Flash Flood Emergency in Kerrville, TX – What You Need to Know NOW!

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What’s Happening in Kerrville Right Now? ⚠️

Since midnight, Kerrville and surrounding Kerr County have been pummeled by relentless rainfall—over 12 inches in some areas—with the Guadalupe River surging to unprecedented levels. Local officials have declared a Flash Flood Emergency, urging everyone in low-lying zones to move to higher ground immediately as streets turn into rivers and homes are inundated abcnews.go.comen.wikipedia.org.

Multiple fatalities have been reported, and daring water rescues are underway as search teams scramble to find missing residents, including children from nearby summer camps nbcdfw.comnews4sanantonio.com. This is a rapidly evolving crisis—every second counts.

Why Did This Happen? The Science Behind the Flood 🌧️

1. Record-Breaking Rainfall
   Doppler radar and local rain gauges confirm that Kerrville saw 12+ inches of rain since the early hours of July 4, 2025—a volume typically expected over an entire month kens5.com.
2. Guadalupe River’s Historic Rise
   The Guadalupe River gauge at Kerrville (KRRT2) has climbed above 21 feet, well past its major flood stage and rivaling levels not seen since the “Bus Tragedy” flood of July 1987 water.noaa.gov.
   • Normal stage: ~7 feet
   • Major flood stage: 17 feet
   • Current stage: 21+ feet
3. Hill Country’s Topography
   Kerrville sits in Texas Hill Country, where steep granite hills funnel water rapidly into narrow valleys. When heavy storms stall over the region, runoff accelerates, creating flash floods in minutes rather than hours watchers.news.

Who Is Affected? Community Impact & Human Toll 💔

• Fatalities & Missing Persons
  At least 7 people have lost their lives, and hundreds are reported missing, including a worrisome number of children from local summer camps along the Guadalupe River en.wikipedia.orgnbcdfw.com.
• Homes & Businesses
  Dozens of residences and mobile home parks in riverside neighborhoods are underwater, with water reaching up to rooftops in some places water.noaa.gov.
• Road Closures & Evacuations
  Major thoroughfares—State Highway 16, Junction Highway 27, and multiple low-water crossings—are closed. Evacuation orders are in effect for Riverside Drive, the Airport Road corridor, and the Schreiner University area ksat.com.
• Power & Utilities
  Thousands remain without power as substations flood. Local water treatment facilities are on backup generators; boil-water notices are likely if supplies become contaminated news4sanantonio.com.

How Are Authorities Responding? 🚒🚁

• Disaster Declaration
  The City of Kerrville and Kerr County Judge have issued formal disaster declarations, unlocking state and federal assistance ksat.com.
• Search & Rescue Operations
  • Boat Teams: Deployed by Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) for water rescues along the Guadalupe River.
  • Helicopter Support: Texas DPS helicopters are conducting aerial surveys and airlifting stranded residents.
  • Swift Water Teams: Kerr County Sheriff’s Office and Hill Country Rescue groups are navigating flooded streets to reach homes.
• Emergency Shelters
  • Hill Country Youth Event Center (corner of Main & Earl Garrett St.)
  • Schreiner University Gymnasium (2100 Memorial Blvd.)
  • Boerne High School (248 N. Main Street, Boerne, TX) – for overflow

Shelters are accepting pets; please bring leashes and carriers news4sanantonio.com.

• State-Level Support
  Governor Greg Abbott activated the Texas Division of Emergency Management, deploying additional resources and coordinating with the National Guard. Lt. Governor Dan Patrick is overseeing logistics at the State Operations Center houstonchronicle.com.

Your Safety Checklist: Steps to Take NOW ⏱️

1. Move to Higher Ground
   Do not wait for orders—if you’re in a low-lying area or near any stream, creek, or river, get to the nearest high point immediately abcnews.go.com.
2. Avoid Flooded Roads
   “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” applies to every street. Even shallow, fast-moving water can sweep vehicles off the road localconditions.com.
3. Stay Informed
   Keep NOAA Weather Radio, TV, or local news tuned. Follow @MaxVelocityWX and @NWSAustin on Twitter for minute-by-minute updates.
4. Emergency Kit Ready
   Ensure you have water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, and medications for at least 72 hours.
5. Check on Neighbors
   Especially the elderly, those with mobility issues, and families with young children. Offer rides or assistance if safe to do so.
6. Pet Safety
   Keep pets leashed and bring carriers. Animal control shelters are overwhelmed—try to evacuate with your furry family members news4sanantonio.com.

How You Can Help Kerrville 🇺🇸❤️

• Donate Supplies
  Water, blankets, toiletries, and non-perishable food are in high demand. Drop-off points:
  • Kerrville Fire Station #1 (1062 Barnett St.)
  • Hill Country Community Action (401 Earl Garrett St.)
• Volunteer for Relief Efforts
  Sign up through Kerrville Volunteer Services at volunteer@kerrvilletx.gov or call (830) 257-8449.
• Support Local Businesses
  When safe, consider ordering takeout or gift cards from unaffected eateries to help the local economy rebound.

Remember to Comment & Share! 💬🔗

Have you been affected by the flash flooding in Kerrville? Share your experience below so we can keep our community connected. If you found this guide helpful, please share on Facebook, Twitter, and Nextdoor—your post could save a life.