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By Gabe Whisnant
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Death and destruction swept through Texas Hill Country on Friday as torrential rains unleashed catastrophic flooding, leading to multiple fatalities and triggering urgent boat rescues.
There were new warnings of flash flooding and more rain forecast on Monday.
Months' worth of rainfall fell within just a few hours on Friday morning, overwhelming riverfront communities and forcing emergency teams to evacuate children's summer camps threatened by rising water.
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In central Kerr County, up to 10 inches of rain inundated the area overnight into Friday, causing the Guadalupe River to swell rapidly and overflow its banks, sparking widespread flash flooding.
The deadly floods have taken the lives of at least 80 people, including many children, across Central Texas, officials told The Associated Press. The death toll was expected to rise.
Sixty-eight of those deaths were in Kerr County alone.
Camp Mystic, a summer camp in Kerr County, said that at least 27 girls and counsellors were killed. There were 11 campers and one counselor believed to be missing from the all-girls Christian summer camp.
"We have been in communication with local and state authorities who are tirelessly deploying extensive resources to search for our missing girls," the camp said in a statement posted on its website. "We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of support from community, first responders, and officials at every level."
Interactive maps by Windy.com show the affected areas and the severity of the Texas flooding.
Texas Floods: Weather Radar
NWS Issues New Flood Warnings for Texas
The NWS issues several new flood warnings for central Texas on Monday.
Gov. Greg Abbott warned that further heavy rains lasting into Tuesday could lead to more dangerous flooding, especially in places already saturated.
The new warnings came even as rescue crews searched urgently for the missing.
Abbott said Sunday that 41 people were unaccounted for across the state and that more people could be missing.
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Texas Floods: Thunderstorms Live Tracker Map
Rescue Efforts Continue
Crews operating heavy machinery continued to remove massive tree trunks and twisted branches clogging the river.
Despite official warnings to stay clear, volunteers—including some relatives of the missing—arrived at the disaster site and launched their own searches.
Authorities now face mounting questions about the adequacy of flood warnings and disaster preparedness in a region historically prone to flash flooding. Critics have called for a thorough review of emergency protocols.
President Donald Trump signed a major disaster declaration for Kerr County on Sunday, pledging federal support and announcing plans to visit the area later in the week. "I would have done it today," Trump said, "but we'd just be in their way."
"It's a horrible thing that took place, absolutely horrible," he told reporters.
Texas Floods: Satellite Forecast
Survivors Recount Clinging to Trees
Survivors of the deadly flooding in the Texas Hill Country have begun recounting harrowing experiences. Some described being swept off their feet by surging waters, clinging to parts of trees as uprooted trunks and overturned vehicles hurtled past in the torrent. Others sought refuge in attic crawlspaces, praying the rising floodwaters would stop short of reaching them.
Texas Floods: Rain Accumulation
What Happens Next
The National Weather Service in Fort Worth issued a flash flood warning early Monday morning for portions of Bell, Coryell, and Lampasas counties, where heavy rain from slow-moving thunderstorms is already causing dangerous conditions.
As of 7:13 a.m. CDT, radar indicated that 1.5 to 2.5 inches of rain had already fallen, with an additional 1 to 2 inches expected.
Communities, including Killeen, Copperas Cove, Fort Cavazos, and Kempner, are at risk for flash flooding, especially in low-lying areas, underpasses, and small creeks. Officials urge residents to avoid flooded roads and heed the warning: "Turn around, don't drown."
This article includes reporting by The Associated Press.
Update: 7/4/25, 11:59 p.m. ET: This article was updated with new information.
Update: 7/5/25, 1:13 p.m. ET: This article was updated with new information.
Update: 7/6/25, 10:18 a.m. ET: This article was updated with new information.
Update: 7/6/25, 10:32 a.m. ET: This article was updated with new information.
Update: 7/6/25, 11:42 a.m. ET: This article was updated with new information.
Update: 7/6/25, 6:00 p.m. ET: This article was updated with new information.
Update: 7/7/25, 8:34 a.m. ET: This article was updated with new information.
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