logo
Texas floods mapped: Here are the affected areas as death toll rises

Texas floods mapped: Here are the affected areas as death toll rises

Yahoo08-07-2025
The search for two dozen missing people entered its fifth day on Tuesday after catastrophic flash floods swept through Central Texas last week.
At least 104 people have been killed following torrential downpours that began Thursday after the Guadalupe River burst from its banks on Friday, rising by 20 feet in roughly 95 minutes.
Twenty-seven young girls and staff members were killed at Camp Mystic, an all-girls Christian summer camp situated on the river.
Maps reveal the devastation seen in Kerr County, where authorities revealed 28 children were among the 84 victims in the flood-ravaged region.
In Austin, at least 13 people were also killed in associated flooding, and 15 remain unaccounted for, according to an official tally released by officials Monday.
Authorities said at least seven people were killed in Travis County, six in Kendall County, five in Burnett County, two in Williamson County, one in Tom Green County, and two more in Kendall County.
In Kerr County, first responders were forced to navigate uprooted trees, swept-away buildings, and large piles of debris during their operations. There were also power outages thanks to 40 downed power lines, officials said.
Ten girls from Camp Mystic and one counselor remained missing on Monday evening. The camp reported that the floods had killed 27 campers and staff members.
'That's every parent's nightmare,' Texas Senator Ted Cruz told reporters.
Responding to a question about an emergency warning system, Cruz said there had always been a risk of flooding along the river and that everyone would evacuate people if they could go back in time.
'Evacuation is a delicate balance,' said Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice at the same press conference.
'Because if you evacuate too late, you then risk putting buses or cars or vehicles or campers on roads into low-water areas trying to get them out, which then can make it even more challenging. Because these flash floods happen very quickly.'
First responders had been swept off the road while trying to help, he added.
City leadership and local forecasters have been the subject of intense scrutiny regarding emergency response, including the timing of alerts and the dissemination of information from the National Weather Service on Friday morning.
Forecasters had warned about a 'particularly dangerous situation,' with between five and 10 inches falling in south-central Kerr County over just three to six hours.
Other meteorologists and former National Weather Service employees have defended the actions of the San Antonio, Austin, and San Angelo offices.
However, officials have repeatedly said there was more rain than had been predicted.
'The original forecast that we received Wednesday from the National Weather Service predicted 3-6 inches of rain in the Concho Valley and 4-8 inches in the Hill Country,' Texas Emergency Management Chief W. Nim Kidd told reporters last week.
'The amount of rain that fell at this specific location was never in any of those forecasts.'
Flood watches and warnings remained in effect throughout the day on Monday near the Rio Grande River.
'There remains a threat of flash flooding from slow-moving heavy rains overnight and through the day on Monday somewhere over the watch area,' the City of Kerrville warned on Facebook.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Advisory in effect as a heat dome is expected to raise temps to triple digits across South, Midwest
Advisory in effect as a heat dome is expected to raise temps to triple digits across South, Midwest

Yahoo

time5 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

Advisory in effect as a heat dome is expected to raise temps to triple digits across South, Midwest

