News Summary
Life-threatening flash flooding has struck the Texas Hill Country, leading to emergency warnings and mandatory evacuations in multiple counties. Heavy rains have caused rivers to rise dramatically, with significant road closures impacting rescue operations. Authorities are urging residents to stay clear of flooded areas as conditions continue to deteriorate. Emergency services are on high alert, coordinating efforts to assist stranded individuals and pets as flash flood warnings remain in effect across several counties. The situation underscores the immediate dangers posed by severe weather events.
Hill Country, Texas – Life-threatening flash flooding has struck the Texas Hill Country, prompting emergency warnings and mandatory evacuations in several counties. Heavy rain began falling across central Texas on July 13, 2025, leading to significant road closures and dangerous conditions as the National Weather Service (NWS) issued flash flood warnings in multiple areas.
As of 3:15 AM on July 13, Lampasas County reported up to 6 inches of rain, which resulted in the Lampasas River rising a staggering 33 feet in just four hours. Severe flooding has been captured on social media, including footage showing the brutal conditions at Sulphur Creek in Lampasas.
San Saba County officials have initiated a mandatory evacuation for residents located south of the San Saba River, east of Highway 16 (High Street), and north of Hwy. 190 (Wallace Street). Additionally, flash flood warnings cover Gillespie, Llano, Burnet, Hays, Blanco, Travis, and Williamson counties, with specific times listed through July 13, 2025, amidst ongoing rainfall.
Flood warnings have also been issued for Mason County until July 15 and for San Saba County until July 17, highlighting the continued threat from rapidly rising water levels. The Guadalupe River at Hunt in Kerr County is currently under flood warning conditions, with expectations that it will crest at 13.2 feet late on July 13 before subsequently receding.
To manage the influx of runoff, the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) has opened floodgates at Wirtz Dam, with additional floodgates scheduled to be opened at Starcke Dam. A flood watch remains in effect for parts of Central Texas until July 14, forecasting an additional 2 to 4 inches of rain, exacerbating the already critical situation.
Many roads and low-water crossings are currently impassable due to the heavy flooding, severely hampering emergency services and impeding rescue operations. Emergency crews have been dispatched to assist numerous stranded individuals and pets, as rising water levels continue to pose a significant danger.
Residents are strongly advised to stay clear of areas near rivers and creeks where water levels are peaking. The Lampasas city departments have issued alerts regarding closed low-water crossings and roads that are now impassable after the intense flooding. An Emergency Alert has been disseminated to communicate the serious threats posed by flash floods, urging residents to refrain from non-essential travel unless evacuating.
Search and rescue teams are on standby as officials continue to monitor floodwaters and coordinate responses to emergencies. In Travis County, recreational water activities have been banned in certain zones to prevent accidents due to unsafe conditions. The ongoing threat of more severe weather looms, with increased flash flooding possibilities in the Austin metro area.
Emergency management agencies have established command centers and are actively utilizing multiple communication channels to keep the public informed about the evolving situation. As rain persists across the region, other counties are being placed under flood advisories to alert residents to the potential dangers.
This ongoing weather event underscores the significant and immediate risks associated with flash flooding, and all residents in the affected areas are urged to remain vigilant and prepared for further developments as conditions continue to deteriorate.
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Additional Resources
- KXAN: Today’s Forecast
- Wikipedia: Flash Flood
- CBS Austin: Flash Flood Warnings Issued
- Google Search: Hill Country Texas flooding
- Austin American-Statesman: Austin Area Under Flash Flood Warning
- Google Scholar: Texas floods
- New York Times: Texas Rain and Flooding
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas floods
- KXAN: Central Texas on Alert
- Google News: Texas flood
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