Texas flooding: Kerr County said no to alert sirens over cost — now it's facing the consequences
State Bill to Improve Alerts Failed in Senate
Lawmakers Now Rethinking Their Vote
Live Events
Flash Flood Strikes While Residents Slept
No Backup Alert System in Place
Governor Acknowledges Need for Change
FAQs
(You can now subscribe to our
(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel
When the Guadalupe River rose from one foot to over 34 feet in just a few hours, inundating parts of Kerr County in the early morning on Friday while most residents were asleep and by the time many realized what was happening, it was already too late, as per a report. This has led to increased scrutiny about Kerr County's past decisions to reject an outdoor siren alert system because of cost concerns, as reported by Latin Times.As Kerr County is located in a flood-prone region of the Texas Hill Country, there were proposals for siren-based warning systems, but they were previously rejected because of the financial burden on local taxpayers, according to the report.Earlier this year, an effort at the state level to improve the emergency communication infrastructure, House Bill 13, failed in the Texas Senate, as reported by Latin Times. Bill 13 was to fund the improved disaster alert systems and provided grants for counties to build infrastructure like sirens and radio towers, as per the report.ALSO READ: Trump's tariffs may split the world into 3 rival blocs — here's where each nation could land But a few lawmakers, like state Rep. Wes Virdell, had voted against it because of its projected $500 million cost, though several now are saying that they would reconsider their stance as flash flooding killed about 82 people statewide, with 68 of them in Kerr County alone, according to Latin Times report.Those who were killed were attending camps or camping along the river, and even though mobile alerts were issued via the National Weather Service, many residents are believed to have not seen the warnings because they were issued in the early morning hours, or many even lacked access to mobile devices, as per the report.ALSO READ: Flyers fume as Southwest Airlines shocks passengers with policy changes — key updates you need to know According to the report, only a county-wide siren system could have served as a secondary, audible layer of alert, which Kerr County never implemented. Now the local and state officials are trying to search, conduct rescue operations, and support survivors, as per Latin Times.Meanwhile, Gov. Greg Abbott now admitted to the potential value of better alert systems and highlighted that future legislation might address the issue, but he declined to commit to including it in the special session beginning July 21, as reported by Latin Times.ALSO READ: Wolfspeed stock soars over 100% after shock CFO appointment — who is Gregor van Issum? The county had considered outdoor sirens in the past but rejected the idea, citing cost concerns.Torrential rains caused the Guadalupe River to rise over 34 feet in just a few hours, as per Latin Times.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
21 hours ago
- Time of India
Old Farmer's Almanac Fall 2025 predictions are here for US: These states should brace for a shock
The Old Farmer's Almanac has announced its predictions for fall weather this year, forecasting a warmer-than-normal fall for 2025. Many in the US are curious to know what the fall will bring as extreme heat wave has gripped many parts of America. Nearly 100 million Americans are enduring "feels-like" temperatures that routinely breach the triple-digit mark from Midwest to Northeast. Cities accustomed to milder summers are gasping under conditions usually reserved for desert landscapes, with century-old temperature records toppling like dominoes. Published since 1792, the Almanac is the oldest continuously published periodical in the US, reports Newsweek. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Technology Degree Others Data Science Product Management CXO Management healthcare Public Policy Data Analytics Cybersecurity PGDM Data Science Digital Marketing Project Management Design Thinking MCA MBA Operations Management others Finance Artificial Intelligence Leadership Skills you'll gain: Duration: 12 Weeks MIT xPRO CERT-MIT XPRO Building AI Prod India Starts on undefined Get Details ALSO READ: Largest great white shark ever captured in Florida leaves scientists stunned. It measures 13.8 feet and weighs 1,653 pounds Old farmer's Almanac predicts US weather for fall The Old Farmer's Almanac has just unveiled its fall 2025 prediction, offering a glimpse into what the next season may bring. In its 2025 fall weather forecast released on July 11, 2025, the publication identified several regions—including the Atlantic Corridor, Southeast, Florida, Deep South, Heartland, Texas-Oklahoma, High Plains, Intermountain, Pacific Northwest, Pacific Southwest, and Alaska—that are forecast to experience above-average temperatures this fall. