Texas Hill Country Historic Flooding: A Simple Guide for Beginners

Big rain fell across Central Texas and turned rivers and creeks into dangerous, overflowing waterways. The National Weather Service (a government group that watches the weather) sent out many flash flood warnings and emergency notices. Think of a flash flood like a surprise bathtub overflow outside—water rises super fast and can be deadly.

What Happened Overall

• Heavy rain flooded rivers and creeks in Central Texas.
• The National Weather Service issued multiple flash flood warnings and emergency notices.
• Texas Game Wardens (like local nature police who help in emergencies) helped rescue more than 40 people from cars and homes stuck in water, especially in hard-hit Uvalde County.

Important Point: If you ever see flooding, never drive into water on the road. "Turn around, don’t drown"—even a little moving water can sweep your car away.

Help From Rescuers

• Texas Game Wardens said that by July 16 at 3 p.m., they alone had done:
  • 147 rescues
  • 83 evacuations (helping people leave dangerous areas)
  • 5 pet/animal evacuations
• They were sent to these counties: Uvalde, Medina, Kerr, Bandera, Real, Val Verde, Kimble, and Comal.

• They keep answering calls about high water.

• Cajun Navy 2016 (a volunteer group from Louisiana that helps in disasters) sent trained people to Kerr County to help with water rescues. They went to Center Point, where the river hit 37 feet early Thursday.

  • Their founder said: "Our hearts are with the families… our mission is simple: show up, help where we’re needed, and stand alongside first responders."
  • Every volunteer is trained to rescue in fast water.
• Travis County sent 2 helicopters and 1 crew to help south-central Texas. Judge Andy Brown said: follow evacuation orders, call 911 if emergency, and sign up for alerts at WarnCentralTexas.org.

July 16 Updates (Timeline)

Here is what happened through the day, like a diary:

Early Morning

• 6:53 a.m. Rescue boats are in Kerr County. Two bridges washed away. Ten people stuck on a barn roof were rescued. The Guadalupe River rose 22 feet in less than an hour!
• 7:22 a.m. Bandera County opened shelters:
  • Lakehills United Methodist Church
  • Silver Sage Hill Country Resource Center
• 7:40 a.m. Kendall County opened shelters:
  • Comfort High School
  • Kendall County Golden Age Center
  • They told people: move to high ground now, don’t wait.
• 8:02 a.m. Kerrville told people near Quinlan Creek to leave. Water plant offline; please use less water (just to be safe).
• 8:40 a.m. Uvalde opened shelters as Leona, Nueces, and Frio rivers rose.

Mid-Morning

• 9 a.m. Many roads closed in Frio, Uvalde, Zavala counties.
• 9:16 a.m. New flood sirens sounded at a campground near Ingram to warn people.
• 9:35 a.m. Flood warnings extended for Mason, Gillespie, Blanco counties.
• 10:09 a.m. Highway 16 South closed at Fredericksburg due to water on bridge.
• 10:23 a.m. Uvalde opened more shelters:
  • Flores Elementary
  • Dalton Elementary
  • Southwest Texas College

Late Morning / Noon

• 11 a.m. Kerr County update: multiple rescues, all youth campers safe, river at 37 feet in Center Point. Three shelters open:
  • Kerrville: Calvary Temple
  • Ingram: City West Church
  • Center Point: Center Point ISD Gym
• 11:26 a.m. Flood watches updated for several counties.
• Kendall County: River crested at 37 feet (near historic). No deaths there. 68 people sheltered. Red dye in water was safe (from a flooded farm dye drum).
• Wilson County: Alert for possible flash flood emergency in 24–48 hours.

Afternoon

• 12:30 p.m. Kerr County confirmed 1 death recovered near Center Point.
• 12:45 p.m. Dams will open floodgates; water flows to Lake Travis.
• 1:40 p.m. Flood warnings extended for Mason and Llano counties.
• 1:58 p.m. Travis County helping with helicopters.
• 2:14 p.m. Gov. Abbott to speak at 5 p.m.
• 2:50 p.m. Kerrville press conference at 4 p.m.
• 3:12 p.m. Kerr County posted shelter info on Facebook.
• 3:35 p.m. Water rising at LBJ Park playground.
• 3:49 p.m. Sirens from 2025 floods helped alert campers this time.
• 4 p.m. Uvalde had dozen rescues Wednesday.
• 4:02–4:32 p.m. More flood advisories; Kerrville said they are "still reeling" from last year’s floods.
• 4:28 p.m. Game Wardens totals (see above).
• 5:06 p.m. Gov. Abbott: 2 deaths confirmed (Comfort man in RV, Uvalde woman in car).
• 5:15 p.m. Donation site: rebuildtx.org
• 5:20–5:29 p.m. Pedernales River rising; Gillespie hard-hit; 2 deaths confirmed.

Evening

• 6:23 p.m. Uvalde: 74-year-old man ignored warnings, died.
• 6:54 p.m. Fredericksburg: 30+ rescues mostly 5–9 a.m.
• 7:55 p.m. Gillespie flood advisory until 1 a.m.
• 9:08 p.m. Kerr County victim identified: 65-year-old John Mark Steward, RV swept away.
• 9:18 p.m. Kerr flood warning until July 17 6 p.m.
• 9:40 p.m. Lake Travis to rise 5–7 feet; stay out of water.
• 10:29 p.m. Aerial video of Pedernales River shown.

Shelters Open

If you needed a safe place, here are some that opened:

• Kerr County: Calvary Temple (Kerrville), City West Church (Ingram), Center Point ISD Gym
• Uvalde: Flores Elementary, Dalton Elementary, Southwest Texas College
• Kendall: Comfort High School, Golden Age Center
• Bandera: Lakehills UMC, Silver Sage Center

How You Can Stay Safe

1. Listen to local officials and weather alerts.
2. If you live near a river or low ground, move to higher place early.
3. Never drive into flooded roads—turn around.
4. Call 911 if you are in danger.
5. Sign up for local emergency alerts (like WarnCentralTexas.org or text KENDALL to 69310).

Important Point: The Hill Country is called "Flash Flood Alley" because water can rise super fast. Always take warnings seriously.

Summary

Central Texas had historic flooding on July 16. Rivers like the Guadalupe and Pedernales rose fast, roads closed, and many people were rescued by Game Wardens, Cajun Navy, and local teams. Sadly, at least two deaths were confirmed (later a third identified). Shelters opened in many counties. Officials say: stay alert, don’t drive in water, and help neighbors if you can. Donations can be made at rebuildtx.org.

FAQ

Q: What is a flash flood?
A: It is when water rises very fast after heavy rain, often in minutes, and can be deadly.

Q: Why is the red water in Kendall County not dangerous?
A: A farm drum with red dye flooded; officials checked and said the dye is safe and non-toxic.

Q: How can I help flood victims?
A: You can donate through the state site rebuildtx.org or give supplies to groups like Hill Country Daily Bread.

Q: What should I do if I see a flooded road?
A: Never drive through it. Turn around and find another way—it only takes a little water to sweep a car.

Q: Are the campers safe?
A: Yes, officials confirmed all youth campers in Kerr County were accounted for and safe.