Kerrville Flood Hunt: An unprecedented flash flood ravaged sections of Kerr County, Texas, overnight, causing widespread devastation along the Guadalupe River and necessitating immediate evacuations throughout the area. Officials have confirmed 13 deaths, but specific information is being kept private until the next of kin are informed.
The Kerr County Sheriff’s Office reports that floodwaters rose swiftly along the Guadalupe River, increasing from 0 to almost 30 feet within just four hours. The storm became lethal during the night, converting streams into raging waters and quickly inundating local infrastructure with alarming velocity.
The well-known Jellystone Park campground in Kerrville was one of the most severely affected areas. Families in RVs and cabins had to escape into the night as unyielding water surged through the area. “It was meant to be a calm family weekend,” one evacuee remarked, “but it escalated into chaos within moments.”
Authorities are still looking for residents who are unaccounted for. Among those missing is the Burgess family, who were last observed spending the night in their RV in Kerrville. Family members have expressed concern, reporting that John Burgess, Julia Anderson Burgess, and their two young sons have been out of contact since the flooding started.
Evacuations continue along the river, especially in the Hunt and Ingram regions, where the so-called “deadly flood wave” is advancing downstream powerfully. Residents near the riverbanks have been instructed to evacuate without delay, and accommodations are being set up for individuals affected by the flooding.
“We remain deeply in the response phase,” a Kerr County official stated Friday morning. “This isn’t finished—the river continues to rise in certain areas and our main focus is on ensuring life safety.”
Search-and-rescue groups, featuring swift water squads, are scouring flood-affected regions.
Search-and-rescue teams, along with swift water units, are scouring flooded regions for any survivors. Highways in the area continue to be flooded or eroded, and emergency services are urging the community to refrain from driving on waterlogged roads.
Flash flood warnings are still in place across much of the Texas Hill Country due to ongoing heavy rain. Local weather experts are cautioning that additional rain may cause secondary flooding in overflowed rivers and streams.
The Kerr County Sheriff’s Office announced that additional information will be provided once it is ready and family notifications have been finalized.
Resources for the Community:
Emergency Shelter Details: Accessible through Kerr County Emergency Management
Missing Persons Reports: Residents who have missing family members are urged to reach out to the Kerr County Sheriff’s Office without delay.
Flood Safety Reminder: Stay away from flooded streets. “Change Direction, Avoid Flooding.”
This story is still unfolding. Further information will be provided as rescue operations progress and situations change.
