What was supposed to be the start of a long holiday weekend has turned into a life-threatening emergency for parts of central Texas. As of Friday morning, heavy rainfall has led to catastrophic flooding, water rescues, road closures, and the issuance of a disaster declaration in Kerr County, where officials have confirmed multiple fatalities.
Widespread Flash Flooding and Life-Threatening Conditions
The National Weather Service in San Angelo issued a stark warning on Friday morning, urging residents to stay off the roads:
“Conditions are life-threatening! DO NOT go out onto the roads…expect roads washed out and rapid rises on rivers and creeks.”
Flash floods are severely impacting Kerr, Tom Green, and Kendall counties, including the cities of Kerrville and San Angelo. The NWS is reporting multiple flash flood emergencies in effect since 4 a.m., with conditions rapidly worsening.
Kerr County Disaster Declaration and Fatalities
Kerr County has been especially hard-hit. Sheriff’s Office officials confirmed fatalities due to the flooding but stated that further details would not be released until next of kin are notified. The county is urging all residents to shelter in place and avoid any travel.
Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring Jr. signed a disaster declaration on Friday morning, and emergency crews are working around the clock to conduct water rescues throughout the area.
Widespread Rainfall and Flooding
Rainfall amounts across the region have been staggering, with 4 to 6 inches falling widely across affected areas. Some regions have experienced over 10 inches of rain overnight, resulting in surging rivers and creeks that are flooding at extreme rates.
Counties Under Emergency Warning
Currently, the following counties are under emergency warnings:
Kerr County (Kerrville, Ingram)
Tom Green County (San Angelo)
Kendall County (Boerne area)
Authorities continue to monitor the situation as additional rain could worsen the flooding conditions and spread new areas of danger.
Safety Warnings
The National Weather Service continues to emphasize that any additional rainfall could make the situation even worse, potentially leading to more dangerous flooding in the coming hours. Residents are urged to stay indoors, avoid unnecessary travel, and monitor local weather updates.
This flooding emergency serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of severe weather, and officials are urging everyone to stay safe as crews work to rescue those affected.