Emergency crews suspend search for flooding victims in central Texas amid new flood warnings
Share this @internewscast.com

KERRVILLE, Texas (AP) — Emergency responders halted their search for individuals affected by the severe flooding in central Texas on Sunday morning due to fresh alerts predicting that more rain would once again cause rivers to overflow.

It was the first time a new round of severe weather has paused the search since the flooding earlier this month.

The Ingram Fire Department instructed their search teams to leave the Guadalupe River area in Kerr County at once, as there is a significant risk of a flash flood. Rescue operations had been underway to locate those missing from the flooding over the July 4 weekend.

Search and rescue efforts were expected to resume on Monday, depending on river flow, Fire Department spokesman Brian Lochte said.

“We’re working with a few crews and airboats and SAR (search-and-rescue) boats just in case,” Lochte said.

As heavy rainfall persisted on Sunday, forecasters from the National Weather Service alerted that the Guadalupe River might climb nearly 15 feet (4.6 meters) by Sunday afternoon, exceeding flood stage by about five feet, enough to submerge the Highway 39 bridge near Hunt.

“Numerous secondary roads and bridges are flooded and very dangerous,” a weather service warning said.

The destructive, fast-moving waters rose 26 feet (8 meters) on the Guadalupe River in just 45 minutes before daybreak on July 4, washing away homes and vehicles. Ever since, searchers have used helicopters, boats and drones to look for victims and to rescue people stranded in trees and from camps isolated by washed-out roads.

The floods laid waste to the Hill Country region of Texas. The riverbanks and hills of Kerr County are filled with vacation cabins, youth camps and campgrounds, including Camp Mystic, the century-old all-girls Christian summer camp.

Located in a low-lying area along the Guadalupe River in a region known as flash flood alley, Camp Mystic lost at least 27 campers and counselors and longtime owner Dick Eastland.

The flood was far more severe than the 100-year event envisioned by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, experts said, and moved so quickly in the middle of the night that it caught many off guard in a county that lacked a warning system.

The sheer amount of rain was overwhelming. Former NOAA chief scientist Ryan Maue, a private meteorologist, calculated on July 5 that the storm had dropped 120 billion gallons of water on Kerr County, which received the brunt of the storm.

This summer, flash flooding driven by bursts of heavy rain turned deadly elsewhere in Texas. In San Antonio in June, more than 7 inches (18 centimeters) of rain fell over a span of hours, prompting dozens of rescues from the fast-rising floodwaters and killing at least 13.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Samantha Harris gives health tips, road to 2025 Bud Billiken Parade, 'UnBroken' documentary on 'Windy City Weekend'

Samantha Harris Shares Health Tips, 2025 Bud Billiken Parade Insights, and ‘UnBroken’ Documentary Featured on ‘Windy City Weekend’

CHICAGO (WLS) — Television host, author, and certified health coach Samantha Harris…
Ronaldo Nunez facing arson, animal cruelty charges in connection with large Blue Island fire in 2000-block of Vermont Street

Ronaldo Nunez Charged with Arson and Animal Cruelty in Blue Island Fire on Vermont Street

A man has been charged with arson and animal cruelty following a…
Grandmother with three grandsons sitting on a rocking chair.

Mother Endures Heartbreak as Hit-and-Run Claims Lives of Twin Toddlers, 8 Years After Another Son’s Tragic Waterfall Accident

A MOTHER tragically lost her twin boys in a hit-and-run just eight…
Man pulled into MRI machine while wearing metal chain in Long Island, New York

Long Island Incident: Man Gets Pulled Into MRI Machine Due to Metal Chain

WESTBURY, New York — A man was magnetically pulled into an MRI…
Smoke billows following Israeli strikes in Damascus.

Israel and Syria Reach Ceasefire Agreement, Says U.S. Envoy Following Days of Airstrikes and Rising Tensions

ISRAEL and Syria have agreed to a ceasefire, a US envoy has…
Willow Springs man William O'Brien charged in Western Springs home invasions, attack, car theft, police say

Willow Springs Resident William O’Brien Arrested for Western Springs Home Invasions, Assault, and Car Theft, Police Report

WESTERN SPRINGS, Ill. (WLS) — A 36-year-old man from Willow Springs is…
Mets will have to wait at least another week for Jesse Winker

Mets Will Need to Wait Another Week for Jesse Winker’s Return

The Mets will be without Jesse Winker at least a while longer. …

Chris Martin’s Awkward Reaction Caught on Camera When CEO Gets Cozy with HR Chief at a Coldplay Concert

Uncomfortable footage has surfaced, showing Chris Martin reacting awkwardly to a moment…
Large fire at the Tomorrowland festival in Boom, Belgium.

Tomorrowland Races to Construct New Stage After Devastating Fire – Festival Start Time Delayed

TOMORROWLAND bosses have pledged to build a whole new main stage in…
Thousands honor John Lewis in 'Good Trouble Lives On'

Massive Crowd Pays Tribute to John Lewis in ‘Legacy of Good Trouble’ Event

Thousands gathered in various locations across the United States, including Jacksonville, to…
Suspect Steven Montano testifies in own defense in trial for murder of Chicago police Officer Andrés Vásquez Lasso

Steven Montano Takes the Stand in Defense During Trial for the Murder of Chicago Officer Andrés Vásquez Lasso

CHICAGO (WLS) — Closing arguments could be presented to the jury as…
WNBA signature sneakers shine at All-Star weekend

WNBA Signature Sneakers Take the Spotlight at All-Star Weekend

Over the last three years, Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and A’ja Wilson…