Central Texas Flood Disaster

Texas flash flood disaster

Catastrophic flash flooding is unfolding across the Texas Hill Country on July 4, with torrential rains triggering river surges and emergency evacuations. The Guadalupe River near Hunt has risen more than 20 feet in just two hours, sweeping away roads, homes, and vehicles.

Multiple fatalities have already been confirmed. Among the hardest hit is Camp Mystic, a girls’ summer camp, where dozens of campers are feared missing. Rescue efforts are underway, but washed-out highways and continued rainfall are hampering access.

Officials are calling it the worst flooding since 1987—possibly the most severe on record. A state disaster declaration is expected as conditions continue to deteriorate.

Note: WEA relies on cell towers to broadcast alerts, so if a phone is not connected to a tower, it has no cell phone coverage it cannot receive  phone will not receive Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA).

2025 Texas Flood Disaster

2025 Texas Flood Disaster Timeline: How Rapid Waters Killed Many

Flash Flood Tragedy Unfolds in Texas

July 3, 2025

  • 1:18 PM: The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a flood watch for Central Texas just before 2 pm CDT in anticipation of heavy rain Source 
    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED Flood Watch National Weather Service Austin/San Antonio TX 118 PM CDT Thu Jul 3 2025
    Locally heavy rainfall could cause flash flooding across portions of South Central Texas. Rainfall amounts of 1 to 3 inches with isolated amounts of 5 to 7 inches are possible. WHERE… A portion of south central Texas, including the following counties, Bandera, Edwards, Kerr, Kinney, Medina, Real, Uvalde and Val Verde. 

    You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible Flood Warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop.  Source
  • 6:10 PM: Weather Prediction Center (WPC) issues the first Mesoscale Precipitation Discussion, warning of excessive rainfall and increasing flash flood potential. Warning of excessive rainfall and increasing flash flood potential.  Source
  • 6:22 PM: National Water Center updates outlook, warning of considerable flooding risks north and west of San Antonio, including Kerrville. Flood Risk Warning north and west of San Antonio, including Kerrville.
  • 7:58 PM: The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a flood watch for Central Texas Remains in Effect Until 7 AM on Friday  Source
    Locally heavy rainfall could cause flash flooding across portions of South Central Texas. Rainfall amounts of 1 to 3 inches with isolated amounts of 5 to 7 inches are possible across the Flood Watch area. Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks.
      Source
  • 11:41 PM: First Flash Flood Warning issued: First Flash Flood Warning issued for Bandera County, escalating from a watch to a warning as conditions worsen.  Source

July 4, 2025

  • 1:00 AM: Flash Flooding Begins: Severe flash flooding is reported west of Austin and San Antonio, with the threat continuing into the day.
  • 1:14 AM: Flash Flood Emergency Issued: South-central Kerr County (including Hunt): Declared a “particularly dangerous situation” with up to 10 inches of rainfall and rates reaching 4 inches/hour. North of San Angelo: Up to 10 inches of rain already fallen with 3–4 inches more expected.
  • 4:03 AM: Six Flash Flood Emergencies issued: The first of six Flash Flood Emergencies issued, including for the Guadalupe River corridor from Hunt through Kerrville and Center Point
  • 4:35 AM: Kerr County Sheriff’s Office reports flooding at low water crossings, confirming ground-level impacts over 3 hours after the 1:14 AM alert.
  • 5:00 AM: National Water Center warns of widespread considerable and catastrophic flooding across the Hill Country region.
  • 5:34 AM: Second Flash Flood Emergency issued — this time for the Guadalupe River, warning of a “large and deadly flood wave” sweeping through the area.
  • 7:00 AM: Kerr County begins evacuating residents near the Guadalupe River in Hunt after 6–7 inches of rain cause major flooding.
  • 9:30 AM: Kerr County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that there were fatalities, but further information will not be released until next of kin are notified.
  • 10:00 AM: Fatalities Confirmed: The Kerr County Sheriff’s Office confirms “multiple fatalities” due to catastrophic flooding. Public Warning: “The entire county is an extremely active scene. Residents are encouraged to shelter in place and not attempt travel. Those near creeks, streams, and the Guadalupe River should immediately move to higher ground.”
  • 11:34 AM: Reunification Centers have been setup at Ingram Elementary School, 125 Brave Run W, Ingram, TX 78025, and The Arcadia Live Theater, 717 Water St, Kerrville, TX 78028-5319.
  • 1:00 PM: Historic Flood Levels: Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly says the flooding has surpassed the flood of 1987, making it the highest flood on record.

