South Central Texas is grappling with a severe flash flood emergency this Fourth of July, 2025, as historic rainfall has triggered a “deadly flood wave” along the Guadalupe River. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued urgent warnings, prompting widespread evacuations and high-water rescues across affected areas, including San Angelo and Kerrville.
The crisis unfolded early Friday morning after torrential downpours. Near San Angelo, automated rain gauges reported a staggering 12-15 inches of rain, leading to the first Flash Flood Emergency. Shortly thereafter, a second emergency was declared near Kerrville, where the Guadalupe River experienced a dramatic rise of several feet in just a few hours. Kerr County alone saw over 7 inches of rain within a six-hour period, with western parts of the county likely receiving at least a foot of precipitation, according to FOX Weather and CBS Austin.
The Guadalupe River, a popular destination for recreation like tubing, rafting, and fishing, has reached critical levels. NOAA river gauges initially showed the river at nearly 30 feet, but it quickly surged to 34 feet in Kerrville. While the flood gauge is no longer reporting at that height, meteorologists believe the river may have surpassed its previous record of 36 feet. The NWS described the situation as particularly dangerous, noting that the river has reached its second-highest height on record, exceeding the levels seen during the infamous 1987 flood. That historical event, which also saw nearly 12 inches of rain, resulted in a tragic incident where a bus carrying children was swept away, leading to 10 fatalities, as detailed by Wikipedia.
The rapid and extreme rise of the river is a stark reminder of its volatile nature. For context, the river’s flow is typically controlled by Canyon Dam, and local authorities in New Braunfels generally deem it too dangerous for recreational purposes if the flow gauge exceeds 1,000 cubic feet per second (cfs). In a dramatic example from October 2013, the river in New Braunfels rose from 74 cfs to 33,500 cfs in just 75 minutes. The current conditions far exceed these thresholds, with the City of New Braunfels advising that flows above 3,000 cfs are only suitable for guided trips, and anything above 750 cfs requires life jackets for all persons (New Braunfels City).
The impact on communities has been immediate and severe. Kerrville police urged all residents near the Guadalupe River to evacuate immediately, emphasizing, “This is a life-threatening event. Do not wait.” A nearby Walmart has been designated as a shelter for evacuees. Reports indicate ongoing high-water and home rescues, with some individuals trapped on rooftops. In Hunt, Texas, parents frantically called Camp Rio Vista, a children’s summer camp, seeking updates on their children’s safety. Kendall County Emergency Management also issued a mandatory evacuation for all residents in affected areas along the river. Fortunately, there are no initial reports of injuries or deaths (FOX Weather).
The culprit behind this deluge is a stationary front draped across the region, aided by an upper-level disturbance moving through the Four Corners. The forecast indicates that rounds of rain and storms will continue to move through Texas on Friday and Saturday, exacerbating flash flood concerns. Flood Watches remain in effect for West Texas and parts of New Mexico, where an additional 3-5 inches of rain could fall. First responders continue to issue the critical warning: “Turn around, don’t drown.”
As communities brace for more rainfall, residents are strongly advised to heed all evacuation orders and emergency warnings to ensure their safety during this unfolding natural disaster.
