KERR COUNTY, Texas — Devastating flash floods swept through central Texas this week, leaving multiple fatalities in their wake as emergency crews undertook rescues amid rapidly rising waters near the Guadalupe River. In just a few hours on Friday, July 4, substantial rainfall of up to 10 inches overwhelmed local drainage systems, triggering significant flood warnings for around 30,000 residents.
The heavy downpour caused the Guadalupe River to rise dramatically, with gauges at the community of Hunt reporting a surge of 22 feet in a mere two hours. Officials noted that the measurement tools became submerged, likely indicating even higher water levels. The local sheriff’s office confirmed that lives were lost, although specific details remained undisclosed as search operations continued.
As floodwaters inundated riverfront areas, Texas Governor Greg Abbott reached out to affected communities, pledging state resources to aid Kerrville, Ingram, and Hunt. Abbott urged residents to pay attention to local advisories and refrain from driving in flooded areas. “Heeding guidance from state and local officials can save lives,” he said.
Local meteorologist Bob Fogarty highlighted the unexpected nature of this flooding event. “The water’s moving so fast, you won’t realize the severity until it’s upon you,” he warned, underscoring the dangers posed by swiftly changing river conditions. The Texas Game Wardens are collaborating with local authorities, deploying additional rescue boats to assist in affected regions as they work to reach stranded residents.
In a related incident, severe thunderstorms in central New Jersey led to tragedy as three individuals lost their lives, including two men who perished when a tree fell on their vehicle during the storm. The affected community of Plainfield canceled its Fourth of July festivities, with Mayor Adrian O. Mapp expressing condolences. “This tragedy is a sobering reminder of the power of nature,” he said.
Power outages and damage reports extended beyond New Jersey, affecting parts of southern New England where hail and severe weather prompted widespread concerns. Downed trees and vehicles skidding off roads added to the ongoing recovery challenges.
As authorities continue their response efforts, many residents are grappling with the aftermath of these natural disasters. The upheaval highlights not only the forces of nature at play but also the resilience required for communities to recover from such devastating events. Local officials are focused on assessing damage and coordinating recovery efforts to ensure public safety in the days ahead.