Texas Floods: Were Warnings Enough?

Over 100 Lives Lost

Texas was hit by a catastrophic flood on July 4th. Over 100 people lost their lives, many of whom were at Camp Mystic near the Guadalupe River. Reports indicate that alerts were either not received or misunderstood by the public.

Warnings Issued by the National Weather Service (NWS)

The National Weather Service (NWS) sent 22 warnings, urging people to move to higher ground. However, local governments did not issue any alerts, relying solely on the NWS.

The NWS had been warning about rain and floods since July 2nd. The unprecedented 20 inches of rain was a result of storms and the remnants of Tropical Storm Barry.

Timeline of Warnings

July 3rd

Flood watches issued by the NWS, warning of rain and flash floods. These were not emergency alerts.

11:41 p.m. - Bandera County

Warning issued: Flash flooding could be deadly.
Advice: Do not drive through flooded roads.

July 4th

1:14 a.m. - Kerr County
First warning issued, similar to Bandera's.
1:53 a.m. - Bandera County
Another warning issued.
3:35 a.m. - Both Counties
Warning issued: Campers and hikers should avoid streams.
4:03 a.m. - Urgent Warning
"Seek higher ground now!" - First use of urgent language.
4:03 a.m. - Flash Flood Emergency
Guadalupe River flooding.
4 to 10 inches of rain had fallen.
5:34 a.m. - Kerr County
Another warning: Situation is dangerous.
6:06 a.m. - Both Counties
Warning: Rescues are happening.
6:27 a.m. - Kerr County
Repeated urgent message.
7 a.m. - Guadalupe River Peaks
River reached 36 feet.
7:24 a.m. - Kerr and Kendall Counties
Warning: Deadly flood wave moving down the river.
Throughout the Day
Repeated warnings: Seek higher ground.