The City of Kerrville and Kerr County have declared a disaster following catastrophic flooding that prompted evacuations, water rescues, and at least one death in the Texas Hill Country. The National Weather Service issued a flash flood emergency early Thursday for Hunt, Kerrville, and Ingram after recording 3 to 6 inches of rainfall.
Kerrville Police Chief Jerel Haley urged community members to avoid flooded roadways and stay away from low water crossings. Officials advised residents to follow shelter-in-place guidelines and remain in their homes unless they must leave for safety.
The Guadalupe River experienced significant surges, with gauges at Center Point showing the river rose 32 feet in just four hours. This movement was described by the National Weather Service as a large and deadly flood wave. While the river crested at just over 20 feet in Hunt, meteorologist Avery Tomasco reported that the river continued to rise downstream in Kerrville and other locations.
Infrastructure damage has been reported throughout the area. The Sydney Baker Bridge was closed as a precaution, and the Arcadia Loop bridge sustained significant damage, including a hole roughly 15 to 20 feet deep and a washed-away railing. This damage also caused a major water line break, leaving homes along Arcadia Loop without water.
Two emergency shelters were opened for residents: Calvary Temple at 3000 TX-534 Loop in Kerrville and City West Church at 3139 Junction Highway in Ingram.
Kerrville Public Works reported that the Surface Water Plant went offline, prompting a request for residents to conserve water. While the system switched to groundwater wells and officials stated there is no threat to the overall supply, use was to be minimized as a precaution.
An emergency alert was also issued for residents along Quinlan Creek to evacuate to higher ground due to flooded local roads. Despite temporary easing of rainfall, meteorologists warned that additional heavy, tropical-like rain from the southwest could intensify flooding.