Ongoing Water Rescues: Dozens reported.
Mayor’s Plea
: Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring Jr.This came at night when people were asleep in bed. Please pray for our community.”
Camp Mystic Impact
: Power, water, and Wi-Fi lost. Statement to parents: If you haven’t been contacted, your daughter is accounted for“The highway has washed away so we are struggling to get more help.”

  • 3:00 PM: Press Conference: Continued Heavy Rainfall: More than a month’s worth of rain falls in San Angelo and surrounding areas. Updated Flash Flood Emergencies:
  • Hunt, Kerr County: Now up to 12 inches of rain and still falling.
  • Guadalupe River: From Center Point to Sisterdale under emergency.
  • Llano River (south of Mason) also impacted by runoff.
  • Summer Camps Affected: Several major camps, including Camp Mystic, are likely hit.
  • 3:08 PM: The Red Cross is assisting with reunification after this devastating flood. If you are missing someone during this emergency, please call 800.733.2767. Source
  • 4:45 PM. Evacuation of Camps Underway: Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announces efforts to evacuate camps. 23 campers from Camp Mystic remain unaccounted for. 10 buses ready for reunification once conditions allow.
  • 10:00 PM: Updated Death Toll: 24 confirmed dead, according to Sheriff Larry Leitha.
  • 23 to 25 campers still missing from Camp Mystic.


2025 Texas Flood Disaster

2025 Texas Flood Disaster Timeline: Recovery

Recovery timeline of people found/alive and recovered/deceased from the Central Texas flood

Rescued Survivors

July 4, 2025

  • 1:00 AM: Flash Flooding Begins: Severe flash flooding is reported west of Austin and San Antonio, with the threat continuing into the day.
  • 1:14 AM: Flash Flood Emergency Issued: South-central Kerr County (including Hunt): Declared a “particularly dangerous situation” with up to 10 inches of rainfall and rates reaching 4 inches/hour. North of San Angelo: Up to 10 inches of rain already fallen with 3–4 inches more expected.
  • 4:03 AM: Six Flash Flood Emergencies issued: The first of six Flash Flood Emergencies issued, including for the Guadalupe River corridor from Hunt through Kerrville and Center Point
  • 4:35 AM: Kerr County Sheriff’s Office reports flooding at low water crossings, confirming ground-level impacts over 3 hours after the 1:14 AM alert.
  • 5:00 AM: National Water Center warns of widespread considerable and catastrophic flooding across the Hill Country region.
  • 5:34 AM: Second Flash Flood Emergency issued — this time for the Guadalupe River, warning of a “large and deadly flood wave” sweeping through the area.
  • 7:00 AM: Kerr County begins evacuating residents near the Guadalupe River in Hunt after 6–7 inches of rain cause major flooding.
  • 9:30 AM: Kerr County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that there were fatalities, but further information will not be released until next of kin are notified.
  • 10:00 AM: Fatalities Confirmed: The Kerr County Sheriff’s Office confirms “multiple fatalities” due to catastrophic flooding. Public Warning: “The entire county is an extremely active scene. Residents are encouraged to shelter in place and not attempt travel. Those near creeks, streams, and the Guadalupe River should immediately move to higher ground.”
  • 11:34 AM: Reunification Centers have been setup at Ingram Elementary School, 125 Brave Run W, Ingram, TX 78025, and The Arcadia Live Theater, 717 Water St, Kerrville, TX 78028-5319.
  • 1:00 PM: Historic Flood Levels: Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly says the flooding has surpassed the flood of 1987, making it the highest flood on record.

Ongoing Water Rescues: Dozens reported.
Mayor’s Plea
: Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring Jr.This came at night when people were asleep in bed. Please pray for our community.”
Camp Mystic Impact
: Power, water, and Wi-Fi lost. Statement to parents: If you haven’t been contacted, your daughter is accounted for“The highway has washed away so we are struggling to get more help.”

