Texas Hit by More Floods: 'Code Red' Issued in Kerr County After Heavy Rainfall

Texas Braces for More Flooding After Heavy Rainfall

Texas is facing yet another round of severe weather, with heavy rains triggering flash flood warnings across the state, particularly in areas already reeling from recent devastating floods.

'Code Red' Issued in Kerr County

Kerr and Gillespie Counties were particularly hard hit, experiencing what officials described as "life-threatening" flash flooding. Rainfall rates reached alarming levels, with projections of 1 to 2 inches per hour. In response, the Sheriff's office of Kerr County issued a "code red," urging residents in vulnerable areas to prepare for potential evacuation along the Guadalupe River.

"It is not an evacuation but a preparation notification. Be prepared to evacuate along the Guadalupe River due to bad weather and flooding," the notification stated, addressing the county's population of 50,000.

Guadalupe River Poses a Threat

Kerr County remains particularly vulnerable. The Guadalupe River, which experienced a rapid rise of 20 feet in just 90 minutes during the previous flooding event on July 4, is once again a major concern. Search operations related to the earlier tragedy were temporarily halted as the heavy rains resumed.

In Kerrville, authorities, who have faced criticism for their response to the initial flooding, took proactive measures, going door-to-door after midnight to warn residents of the potential danger. Phone alerts were also deployed to notify residents in the affected areas.

Statewide Response

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has mobilized state resources to assist in the flood response. "Texas Task Force One and Texas Parks & Wildlife are making swift water rescues in Lampasas County. We continue to monitor all counties with a focus on saving lives," Abbott posted on X.

The state has broadened its rescue operations, initially focused on Kerr County, to include San Saba, Lampasas, and Schleicher counties. Evacuations are currently underway in Lampasas, Menard, Kimble, and Sutton counties.

According to Ashley Johnson, CEO of the San Saba-based nonprofit Hill Country Community Action Association, the recent wave of flooding has caused significant damage, impacting around 100 homes and destroying extensive stretches of cattle fencing. "Anything you can imagine in a rural community was damaged," Johnson stated.

Forecasters warned that the Guadalupe River could swell to nearly 15 feet by Sunday afternoon, exceeding the flood stage by approximately five feet. This could potentially submerge the Highway 39 bridge in Hunt, a small town known as the location of Camp Mystic.

"Numerous secondary roads and bridges are flooded and very dangerous," said a weather service warning.