called “an extremely active scene” countywide.
The National Weather Service issued urgent warnings about a potentially deadly flood wave, urging residents in Kerrville and the surrounding Hill Country to seek higher ground immediately and avoid traveling through the area.
The sheriff’s office echoed those warnings, encouraging residents to shelter in place and not attempt travel, especially those near creeks, streams and the Guadalupe River.
“This is a devastating situation,” said CBS Austin Meteorologist Avery Tomasco, noting that the flood could set an all-time record for the Guadalupe River.
The western side of Kerr County has received at least a foot of rain, pushing the Guadalupe River to 34 feet. The previous record stood at 36 feet, and officials believe that mark has been surpassed, though the flood gauge is no longer reporting.
Satellite imagery shows numerous homes, businesses and venues along the river likely being washed away. Reports have confirmed ongoing rescues of people trapped on rooftops.
A time-lapse video from Kerrville dramatically illustrates the flood’s rapid onset, showing the Guadalupe River’s water level rising enough to completely submerge a gazebo at Louise Hays Park in just 40 minutes.
Another scene shows water nearing roadways on Highway 16, also known as Sydney Baker Street, with potential structures completely submerged.
The flooding has affected summer camps in the area, with phone lines at Camp Rio Vista in Hunt, Texas, staying busy all morning as parents frantically tried to get updates on their children, Tomasco said.
The disaster has knocked out power to more than 2,800 customers as of 11:09 a.m., according to the Kerrville Public Utility Board. Impacted areas include Southeast Kerrville, Center Point and Hunt. The Hunt Substation is flooded, and power lines crossing rivers near Riverhill and Center Point are believed to be down in areas currently inaccessible due to flooding.
“Our crews are working as quickly and safely as possible under extremely challenging weather and access conditions,” said Allison Bueche, KPUB Director of Customer and Community Relations.
Emergency officials have established a reunification center at Ingram Elementary School for families trying to locate loved ones.
Kendall County Emergency Management issued a mandatory evacuation for all residents in the affected areas along the Guadalupe River.
A flood watch remains in effect for the Hill Country through 10 p.m. Friday, as heavy rain is expected to continue into the late morning and early afternoon. Another round of storms could contribute to further flooding on Saturday before conditions improve next week.