  • 3:00 PM: Press Conference: Continued Heavy Rainfall: More than a month’s worth of rain falls in San Angelo and surrounding areas. Updated Flash Flood Emergencies:
  • Hunt, Kerr County: Now up to 12 inches of rain and still falling.
  • Guadalupe River: From Center Point to Sisterdale under emergency.
  • Llano River (south of Mason) also impacted by runoff.
  • Summer Camps Affected: Several major camps, including Camp Mystic, are likely hit.
  • 3:08 PM: The Red Cross is assisting with reunification after this devastating flood. If you are missing someone during this emergency, please call 800.733.2767. Source
  • 4:45 PM. Evacuation of Camps Underway: Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announces efforts to evacuate camps. 23 campers from Camp Mystic remain unaccounted for. 10 buses ready for reunification once conditions allow.
  • 7:30 PM: Amanda Philips, 12, and other campers were airlifted from Camp Mystic and reunited with parents early Saturday. Hundreds of campers across camps including Camp Waldemar were evacuated and safely reunited by early Saturday
  • 10:00 PM: Updated Death Toll: 24 confirmed dead, according to Sheriff Larry Leitha. 23 to 25 campers still missing from Camp Mystic.

July 5, 2025

  • 3:00 a.m. New Flash Flood Emergency: Issued for Northwestern Travis County and eastern Burnet County (around Lake Travis).
    Rainfall totals: 3–7 inches already fallen, with 6 inches/hour possible.
    Additional rain of 2–5 inches expected.
  • 7:00 AM: Flash Flood Emergency Expanded: Now includes much of Burnet County, western Williamson County, and Travis County as storms persist.
  • 8:55 AM: Kerr County Sheriff Office: we have evacuated over 850 uninjured people, 8 injured people, and have recovered 27 deceased. This includes 18 adults and 9 children. Six adults and 1 child are currently unidentified
  • 11:36 AM: Over 850 people rescued, including 167 by air using Texas Department of Public Safety helicopters. Search and rescue teams deployed from local, state, and federal agencies, with assistance from volunteer groups.
    3:00 PM: Camp Mystic Update
    :
  • 2 campers confirmed dead.
  • 27 campers and one counselor still missing as of mid-day.
  • Conditions remain difficult due to washed-out roads and continued high water levels.
  • 5:30 PM: Confirmed Fatalities Rise43 confirmed dead, including 15 children, across Kerr, Kendall, Kimble, and Travis Counties. Officials warn that the death toll may increase as search teams reach isolated areas. Governor’s Statement: Texas Governor Greg Abbott calls the flood “one of the most devastating flash flood disasters in state history.” He signs a statewide disaster declaration covering multiple counties and requests federal assistance. Source
  • Evening: Search Area Expanded: Efforts continue along the Guadalupe River, Llano River, and nearby tributaries. National Guard assets including boats and high-water vehicles are deployed to locate the missing. Over 850 people rescued, including 167 by helicopter, from floodwaters through Saturday
  • At least 32 deaths confirmed, including young Camp Mystic campers:
  • Lila Bonner (8 years old) Dallas (Bubble Inn) death officially confirmed
  • Eloise Peck – confirmed found dead alongside Lila Bonner
  • Janie Hunt – identified by family after being found at Camp Mystic
  • Renee Smajstrla (8 years old) – confirmed deceased
  • Sarah Marsh (8 years old)- confirmed deceased
  • Anna Margaret Bellows (8 years old) Houston (Bubble Inn) death officially confirmed
  • Dick Eastland– camp director death not officially confirmed

