News Summary
Texas is once again under threat from flooding as recovery efforts continue in Central Texas following devastating storms. Flood watches have been issued for several counties, including Austin and Kerrville, with further rain anticipated, which could exacerbate the already dire situation. The heavy rainfall has led to ongoing evacuations and a rising death toll, with many people still missing. Emergency teams are engaged in rescue operations, making the safety of residents a top priority as officials warn of hazardous conditions.
Austin, Texas – On July 13, 2025, Texas faces a renewed flood threat as the state grapples with ongoing recovery efforts following deadly flooding just over a week ago. Flood watches have been issued for numerous counties across Central Texas, including high-risk areas such as Austin and Kerrville. As weather conditions fluctuate, further rain is anticipated, raising concerns about additional flooding in regions still reeling from recent storms.
Rainfall is expected to pause in the afternoon, allowing a brief respite before intensifying again overnight. Weather forecasts indicate that some areas could receive between 3 to 5 inches of additional rain, while isolated locations may see even higher amounts. With the ground already saturated from previous rainfall, the potential for significant flooding remains high, as even minor amounts of rain could trigger new deluges. In light of these predictions, emergency recovery efforts, which had been temporarily suspended, resumed Sunday afternoon in Kerr County.
Governor Greg Abbott confirmed that rescues are currently underway in several counties, including San Saba, Lampasas, and Schleicher. Further compounding the crisis, evacuations are ongoing in numerous Central Texas counties as water levels rise. Kerrville, identified as the hardest-hit city in Kerr County, is coping with severe flooding consequences from the storms that occurred over the holidays. Reports indicate that at least 161 individuals from the Kerr County area are currently unaccounted for.
In the ongoing rescue operations, which have included “dozens” of rescues in the Lampasas area according to Governor Abbott, officials warned about the serious flood threat to the San Saba River, which is expected to rise above 30 inches due to additional weekend rainfall. Furthermore, police in Kerrville announced a temporary pause in search operations due to dangerous flood conditions, necessitating the evacuation of the river corridor. Authorities issued flash flood warnings as thunderstorms proceeded to impact the area.
All eyes are on Kerr County, where a flash flood warning for parts of the region was released on Sunday morning, amid forecasts predicting rainfall rates of 1 to 2.5 inches per hour. A flood watch will remain effective until 9 a.m. on Monday, with local officials urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel due to the hazardous conditions. They emphasized caution around low water crossings, which have a history of trapping unsuspecting individuals during flood events.
The death toll from the floods statewide has tragically increased to at least 132, with 166 others reportedly still missing. Search and rescue efforts involve not only emergency teams but also volunteers deploying drones and conducting searches on the ground, despite the challenging and dangerous conditions.
In response to the extensive flooding, Governor Abbott expanded the federal disaster declaration to encompass additional counties impacted by this crisis. Authorities have implemented door-to-door checks to alert residents of potential flooding hazards post-midnight on July 13. National Weather Service alerts continue to warn of a heightened risk for flash floods, urging people to seek higher ground.
Water levels in the Guadalupe River are projected to reach nearly 15 feet, exceeding flood stage by approximately 5 feet. The floodwaters have severely affected Kerr County, particularly impacting vacation cabins and youth camps awaiting summer activities along the Guadalupe River. One notably affected location, Camp Mystic, reported a tragic loss of at least 27 campers and counselors as a result of the flooding.
Texas residents faced an unprecedented weather event, with over 120 billion gallons of water estimated to have fallen in Kerr County during this disaster. The flooding was characterized as far worse than a typical 100-year flood, leaving many residents unprepared and vulnerable. Criticism regarding the federal government’s handling of the disaster response through FEMA has emerged in light of the catastrophic damage sustained by the community.
As Texas braces for further storms and potential flooding, local authorities continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of the public, emphasizing the importance of preparedness in such unpredictable weather circumstances.
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Additional Resources
- New York Times: Texas Rain and Flooding
- Wikipedia: Texas Floods
- USA Today: Texas Flooding Updates
- Google Search: Texas Flooding July 2025
- Wall Street Journal: Texas RV Communities Flood
- Google Scholar: Texas Flood 2025
- CBS News: Texas Flood Threat
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas Flood 2025
- CNN: Flash Flooding Texas Weather
- Google News: Texas Flash Flooding 2025
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
