Flash Floods Hit Central Texas: What Happened?

From July 4 to 7, 2025, Central Texas, especially along the Guadalupe River in Kerr, Comal, Burnet, Travis, Kendall, and Tom Green counties, witnessed torrential rains. These storms dropped up to 20 inches of rain, unleashing massive flash floods and ranking among the deadliest U.S. weather disasters since the 1920s.

Fuelled by leftover moisture from Tropical Storm Barry, a slow moving storm stalled over Central Texas, unleashing intense rainfall up to 12 inches per hour in some spots. The steep limestone landscape, known as “Flash Flood Alley,” couldn’t absorb the water fast enough, triggering sudden and dangerous floods. The Guadalupe River rose rapidly, jumping from 22 to nearly 30 feet within hours. In Hunt, gauges recorded a sharp rise to 29 feet before failing. Downstream in Comfort and Kerrville, the river surged between 21 and 29 feet, flooding homes, camps, and roads along its path.

Over 108 fatalities have been confirmed, including 87 in Kerr County, and leaving at least 41 people still missing. Camp Mystic, a girls’ Christian camp near Hunt, was devastated. 27 campers and counsellors died (including five young girls and the camp director), and about 10 remain missing after many cabins were swept away.

Despite the destruction, over 850 people were rescued, with 237 saved in Kerr County, including 167 by helicopter and U.S. Coast Guard swimmer Scott Ruskan alone saved 165 lives on his first mission. In Ingram, Doug and Elizabeth Fuller survived a terrifying four-hour ordeal by clinging to a cedar post after floodwaters swept their home away; miraculously, they escaped with only minor injuries.

Investigations highlight systemic failures. Kerr County lacked sirens and flood warning systems, despite grant applications dating back to 2018. Weather alerts were reportedly delayed, and staffing cuts at the National Weather Service have been cited as a contributing factor.

On TikTok and X, a wave of backlash erupted after Sade Perkins, a former Houston mayoral appointee, labelled CampMystic a “white‑only” school in a post shortly after the tragedy unfolded. She claimed that if Hispanic or Black children had been affected, there wouldn’t be as much public attention. Her comments drew widespread condemnation, including from Rev. Colin Bossen, who publicly distanced his church from her remarks and issued apologies to both the camp victims’ families and his congregation.

I disavow her comments… I apologize to my congregation… Her comments have caused harm to many who are experiencing terrible loss and anxiety.

Governor Greg Abbott declared a state-wide disaster, and President Trump authorized a major disaster declaration on July 6, deploying FEMA, the Coast Guard, the National Guard, and federal search-and-rescue teams. The White House is coordinating a site visit by President Trump pending suitable timing.

Corporate, non-profit organisations, and individual aid have been swift. H‑E‑B mobilized supply trucks and mobile kitchens; Whataburger, World Central Kitchen, Mercy Chefs, USAA, AT&T, and breweries and restaurants in Austin formed hubs for meals, connectivity, and donations. Shakira pledged to donate proceeds from her San Antonio concert to Catholic Charities of San Antonio, aiding flood victims.

This is now one of the deadliest U.S. flood events this century surpassing most except catastrophic events like Hurricane Harvey in 2017. Some experts believe it's among the worst since the 1928 St. Francis Dam failure. Climate scientists tie increased frequency and intensity of such events to warming air, capable of holding and dumping more moisture.

To every Texan and soul impacted by this tragedy, know that you are not alone. As a fellow human, I share in your sorrow and stand with you, hoping for a speedy recovery, both of the land and the spirit.

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