Devastating floods hit Texas Hill Country for a second year, causing two deaths and widespread damage as nearly 30 inches of rain fell over three days. Rivers are now receding, but officials warn of ongoing risks. Automated warning systems and improved preparedness helped avert a higher toll.
For the second consecutive year, the Texas Hill Country is grappling with extensive flooding and a prolonged recovery period. Over the past three days, parts of South Central Texas experienced nearly 30 inches of rain, triggering widespread flooding that resulted in two fatalities.
As of Friday morning, the rainfall had begun to ease, and major rivers such as the Guadalupe were receding. Hundreds of people were rescued, though officials caution that the Guadalupe, Llano, and Pedernales rivers could still rise due to overnight rains and require close monitoring. The flood event follows similar devastation last year that claimed over 100 lives, prompting improvements in warning systems and emergency preparedness.
Residents and first responders described a dramatic reduction in river flow compared to the previous day. FOX 4 Meteorologist Josh Johns, reporting from Kerrville, noted that the Guadalupe River had dropped approximately 12 to 15 feet since Thursday morning. On Thursday, the river's flow was powerful enough to fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool in about two seconds; by Friday, that timeframe had extended to roughly 20 seconds, indicating a substantial decrease in water volume.
Despite the decline, the river remained loud and rapid, with visible waves and strong currents continuing downstream. The Texas Department of Public Safety reported that a bridge on FM 481 in Uvalde County collapsed overnight due to flooding, highlighting ongoing infrastructure damage. The two confirmed victims have been identified. In Kerr County, a 65-year-old man perished when his recreational vehicle was swept away by floodwaters.
The second victim was a 74-year-old man in Uvalde County whose car was carried off U.S. Highway 83. His family, who live out of state, reportedly ignored warnings not to travel on the flooded roadway. The first victim, John Mark Steward, was mourned by his wife Jennie, who expressed grief on social media while away on a business trip.
Neighbors described how Steward attempted to move to higher ground as his home filled with water, communicating by phone before the structure collapsed. Despite the lower death toll compared to last year, rescue efforts remained extensive. Texas Game Wardens and other responders used boats and helicopters to evacuate families stranded by high water. In the recovery phase, community organizations mobilized to assist flood victims.
The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country established a relief fund to support nonprofit groups involved in cleanup and rebuilding. Local officials credited enhanced warning systems for preventing a higher loss of life. Following last year's tragedy, automated sirens developed by River Sentry were installed along waterways. These sensors detect rising water levels and emit a 130-decibel alarm without human intervention.
Three towers were toppled during the flooding, but all six units were repaired and operational again. Residents reported receiving cellphone alerts and hearing sirens, underscoring improved preparedness and communication that helped mitigate this year's impact
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