July 6, 2025

  • 9:00 AM: Update: we have recovered 59 deceased in Kerr County. Among the those who are deceased, we have 38 adults and 21 children. Eighteen adults pending identification, and 4 children also pending identification. At present, there are 11 Camp Mystic campers unaccounted for, along with one counselor. Our missing person call center is open for those reporting missing loved ones. That phone number is 830.258.1111. Those wishing to make cash donations, please use the Community Foundation Flood Relief Fund at https://tinyurl.com/KerrFloodRelief  Source
  • 10:00 AM: Death Toll Reaches At Least 59: Includes 21 childrenDisaster declaration: Trump signs disaster declaration for Kerr County Source
  • Fatalities span multiple counties including Kerr, Travis, Burnet, Kendall, Kimble, and Tom Green.
  • Some victims were swept away in their homes or vehicles overnight while sleeping.
  • Camp Mystic Status: 11 campers and 1 counselor remain missing. Parents gather at reunification centers in Ingram Middle School and Arcadia Live Theater in Kerrville, awaiting news.
  • Governor Abbott Declares Day of Prayer: Sunday, July 6 is designated as a statewide Day of Prayer to honor the victims and missing.
  • Rescue Becomes Recovery: Search teams begin transitioning from active rescues to recovery operations, especially in hard-hit areas near Hunt, Center Point, and Camp Mystic.
  • Investigation Begins: National Weather Service, emergency managers, and state officials begin analyzing the sequence of meteorological and hydrological failures that led to the catastrophic event.
  • Preliminary findings suggest:
  • Saturated terrain unable to absorb rainfall
  • Rapid terrain runoff due to steep hills and thin soil
  • Flash flood alerts may not have reached sleeping residents in time
  • 1:30PM: Update: We have recovered 68 deceased in Kerr County. Among those who are deceased, we have 40 adults and 28 children. Eighteen adults are pending identification, and 10 children also pending identification. At present, there are 10 Camp Mystic campers unaccounted for, along with one counselor. We continue to offer our condolences to those affected, and we are working tirelessly to reunite families. Source
  • 3:00 PM Update: Fatalities & Missing Persons
  • Kerr County: 68 confirmed fatalities 40 adults, 28 children with 28 bodies still undergoing identification
  • Camp Mystic: 10 campers and 1 counselor remain missing
  • Statewide: At least 78 fatalities, including 10 in other parts of Texas
  • Search & Rescue Operations: 24/7 rescue effort is ongoing with local, state, and federal teams, including air, water, K9, drone, and Coast Guard thermal imaging support . More than 850 individuals have been rescued so far.
  • 3:15 PM: The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning valid through 6:30 p.m., warning of “dangerous and life‑threatening” conditions. Death toll rose to 51, including at least 15 children
  • Chloe Childress– Houston – Kincaid School- camp counselor (Bubble Inn) death officially confirmed
  • Janie Hunt- Dallas– Highland Park ISD – (Bubble Inn) death officially confirmed
  • Lainey Landry– 9-Houston (Bubble Inn) death officially confirmed
  • Sarah Marsh -Mountain Brook, AL- death officially confirmed
  • Linnie McCown– 8- Austin- Casis Elementary -(Bubble Inn) death officially confirmed
  • Wynne Naylor– 8 – Dallas- Lake Highlands Elementary School (Bubble Inn) death officially confirmed
  • Eloise Peck– 8- Dallas- Bradfield Elementary – (Bubble Inn) death officially confirmed
  • Renee Smajstrla – Ingram, TX (Bubble Inn) death officially confirmed
  • Mary Stevens – Austin- Highland Park Elementary-(Bubble Inn) death officially confirmed
  • Hanna Lawrence – 8 – death officially confirmed on July 7, 2025
  • Rebecca Lawrence-8 – death officially confirmed on July 7, 2025
  • Hadley Hanna – 8-Dallas – death officially confirmed on July 8, 2025
  • Still Missing:
  • Mary Grace Baker– 8- Beaumont, TX -St Anne Catholic School (Twins)
  • Molly Dewitt-8- Houston (Bubble Inn)
  • Ellen Getten -8- Houston (Bubble Inn)
  • Virginia Hollis – (Twins 2)
  • Kellyanne Lytal – 8-San Antonio, TX (Twins 1)
  • Blakely McCrory – 8- Houston- Memorial Lutheran School (Twins 1)
  • Abby Pohl – Austin (Bubble Inn)
  • Margaret Sheedy – Houston- The Kincaid School (Twins 2)
  • Cile Steward – Austin
  • Greta Toranzo -10- Houston- Sinclair Elementary School
  • Katherine Ferruzzo– camp counselor (Bubble Inn)
  • 6:14 PM: Update: There was additional rain in the upper Guadalupe basin this afternoon, leading to a rise in Johnson Creek. This water may lead to a rise of 1-2ft downstream when it enters the Guadalupe river in Ingram. Please be aware if you are near the Guadalupe River or Johnson Creek. lease follow the City of Kerrville – Police Department, City of Kerrville, TX – City Hall, or this page for verified information. Source
  • 11 campers and one counselor still missing at Camp Mystic. 
  • Found Safe: Annie Flack and Emma Moreau- camp counselor
  • Fatalities: At least 68 people confirmed dead, including 28 children. 18 adults and 10 children pending identification.
  • Kerr County: 59 deaths (18 adults, 28 children)
  • Travis: 4 deaths
  • Burnet: 3 deaths
  • Kendall: 2 deaths
  • Tom Green: 1 death

