LIVE BLOG: Disaster declaration issued, fatalities confirmed in Kerr County flooding event
AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Heavy rain overnight has produced over a foot of rainfall in just a few hours in the Hill Country.
The National Weather Service has issued multiple Flash Flood Warnings, with a Flash Flood Emergency declared early Friday morning.
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12:02 p.m.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott provided the following statement regarding the floods in Kerrville.
“Texas is providing all necessary resources to Kerrville, Ingram, Hunt and the entire Texas Hill Country dealing with these devastating floods,” Abbott said. “The State of Texas today has mobilized additional resources in addition to the resources sent in preparation for the storms. I urge Texans to heed guidance from state and local officials and monitor local forecasts to avoid driving into flooded areas.”
Greg Abbott
Acting Governor Dan Patrick issued the following statement from the Texas State Emergency Operations Center:
“I am working in coordination with the state’s emergency response team on the significant flooding that occurred in the Hill Country and Concho Valley regions in the early hours of this morning. The Kerr County Sheriff’s Office has reported catastrophic flooding in the area, with several people missing and confirmed loss of life. Additional rain is forecast in those areas. Even if the rain is light, more flooding can occur in those areas. There is an ongoing threat for possible flash flooding from San Antonio to Waco for the next 24 to 48 hours in addition to the continued risks in west and central Texas.
“I urge Texans in impacted areas to heed the guidance of their local officials. The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) and other state emergency response assets are on the ground assisting Texas communities with response operations and any unmet needs. I will hold a press conference from the Texas State Emergency Operations Center in Austin later this afternoon to brief the public and the media with the latest updates. Media advisory to follow.”
11:59 a.m.
Texas Department of Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller provided the following statement regarding the floods in Kerrville.
“My prayers go out to the families in Kerrville and across the Hill Country who are dealing with the devastation from these deadly floods. We’ve already seen tragic loss of life, and it’s a heartbreaking reminder that catastrophic flash floods can strike fast and without much warning.
Folks, please don’t take chances. Stay alert, follow local emergency warnings, and do not drive through flooded roads.
Farmers and ranchers should take steps now to protect livestock and property. Move animals to higher ground, secure your equipment, and be ready. Preparation saves lives, both human and animal.
Keep our rescuers and first responders in your prayers as they work around the clock to keep Texans safe.
Let’s stay safe and watch out for one another.”
Commissioner Sid Miller
11:44 a.m.
The Llano River near Mason is rising rapidly, up to almost 16'. Flash Flood Warnings continue for portions of San Saba, Mason, and Gillespie County.
11:30 a.m.
The city of Kerrville held a press conference to provide details on the situation in the area following flash flooding.
10:43 a.m.
All low water crossings on Quinlan Creek have been closed, according to the City of Kerrville. Third Street remains open at this time.
Additional closures include:
- Fourth Street
- Second Street and Lytle
- First Street
- Park Street
10:34 a.m.
The Kerr County Sheriff's Office said there was a reunification center set up at Ingram Elementary School, located at 125 Brave Run W, Ingram, TX 78025.
10:30 a.m.
KXAN Meteorologist Tommy House said high-resolution models showed the heaviest rain winding down before 3 p.m., but the river flooding threat will remain through the night.
9:53 p.m.:
KXAN spoke with Saregeant Jonathan Lamb, Public Information Officer with the Kerrville Police Department.
Lamb said the major flooding is impacting the entire county, rescues and evacuations have been ongoing since early this morning and continue at this hour, including in the Hunt area.
Fatalities have been reported and confirmed, but Lamb said there are no fatality numbers reported at the moment.
Authorities currently do not have an estimate of how many homes or businesses have been affected.
9:23 a.m.
The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) said it was working with other state emergency response resources to remain engaged with local officials in support of flooding impacting the state.
8:57 a.m.
Flash Flood Warning issued by NWS for Gillespie County and Mason County. KXAN Meteorologist Tommy House said life-threatening flooding is imminent or occurring. Leave low-lying or flood-prone areas immediately, but do not drive over water-covered roads.
8:43 a.m.
The city of Kerrville's mayor issued a disaster declaration due to severe flooding.
8:41 a.m.
First United Methodist Church, located at 321 Thompson Drive, was established as a shelter for those displaced by the flooding.
Kerrville Fire Department personnel are monitoring area nursing and assisted living homes, which are sheltering in place.
8:30 a.m.
The Kerr County Sheriff's Office has reported fatalities.
"This is a catastrophic flooding event in Kerr County. We can confirm fatalities but will not release further information until next of kin are notified."
The Sheriff's Office said it was working with a wide variety of local and state agencies to respond to calls and rescues.
"The entire county is an extremely active scene. Residents are encouraged to shelter in place and not attempt travel. Those near creeks, streams, and the Guadalupe River should immediately move to higher ground," KCSO said.
8:28 a.m.
8:19 a.m.
On Facebook, the Kerrville Fire Department is monitoring local nursing homes along the Guadalupe River.
"Kerrville Fire Department personnel are on site at nursing homes near the river and will take appropriate evacuation measures if necessary. So far, all nursing home residents are sheltering in place," KFD said.
8:09 a.m.
The City of Kerrville shared in a Facebook post, "due to circumstances out of our control," its 'Fourth on the River' Independence Day celebration has been canceled. The city also said the doors of the Arcadia Live Theater are open to anyone who has been evacuated and needs shelter.
7:59 a.m.
On Facebook, the City of Kerrville shared a list of low water crossings closed and reopened within city limits.
Those crossings are Francisco Lemos, G Street, Schreiner Street at Town Creek, all crossings on Town Creek, Bear Creek Bridge, sections of Water Street that were closed due to flooding are opening again as water recedes, and all crossings on Quinlan Creek are open.
"No other street flooding issues have been reported at this time," the city said.
7:58 a.m.
The City of Kerrville announced in a Facebook post, it has opened an Emergency Shelter in place at First United Methodist Church.
7:47 a.m.
2 ENE Ingram (Kerr County) - Department of Highways reports Flash Flood.
5:44 a.m.
Hunt, Texas - Reports from Emergency Management officials of high water rescues ongoing along the Guadalupe River and South Fork of the Guadalupe River in Hunt, with people trapped on rooftops.
4:35 a.m.
Guadalupe River at Hunt continues to climb to 29.45 feet, with a forecast stage at 33.9 feet. Law enforcement issued reports of flash floods. The Kerr County Sheriff's Office reported several low-water crossings flooded.
4:30 a.m.
Richland Springs - Reports from San Saba County dispatch stating that there was flooding across a street, where the Fire Department could not cross with their fire truck on the way to fight a small house fire.
4:20 a.m.
Guadalupe River at Hunt reached a major status, with a state value of 24.7 feet.
4:03 a.m.
Flash Flood Emergency continues with a catastrophic damage threat.
3:20 a.m.
Guadalupe River at Hunt reaches moderate-stage flooding at 13.99 feet.
2:50 a.m.
Guadalupe River at Hunt stage growth reaches 9.15 feet, just shy of minor flood status.
2:20 a.m.
Guadalupe River at Hunt begins to see stage growth up to 8.54 ft.
1:14 a.m.
Flash Flood Warning issued for portions of Bandera and Kerr County.