Overview: How the Flood Devastates Texas Hill Country on July 4th
In 2025 on July 4th Texas’ Hill Country was hit by a very serious and deadly flood event which saw constant heavy rain cause the Guadalupe River to reach record levels. The disaster left in its wake many dead, large scale evacuations, and extensive property damage which was especially seen in Kerr County and the city of Kerrville. Authorities reported the situation to be “catastrophic” which played out as the whole region remained an emergency zone as search and rescue efforts went on.
Timeline: When the Flood Devastates Texas Hill Country
Early Morning Rainfall Sparks Flash Floods
During the night and into the early morning the Texas Hill Country saw intense rainfall which in some areas totalled between 5 to 11 inches by 9 a.m. The National Weather Service reported that an additional 1 to 2 inches was possible before the system broke up for good by mid day.
The heavy rainfall brought on rapid onset of flooding in Kerr, Bandera, and nearby counties. The NWS reported the event to be “very dangerous and life threatening” which is why they urged all residents near creeks, streams, and the Guadalupe River to get to higher ground at once.
Guadalupe River Surges to Historic Flood Levels
By morning the Guadalupe River at Hunt in western Kerr County had reached over 29 feet which was the river’s second highest level on record and we saw that which put it past the 1987 flood which had tragic memories of 10 teen deaths in Texas.
The river saw a 20 to 30 foot high “life threatening flood wave” which moved down stream from Hunt to Ingram and Kerrville. At the USGS river gauge in Hunt reporting broke off as we approached all time records which is a sign that we were in for very large scale damage.
Communities Hit Hard as Flood Devastates Texas Hill Country
Kerrville and Kerr County at the Epicenter
Kerrville a city of 25,000 which is 60 miles to the northwest of San Antonio was particularly hard hit. Roads turned to soup and we had water rescue operations as residents got trapped by the fast rising flood waters.
The Kerr County Sheriff’s Office reported that there were fatalities in the incident but is holding full details until they have notifed next of kin. Also at the time the whole county was a very active emergency response zone which saw emergency services very stretched across many rescue operations 239.
Mayor Joe Herring Jr. declared a state of emergency in Kerrville and activated the city’s emergency response which in turn called off the annual July 4th celebration, “Fourth of July at the River” which had to cancel also as Louise Hays Park and other public areas filled up with water.
Comfort Sees Mandatory Evacuations
In Comfort, Texas, officials ordered the evacuation of residents which included those along the Guadalupe River. The Comfort Volunteer Fire Department sounded the alarm and at once told all the low area residents to go — they said the situation is getting worse.
Residents were told to take along essential documents, medications, clothing, and valuables as they went to higher ground for safety. Police and fire departments helped with the evacuations and we also set up a reuniting center at a local Walmart which also served as a temporary shelter.
San Angelo Impacted by Expanding Floodwaters
The flood impact went beyond that which was seen in Kerr County. In San Angelo, a city which is some 150 miles from Kerrville, road intersections were flooded and water reached the level of road signs. The NWS in San Angelo reported on multiple flooded roads and homes which they described as life threatening.
Infrastructure and Road Closures as Flood Devastates Texas Hill Country
In many places around Kerrville and in the surrounding areas roads and low water fords were reported closed. Also on Quinlan Creek all crossings were shut down as well as Fourth, Second, and Lytle, First and Park Streets. At the time of the last report only Third Street was still open.
Additional affected areas were Arcadia Loop, large sections of Thompson Drive, Guadalupe Street, Rio Robles, and Riverside Drive. Also report of livestock in the flood plain which may result in animal drownings.
Structures in the river’s path which included homes, cabins, and businesses were damaged beyond repair or swept away by the flood which saw the first ever for that area of non-flooding.
Search, Rescue, and Recovery After the Flood Devastates Texas Hill Country
Emergency services, which include local police, fire departments, and county officials, reported to high water rescues all morning and into the afternoon. Many of the residents had taken to their roofs or to their cars as the water rose at an alarming rate.
Helicopters stood by for more rescue efforts, also as the waters went down search and recovery operations were to step up.
The city of Kerrville and Kerr County worked with state agencies to provide shelter, reunification, and support for displaced residents.
Fatalities and Missing Persons from the July 4th Flood Event
As of recent reports at least six people have died in Kerr County as a result of the flood, which may see that number grow as rescue teams report back.
Reports of a family from Kerrville which went missing after their home was washed away by the flood. At present authorities are holding back release of more info until they speak to the relatives.
In 2025 the flood broke all records of the 1987 Guadalupe River flood in terms of river height and impact which in turn has made of that the most severe natural disaster in our region’s history.
Warnings and Community Alerts During the Independence Day Flood
Residents in the affected areas were asked to stay put, to avoid all travel, and if near creeks, streams or the Guadalupe River to go to higher ground.
Turn the other way, not in the water.
In Kerrville and outlying communities this year we saw the 4th of July events cancelled as emergency response took over from holiday celebration.
Conclusion: Flood Devastates Texas Hill Country and Leaves Long-Term Impact
In 2025 on July 4th the Great flood along the Guadalupe River had left in its wake a trail of destruction, heartbreak and uncertainty in Texas’ Hill Country. We saw multiple fatalities, wide spread evacuations and ongoing search and rescue efforts which served as a sobering reminder of the power of nature and the importance of preparedness and community resilience. As the water began to recede the focus turned to recovery and reconstruction but the scars of this historic flood will be felt for years to come.
References
- National Weather Service – San Antonio
- Kerr County Sheriff’s Office Official Facebook
- USGS Water Data – Guadalupe River at Hunt
- Texas Division of Emergency Management
- San Angelo Live Local Coverage
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