Timeline

On Friday, July 4, 2025, the Guadalupe River rose to 26 feet within 45 minutes, resulting in flooding in the Texas Hill Country. On Wednesday, state emergency response resources were activated due to a potential for flooding in West and Central Texas. Many are upset due to the lack of sufficient warning from weather services. The warning was only issued by the National Weather Service, Austin/San Antonio, warning of moderate to heavy showers in the Hill Country. On Thursday morning, the Texas Division of Emergency Management posted on X explaining flood threats and emergency protocols. Furthermore, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick was vague and unclear on where the flooding and storms would hit. A flood watch was then issued Thursday afternoon, which was interpreted as just a mere warning and not a severe threat. Early Friday morning was when the tragedy ensued. The flood watch was changed into a flood warning, and the area of impact was expanded. The threat of flooding was imminent. 

By 4 a.m., there was no storm brewing, and the flooding seemed to be a false alarm. However, by 5:15 a.m., a flash flood emergency was announced. The flood plans surrounding the area were outdated, and there were unknowns about how to proceed with the floods. Throughout the morning, warnings from city, county, and state officials were sent out across social media platforms, warning people near the river to get to higher ground and wait for first responders and others coming to help. Currently, response teams can trek through the grounds near the river and search, which they are only able to do now that the floods have subsided. 

Casualties

Currently, 67 people have died in the floods, with 59 of those found in Kerr County. There are likely more and response teams currently searching. Hundreds have been rescued and many have been airlifted from the region. 

Government Response

First responders and government officials were unsure how to proceed with the incident. They did not know if they should frighten the public unnecessarily or take precautionary measures to ensure the safety of citizens. 

Public Upset

Much of the public is upset by the response of government officials due to the lack of information from them regarding the severity of the flooding, and giving untimely updates and warnings. Others argue that it is hard to decipher weather events, and creating public unrest unnecessarily would cause chaos that might be dangerous to those who try to flee the surrounding areas and cause unsafe driving in possibly unsafe weather conditions.