Catastrophic flash floods swept across Central Texas over the Fourth of July holiday weekend. As of publication, more than 100 people are dead and dozens more are missing, according to state officials.
Torrential rains unleashed walls of water across the Texas Hill Country, sweeping away homes, vehicles, and even a summer camp, as rescue crews worked through the weekend to save hundreds of stranded residents.
Officials report that a series of intense storms dumped up to a foot of rain in parts of the Hill Country early Friday morning. The downpour—described by meteorologists as “the equivalent of months’ worth of rain”—hit in the pre-dawn hours when many were asleep, causing rivers and creeks to rise rapidly.
The Guadalupe River surged 26 feet in just 45 minutes, tearing through communities with little warning.
The Texas Hill Country’s dry, rocky terrain—often referred to as part of “Flash Flood Alley”—exacerbated the flooding, preventing rapid absorption of the heavy rainfall and funneling water downhill into vulnerable valleys.
Flash flood emergency alerts were issued before dawn Friday, including rare warnings signaling imminent life-threatening flooding. Gov. Greg Abbott confirmed that additional rounds of rain continued through Monday, extending the flood threat.
A flood watch remains in effect through Monday evening, with forecasters warning of an additional 5 to 10 inches in localized areas.
Volunteers searched through wreckage along the Guadalupe River in Hunt, Texas, on July 6 after floodwaters ravaged the area.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick told Chris Salcedo in an interview that he met a first responder “who rescued about 200 kids from Camp Mystic.”
The worst destruction is centered in Kerr County, about 65 miles northwest of San Antonio. There, flash floods along the Guadalupe River devastated riverside areas, including the historic Camp Mystic summer camp.
At least 68 bodies have been recovered in Kerr County, including 28 children, with 27 campers and staff from Camp Mystic confirmed dead.
Residents described a “pitch-black wall of water” that swept vehicles and homes from their foundations and through the valley with shocking force.
Surrounding counties also suffered deadly impacts:
- Travis County (Austin area): 6 dead
- Burnet County: 4 dead
- Williamson County: 2 dead
- Kendall and Tom Green counties: 1–2 dead each
The flash floods obliterated campgrounds, destroyed bridges, and left debris tangled in treetops across the region. Communities like Center Point and Kerrville experienced severe infrastructure damage. Ingram residents were photographed climbing over collapsed bridges after waters receded.
As of Sunday night, 41 people remain unaccounted for, including 10 campers and at least one counselor still missing from Camp Mystic.
Texas authorities have mounted a massive emergency response.
Gov. Abbott declared a state of disaster across multiple counties and mobilized state resources. Teams from the Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Parks and Wildlife, and Texas Task Force 1 were deployed to assist in search-and-rescue efforts.
Officials confirmed that over 850 people were rescued from floodwaters and isolated areas over the weekend.
Dramatic scenes unfolded across the Hill Country as first responders in boats and helicopters saved stranded residents. In Hunt, volunteer rescuers aided in nighttime searches; by morning, formal teams scoured the Guadalupe River near Camp Mystic for signs of the missing.
Authorities urged the public not to self-deploy to disaster zones, warning of dangerous conditions and the need for specialized response. Volunteer groups, including the United Cajun Navy, issued statements discouraging unsanctioned travel to affected zones.
“We appreciate the generosity but please do not self-deploy. Let trained teams do their work safely,” the group posted on social media.
Local officials have held daily briefings to update the public.
On Sunday, Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha pledged to continue operations “until everybody is found.” By Monday morning, recovery began replacing rescue in the hardest-hit areas. U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, visiting Kerrville, praised first responders and volunteers, adding that President Donald Trump told him “Anything Texas needs, the answer is yes.”
In the immediate aftermath, urgent evacuation warnings were issued for low-lying areas. Summer camps and campgrounds along the Guadalupe River were evacuated in the early hours on Friday. At least one youth camp managed to relocate all campers to higher ground just in time, according to local reports.
Many survivors escaped the flash floods by climbing into attics, trees, or rooftops to await rescue.
Even after floodwaters receded, much of Central Texas remained hazardous. As of Monday, dozens of roads and low-water crossings in Travis, Williamson, Hays, Bastrop, Caldwell, Lee, and Fayette counties were still closed due to high water or structural damage.
An online flood map showed hundreds of closures, highlighting the widespread impact on the region’s transportation system. Officials repeated the warning: “Turn around, don’t drown.”
In New Braunfels, river recreation was suspended. The city closed public access to the Comal and Guadalupe Rivers, and emergency crews barricaded flooded streets. Downstream communities monitored river levels closely as the flood crest moved east.
Voluntary evacuations were recommended in some low-lying neighborhoods. Flash flood watches remain in effect for areas like Lampasas, Burnet, and Bell counties, where storms threaten to exacerbate conditions.
A federal disaster declaration for Kerr County was approved by President Trump on Sunday, allowing FEMA to assist with recovery. Trump has said he is considering a visit to the region on Friday, pending coordination with local officials.
State and local teams are now focused on recovery. Power restoration and road repairs are underway. Churches, schools, and civic centers have opened as shelters, and aid drives are collecting supplies for displaced families. The state has declared a day of prayer for the flood victims.
As Central Texas reckons with the aftermath, families, volunteers, and first responders continue to search through miles of debris along the river. What began as a celebratory holiday has become a heartbreaking chapter for the Hill Country—but officials insist they are “working around the clock” and will not stop until every missing person is found.
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