Historic Flooding Devastates Kerrville as Guadalupe River Reaches Record Levels

KERRVILLE, TX— The Texas Hill Country is facing one of the most catastrophic flooding events in its history as torrential rains have transformed the Guadalupe River into a deadly torrent, submerging entire neighborhoods, triggering mass evacuations, and claiming multiple lives in Kerr County on this Fourth of July holiday.

Unprecedented Flooding Event

As the nation prepared to celebrate Independence Day, residents of Kerrville and surrounding communities found themselves in a life-threatening battle against rapidly rising floodwaters. The Guadalupe River, normally a peaceful Hill Country attraction, has transformed into a destructive force of historic proportions.

According to the National Weather Service, “Automated rain gauges indicate a large and deadly flood wave is moving down the Guadalupe River. Flash flooding is already occurring. This is a Flash Flood Emergency for the Guadalupe River from Center Point to Sisterdale.”

Meteorologist Avery Tomasco described the situation as “devastating,” noting that satellite imagery shows “numerous homes, businesses, and venues along the river likely being washed away.” Rescue teams have been working frantically to save people trapped on rooftops as floodwaters continue to rise.

Record-Breaking River Levels

The Guadalupe River at Hunt has reached its second-highest level on record, surpassing even the devastating 1987 flood that long stood as the benchmark for catastrophic flooding in the region.

Tragically, the flood gauge that measured this dramatic rise is no longer operational, having been damaged by the catastrophic floodwaters. Kerr County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Clint Morris called this “a once-in-a-lifetime flood” for the county, with deputies responding to multiple high-water rescue calls across the region.

Human Impact and Emergency Response

The human toll of this disaster is already significant and expected to rise. Kerr County officials have confirmed multiple fatalities, though they have not released exact numbers until next of kin can be notified.

“This is a catastrophic flooding event in Kerr County. We can confirm fatalities but will not release further information until next of kin are notified. The entire county is an extremely active scene.”

– Kerr County Sheriff’s Office.

Mandatory evacuations are in effect for residents in low-lying areas along the Guadalupe River in both Kerr and Kendall Counties. Kerrville police have issued urgent evacuation orders: “All Kerrville residents who live near the Guadalupe River are urged to evacuate now. This is a life-threatening event. Do not wait.”

Emergency Timeline

Critical Road Closures

Rainfall Totals and Weather Patterns

The unprecedented flooding stems from extraordinary rainfall amounts. Kerr County’s western side has likely received at least a foot of rain, with automated gauges reporting 6.5 inches in just three hours in Hunt—considered a 1-in-100-year rainfall event.

Meteorologists note that these extreme rainfall events are becoming more frequent in a warming world. A recent study found that hourly rainfall rates have intensified in nearly 90% of large US cities since 1970.

The FOX Forecast Center identified a stationary front draped across the region as the primary weather pattern responsible for this catastrophe, with an upper-level disturbance moving through the Four Corners providing additional lift.

Climate Context and Historical Comparison

This disaster continues a troubling pattern of extreme flooding events in Texas. The state experienced multiple dangerous floods earlier in 2025, and the United States overall saw a record number of flash flood emergencies in 2024.

The current Guadalupe River flooding has already surpassed the legendary 1987 flood that long stood as the benchmark for catastrophic flooding in the region. Kerr County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Clint Morris emphasized the unprecedented nature of this event: “This may be a once-in-a-lifetime flood for the county.”

Central Texas paradoxically entered this flood event while experiencing some of the worst drought conditions in the United States. Climate scientists note that bone-dry soils increase flood risk because they cannot absorb heavy rainfall effectively.

Community Impact and Response

The flooding has completely disrupted Fourth of July celebrations throughout the Hill Country. Kerrville’s “Fourth on the River” celebration at Louise Hays Park has been canceled as the park is completely submerged.

In Hunt, Texas, phone lines at Camp Rio Vista children’s summer camp remained busy all morning as frantic parents tried to get updates about their children’s safety.

“Our hearts are with the families of those we’ve lost to this week’s flash floods and the families who continue searching for their loved ones.”

– San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg

San Antonio has also been severely impacted, with the San Antonio Fire Department reporting 11 fatalities and several people unaccounted for in the region. Since the flooding began, firefighters have responded to more than 70 water rescues and over a dozen high-water investigations.

What Comes Next

The National Weather Service maintains a flood watch for the Hill Country through 10 p.m. Friday, with additional heavy rain expected to continue into the afternoon. Another round of storms could contribute to further flooding on Saturday before conditions improve next week

Residents are urged to:

• Avoid all unnecessary travel
• Shelter in place if not in an evacuation zone
• Move to higher ground if near creeks, streams, or rivers
• Heed evacuation orders immediately
• Never attempt to drive through flooded roadways