Heavy Rains Halt Rescue Operations in Flood-Ravaged Central Texas

Heavy rains have triggered new flash flood warnings across Central Texas, further complicating rescue efforts for the 170 individuals still missing following the July 4th floods. The warnings, issued for areas including Kerr County, have paused search operations as rescue teams navigate the rising waters.
The National Weather Service has warned of "life-threatening flash floods" in regions like the Guadalupe River and Lampasas River, where waters have risen rapidly—33 feet in just four hours in some areas. Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced that rescue operations are underway in multiple counties, including San Saba, Lampasas, and Schleicher, while evacuations are underway in several others.
Highway 39, a key route through Kerrville, has been closed to all but emergency personnel and local residents. The Guadalupe River is expected to rise to 15 feet by Sunday evening, submerging the Highway 39 bridge in Hunt.
Despite the ongoing rainfall, James Cheshire of an R.V. park in Lampasas reported that his facility remains safe, though steady rain has continued since early Sunday morning. The region is still reeling from the July 4th floods, which deposited an estimated 120 billion gallons of water in Kerr County alone, leaving at least 129 dead.
Authorities are urging extreme caution as saturated ground exacerbates flood risks. Rescue operations remain a critical priority as the region braces for further weather challenges.

Published: 7/13/2025