By midweek, temperatures are expected to hit or exceed 100 degrees in most of the South, the Midwest and around the Great Lakes. A 'heat dome' is expected to increase temperatures and humidity levels throughout the South and parts of the Midwest this week and will eventually move over the Northeast by the weekend. A heat dome is a high-pressure bubble in the upper levels of the atmosphere that traps hot air and sun radiation underneath it. The Climate Reality Project, a nonprofit focused on climate change advocacy and education, compares heat domes to putting a lid on a hot pot; the lid keeps the hot air from leaving the pot and keeps the contents of the pot hot for a longer time. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued heat warnings and advisories for millions of residents throughout the South and Midwest early Monday morning. An 'Extreme Heat Watch' advisory alert, which warns 'dangerous heat is possible,' was issued for Illinois, Missouri and Iowa. An 'Extreme Heat Warning' alert, which warns 'dangerous heat is happening or about to happen,' was sent to Oklahoma, Tennessee, Mississippi and Kansas residents. Heat advisories were also issued for the entire state of Florida, as the state's heat index is expected to hit 110 to 115 degrees under the heat dome. (The NWS 'heat index' is a calculator that estimates what outdoor temperatures feel like to the human body.) The weather service's Heat Risk map shows that most of the state faces a major heat risk, with extreme conditions throughout the southwestern coast. Hotter and more humid temperatures are expected to spread across the Midwest starting on Tuesday, according to AccuWeather. By midweek, temperatures will hit or exceed 100 degrees in most of the South, Midwest and Great Lakes region. The high temperatures will be paired with 'oppressively muggy air,' AccuWeather reported, especially in the Mississippi and Ohio Valleys. Areas throughout Texas, Arkansas and Louisiana will experience peak temperatures either close to 100 degrees or above, Jonathan Erdman, the senior meteorologist at predicts, potentially bringing triple-digit temperatures to Dallas for the first time in 2025. Several of the cities that will be affected by the heat dome, such as Kansas City, Mo., have not hit triple-digit temperatures in two years, AccuWeather senior meteorologist Chad Merrill reported, and may experience record-high temperatures. Merrill also expects that many residents of these cities 'won't get relief' from nighttime temperatures, which are expected to 'range from the mid-70s to the low 80s.' The heat and humidity will move into the Northeast by Friday, the Weather Channel reported, noting that temperatures will likely become cooler than normal before rising under the heat dome. Temperatures in Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia could reach almost 100 degrees later this week, the Weather Channel said. Northeast, Midwest also warned about severe thunderstorms The Weather Prediction Center (WPC) at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued a warning over the weekend for excessive rainfall in areas across the Ohio Valley on Monday. 'Flash flooding is anticipated tonight over Northeast MO and Central IL as storms containing 3-4'/hour rainfall rates develop this evening,' the WPC warned on social media on Sunday, issuing a 'Moderate Risk' warning. The Moderate Risk level means numerous flash floods are likely to occur. The NWS forecast discussion from Monday morning warned that upcoming thunderstorms posed flash flood threats in the Southwest, Northwest, Midwest, Mid-South and Southeast. While it's rare to see precipitation happen within a heat dome, severe thunderstorms are likely to form around its edges, often called the 'ring of fire.' "In the world of meteorology, the ring of fire deals with thunderstorms along the northern edges of strong upper-levels high,' AccuWeather meteorologist Bernie Rayno said. 'Oftentimes, this setup produces severe thunderstorms along the northern edges of the heat.' How to stay safe in extreme heat Extreme heat is the deadliest type of weather in the U.S., even more so than tornadoes, flooding or hurricanes, according to research by the NWS. Prolonged extreme heat, as is expected in the heat dome this week, is especially dangerous for people who do not have access to air-conditioning or who spend a lot of time outdoors. If you live in a place that will be impacted by the heat dome, here's what to do to help protect yourself: Stay indoors and cool for as long as you can. Here is a list of public places you can go to for free air-conditioning. Stay hydrated. It's helpful to add electrolytes to your water to further protect yourself from dehydration. If you need to go outside, protect your skin by wearing sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, sun-protective clothing and UV-blocking sunglasses. Understand and look out for symptoms of heat-related illness. These include heavy sweating, fatigue, dizziness, muscle cramps, nausea and headaches. If you are experiencing these symptoms, move to a cool area to rest and hydrate. Solve the daily Crossword

Hundreds of Thousands of People Warned to 'Stay Out of the Water'
Hundreds of Thousands of People Warned to 'Stay Out of the Water'

Newsweek

timean hour ago

  • Newsweek

Hundreds of Thousands of People Warned to 'Stay Out of the Water'