July 7, 2024

  • 8:30 AM: Kerr County Sheriff’s Office Update: we have recovered 75 deceased in Kerr County, including 48 adults and 27 children. Fifteen adults and 9 children are pending identification. At present, there are 10 Camp Mystic campers unaccounted for, and one counselor. We continue to offer our condolences to those affected. Reuniting families remains our top priority. Highway 39 west of Old Ingram Loop remains closed to the public, other than those who live in the closure area. Source
  • The Family have confirmed that Hanna and Rebecca Lawrence’s did not make it.
  • 10:00 AM: Press Conference Current fatalities stand at 75 people, 48 adults and 27 children. Identification is pending on 10 adults and 9 children.  Source
  • 5:16 PM: Kerr County Sheriff’s Office Update: As of 2 p.m. Central time, 84 deceased have been recovered in Kerr County, including 56 adults and 28 children. Identification is pending for 22 adults and 10 children. At present, 10 Camp Mystic campers and one counselor remain unaccounted for. We’re asking private boat owners to stay off the Guadalupe River and its tributaries at this time to allow search and rescue teams to operate without interference. Source
  • 5:33 PM: a private drone illegally operating in restricted airspace collided with a helicopter involved in emergency operations in Kerr County. The helicopter was forced to make an emergency landing, and a critical piece of response equipment is now out of service until further notice. Source

July 8, 2025

  • 10:00 AM: Press Conference: Current fatalities stand at 87, 51 adults and 36 children with Pending identification of 19 adults and 7 children. Reporters were asking hard questions that were left unanswered as the recovery is a priority at this time.  Source 

Recovery and Rescue Operations:

  • 87 deceased, 51 adults and 36 children. – 19 adults and 7 children are pending identification.
  • Over 850 people rescued, including 167 by helicopter

To Donate: and Volunteer:

  • To volunteer, contact the KROC center at 830-465-4797 or, in-person at 855 Hays Street in Kerrville.
  • To contribute to the recovery and rebuilding effort, please donate monetary gifts to the official fund established through the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country Fund. See the information, including a QR code for easy access to the donation portal, on this same page.

REPORT THE MISSING:

  • To report a missing person, call 830-258-1111. Also, send photos and descriptions of missing individuals, including identifier markers such as tattoos, scars, hair style, painted fingernails, piercings, etc. to: [email protected].

Information


2025 Texas Flood Disaster

2025 Timeline of NWS Alerts & Responses – Texas Flooding

NWS Alerts Timeline:

July 3, 2025

Morning

  • NWS Austin/San Antonio conducts forecast briefings for emergency management officials, highlighting potential for flash flooding.
  • National Water Center (NWC) issues a Flood Hazard Outlook, identifying Kerrville and surrounding areas as being at risk for flash flooding.

1:18 PM

  • NWS issues a Flood Watch for Kerr County, effective through Friday morning the first broad-scale warning for the region.

6:10 PM

  • Weather Prediction Center (WPC) issues the first Mesoscale Precipitation Discussion, warning of excessive rainfall and increasing flash flood potential.

6:22 PM

  • National Water Center updates outlook, warning of considerable flooding risks north and west of San Antonio, including Kerrville.

11:41 PM

  • First Flash Flood Warning issued for Bandera County, escalating from a watch to a warning as conditions worsen.

July 4, 2025

1:14 AM

  • Flash Flood Warning with a “Considerable” damage threat tag issued for Bandera and Kerr Counties.
  • Triggers Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) and NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts, alerting the public of imminent danger.

4:03 AM

  • Warning escalated to a Flash Flood Emergency for south-central Kerr County, including Hunt signaling a rare and life-threatening situation.
  • NWS labels it a “Particularly Dangerous Situation.”

4:35 AM

  • Kerr County Sheriff’s Office reports flooding at low water crossings, confirming ground-level impacts over 3 hours after the 1:14 AM alert.

5:00 AM

  • National Water Center warns of widespread considerable and catastrophic flooding across the Hill Country region.

5:34 AM

  • Second Flash Flood Emergency issued — this time for the Guadalupe River, warning of a “large and deadly flood wave” sweeping through the area.

Rainfall Totals

  • Local rainfall reached 15–20 inches in just 24 hours, with more than 12 inches falling on July 4 alone

River Surge

  • The Guadalupe River spiked by ~22 feet in 2 hours, peaking near 29 feet, marking a catastrophic surge