On July 4, 2025, Kerrville and much of Kerr County were hit by a “once‑in‑a‑lifetime” flash flood after 6–10 inches of torrential rain fell late on July 3 into the early hours of the Fourth, overwhelming the Guadalupe River and local waterways kerrcountytx.gov+15ksat.com+15ksbw.com+15. In one harrowing measurement, the river surged 22 feet in just three hours—rising from approximately 7.5 to nearly 30 feet—prompting emergency alerts and multiple flash‑flood warnings nbcdfw.com+1ksbw.com+1.
Fatalities & Missing Individuals
The Kerr County Sheriff’s Office confirmed multiple fatalities, and the exact death toll is still being determined. Local judges and officials hesitated to disclose details until next of kin were notified ksat.com+6kwtx.com+6jambroadcasting.com+6. Some reports, including from NBC DFW, indicate at least six deaths have occurred en.wikipedia.org+5nbcdfw.com+5ksat.com+5. Rescue crews also express grave concern over missing children, including youths at Camp Mystic, with several potentially stranded or unaccounted for kwtx.com+1houstonchronicle.com+1.
Emergency Response
- Disaster declarations:
- The City of Kerrville officially declared a disaster.
- Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly signed a disaster declaration to mobilize emergency response and state support ksat.com+15kwtx.com+15ksat.com+15.
- Evacuations & rescues:
- Residents near the Guadalupe River, creeks, and low-lying areas were told to move to higher ground and shelter in place mysanantonio.com+15kwtx.com+15ksat.com+15.
- Emergency responders carried out high‑water rescues, using boats and helicopters to reach those trapped—including families at lakeside camps ksbw.com.
- Closures & shelters:
- The iconic “Fourth on the River” celebration and events at Louise Hays Park and Kerrville-Schreiner Park were cancelled houstonchronicle.com+15kwtx.com+15jambroadcasting.com+15.
- Several roads and low-water crossings—such as Arcadia Loop, Thompson Drive, Guadalupe Street, and Riverside Drive—were shut down due to high water ksat.com.
- Emergency shelters and reunification centers were set up at locations such as First United Methodist Church (Kerrville) and Ingram Elementary School, Comfort High School, Immanuel Lutheran Church, and Lobby Coffee Shop in Comfort houstonchronicle.com+2kwtx.com+2ksat.com+2.
Infrastructure & Utility Disruption
- Massive flooding: The Guadalupe River near Hunt crested at its second‑highest level on record, surpassing a major event from 1987 reddit.com+6ksat.com+6ksat.com+6. Estimates later suggested river levels near 34–39 feet jambroadcasting.com.
- Utility outages: Over 5,200 power customers were affected in Kerr County, with restoration efforts delayed by flooded streets and debris mysanantonio.com+15ksat.com+15ksat.com+15.
- Transportation disruptions: Numerous roads and bridges were either submerged or battered by floodwaters; low-water crossings and park accesses were closed until conditions improve .
Human Impact & Community Response
- Evacuees facing hardship: Families displaced from homes and camps are staying in emergency centers; reunification efforts are ongoing for those separated houstonchronicle.com.
- Search and rescue in progress: Emergency services are continuing to comb the area, especially at camps and RV parks, where cabins were reportedly swept away houstonchronicle.com.
- Calls for aid: Officials emphasized the need for cooperation and prayers, and urged donations via the Red Cross toward victims of the Guadalupe River flood houstonchronicle.com+1nbcdfw.com+1.
What’s Next
- Floodwaters remain elevated: The Guadalupe River’s crest is expected later today in areas like Spring Branch, with more rain forecasted nbcdfw.com.
- Widespread recovery efforts: County and city officials are assessing structural damage, infrastructure impact, and public safety priorities.
- Resource kick-off: The disaster declarations aim to unlock state and federal support, and strengthen emergency coordination . (The July 25, 2024 declaration is separate, but demonstrates the process.)
🌊 In summary:
Kerrville is currently navigating a catastrophic flash-flood event that has severely impacted lives, infrastructure, and community staples. With ongoing rescue operations, emergency shelters in place, and multi-level response mobilizing, authorities are urging residents to stay safe, heed one another, and support recovery efforts.