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. More than 200,000 beachgoers and swimmers along the coast of Lake Ontario in New York were told to stay out of the water on Monday morning amid dangerous lake conditions. Why It Matters The Great Lakes, including Lake Ontario near Buffalo, are premier recreation destinations in the United States, especially during summer months when swimmers frequent local beaches, despite the region's historically cold water temperatures early in the season. The urgency of the warning follows a reported 42 drownings so far this year across the Great Lakes, underscoring the persistent risks associated with swimming in these waters when weather makes for dangerous conditions. Although most fatalities have occurred at Lake Michigan, life-threatening incidents are possible at all of the Great Lakes, and local officials emphasize prevention and public awareness as critical during peak beach season What to Know The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a warning early Monday for residents and visitors in Wayne, Northern Cayuga, and Oswego counties in the Buffalo, New York, forecast region, cautioning them to stay out of Lake Ontario waters due to strong currents and hazardous swimming conditions. The advisory remained in effect until 11 a.m. local time on Monday. The Beach Hazards Statement specifically warned of "strong currents and dangerous swimming conditions" that could threaten beachgoers in affected counties. The NWS advised people to stay out of the water to avoid potentially life-threatening situations. A person stands on the beach of Lake Ontario in Toronto on September 14, 2023. A person stands on the beach of Lake Ontario in Toronto on September 14, 2023. Valerie Macon/Getty The NWS's Beach Hazards Statement warned that strong lake currents posed direct threats to swimmers, surfers, and other water enthusiasts in Wayne, Northern Cayuga, and Oswego counties. Similar advisories have been issued across other states bordering the Great Lakes earlier this month, including Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin, among others. NWS meteorologist Aaron Reynolds told Newsweek that both rip currents and longshore currents posed a risk in the Buffalo area on Monday, although longshore currents were the strongest issue. Reynolds added that winds of 15 to 20 knots, which are 17 to 23 mph, were generating waves of 3 to 5 feet. "Because of that, you can have some strong rip currents," he said. The winds are worse when low-pressure systems move into the area, Reynolds said. However, high pressure is building, which means once the beach hazards statement expires, it likely won't be issued again for at least the next few days. Although the water-related threat is subsiding, a warming trend will soon begin, Reynolds said, which could bring dangerous high temperatures to the region. What People Are Saying NWS Buffalo beach hazards statement: "Stay out of the water to avoid dangerous swimming conditions." NWS Buffalo in a hazardous weather outlook: "Hot and humid conditions are forecast for Thursday, when apparent temperatures could potentially reach the mid 90s to lower 100s across the area. If realized, such conditions would result in an increased risk of heat-related illnesses." What Happens Next While the beach hazards statement for the Buffalo, New York, region was scheduled to expire at 11 a.m. EDT on Monday, officials continued to urge the public to respect all posted advisories and monitor updates from the NWS as weather and water conditions could change rapidly.

‘Corn Sweat' Is Making This Heat Wave Even Worse
‘Corn Sweat' Is Making This Heat Wave Even Worse

Scientific American

timean hour ago

  • Scientific American

‘Corn Sweat' Is Making This Heat Wave Even Worse

Heat and humidity will once again smother the eastern half of the country this week, pushing the heat index to dangerous levels for tens of millions of people. In the Midwest, the humidity will be boosted by a phenomenon called 'corn sweat.' It's midsummer, so heat and humidity are pretty standard in the wetter eastern half of the country. It's unlikely this heat wave will break records, but it could still be dangerous, says Bob Oravec, lead forecaster with the National Weather Service in College Park, Md. On Monday the heat and humidity are centered over the Southeast and along the Gulf Coast. By midweek it will move northward along the Mississippi Valley and up into the Midwest before shifting toward the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast toward the end of the week. Highs are expected to be around 95 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit as the heat wave moves along, but the humidity means it could feel closer to 110 degrees F in the worst-affected areas. Large swaths of the eastern U.S. will be in the 'major' Heat Risk category, a NWS classification that incorporates heat, humidity and data on when heat-related hospitalizations tend to rise in a given area. Pockets will be in the 'extreme' category, the highest on the four-category scale. On supporting science journalism If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today. Part of the reason for the oppressive humidity is that 'the weather pattern has been favorable for wet weather,' Oravec says. 'Everything is wet, saturated,' which means there is more evaporation from soil and transpiration from plants. This is particularly true in the Midwest, where huge fields of corn, soybeans and other crops release moisture as the temperature climbs. The process is akin to how humans perspire in the heat, hence the nickname 'corn sweat.' 'The Midwest is famous for high dewpoints from the vegetation,' Oravec says. Plants aside, the phenomenon has serious implications for humans. High humidity and heat raise the risks for heat illness —it is harder for the body to cool itself via sweating because the air is already so full of moisture that perspiration doesn't evaporate. Those concerns are especially high for at-risk groups such as young children, older adults, those who have various health conditions or take certain medications, people who work outdoors and the unhoused. Prolonged exposure to such conditions can result in heat exhaustion, which can cause fatigue, dizziness, nausea and a cessation of sweating. If a person with this condition doesn't get to a cooler location or receive treatment quickly, heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke, which causes the body to lose its ability to cool itself, an extremely dangerous situation. In fact, it can be fatal. Experts caution people to stay hydrated and avoid strenuous outdoor activity, especially in the middle of the day when temperatures are highest. There are also tips for keeping your home cool. These concerns will linger both in the short and long term. In the long term, heat waves are becoming hotter and happening more frequently than in the past because of the added heat trapped by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere as a result of humans' burning fossil fuels. An analysis by the nonprofit Climate Central found that this human-caused climate change made this extreme heat event at least three times more likely for nearly 160 million people, almost half of the U.S. population. In the short term, weather models show humid heat over the eastern U.S. for the next week or two. 'The weather pattern is just kind of stagnant and is stuck,' Oravec says. 'It looks like it's going to be a hot few weeks.'

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store