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Learn The Most Successful Intraday Strategy in Just 2 Hr. thefutureuniversity Learn More Undo According to the almanac's seasoned prognosticators, this fall is largely predicted to be warmer-than-normal across a significant portion of the US. The western half of the United States is also expected to experience particularly steamy conditions. 'Your trek to the pumpkin patch may be a bit steamy this year,' The Old Farmer's Almanac warns. According to Old Farmer's Almanac, cooler-than-usual conditions were expected in the Northeast, Appalachians, Lower Lakes, Ohio Valley, Upper Midwest, Desert Southwest, and Hawaii. Live Events ALSO READ: Is Trump considering rebate for Americans? US President shares update on tariff revenue Nationwide, precipitation is expected to range below seasonal averages from California to Florida and up to Maine, with the exceptions of the High Plains and Pacific Northwest. The Almanac also noted that "cool temperatures and below-average rainfalls could translate to some pretty foliage in the Northeastern region." Hurricane season, which ends in November, is expected to see above-normal activity, with a "high count" of named systems, according to the Almanac. List of regional predictions include: The Northeast: Cooler and drier; September average 59 F, October 46 F. Rainfall below normal at 3.5 inches in September and 2.5 inches in October. Atlantic Corridor: Cooler in the north, warmer in the south; below-average rainfall overall. September average 70.5 F, October average 55 F. Appalachians: Cooler and drier overall; September average 65 F, October 53 F. Three inches of rain in September, 2.5 inches in October. ALSO READ: JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon snubbed Amazon's Jeff Bezos job offer. The real reason will surprise you Southeast and Florida: Warmer and drier than normal; Southeast September average 78 F, Florida 82 F. Pacific Northwest: Warmer and wetter; September average 63 F, October 57 F with above average rainfall in October but slightly below normal in September. Ohio Valley: Cooler and drier; September averages around 68 F, October around 56 F, both with less rain than normal. Speaking of rainfall, the almanac predicts below-average precipitation for much of the U.S., stretching from California to Florida and up to Maine. Sarah Perreault, managing editor of The Old Farmer's Almanac told Newsweek: "The Old Farmer's Almanac is the original guide to living well and has always been known for its wit, wisdom, and solid advice that's relevant to real life. We celebrate core values and entertain the whole family with a healthy degree of humor and a sense of optimism. Every fall The Old Farmer's Almanac pops up at local stores, and although it is brand new each year, it isn't changing."
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Mumbai braces for heavy showers on Friday; rains to continue into the weekend
Mumbai weather outlook for upcoming days Live Events Weather advisory for Mumbai residents (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Mumbai is set to face heavy rainfall on Friday, July 25, 2025, with weather conditions expected to remain intense through the weekend. According to data from temperatures will range between 25.6°C and 26.6°C, with an extremely high probability of precipitation at 98%.Rainfall accumulation is projected at 42.42 mm, while wind speeds may reach up to 27.7 km/h, accompanied by reduced visibility of 8.9 day will begin with mild temperatures in the early hours, gradually rising by the afternoon. However, high humidity at 88% combined with persistent rainfall will result in discomfort and disruptions across the gusts and low visibility during heavier downpours may further add to the challenges faced by active monsoon pattern is expected to persist beyond July 26, Mumbai will continue to receive heavy rain, with temperatures ranging between 26.1°C and 26.7°C. Saturday, July 27, will bring slightly reduced rainfall, though moderate showers are still into next week, July 28 will begin with moderate rain and a slight rise in temperature to 28.5°C. Tuesday and Wednesday are expected to see patchy rain, with daytime temperatures hovering around 28° intensity may decline toward the end of the week, but wet conditions will continue to period marks the peak of Mumbai's monsoon season—vital for replenishing water reserves but often disruptive to daily life due to waterlogging, reduced mobility, and health risks associated with high moisture have urged residents to take precautions, as the combination of high rainfall and strong winds is likely to cause traffic congestion, delays in public transport, and waterlogging in low-lying stepping outdoors are advised to carry umbrellas, wear waterproof footwear, and avoid flood-prone roads. High humidity may also make indoor conditions uncomfortable; the use of fans, air conditioning, or dehumidifiers is a separate update, the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services has issued a revised high-wave warning, forecasting wave heights between 3.8 and 4.7 metres along coastal areas including Mumbai city and suburbs, Thane, Raigad, Ratnagiri, Palghar, and advisory is in effect from 5:30 PM Thursday until 8:30 PM Saturday. Small fishing vessels have been strictly warned against venturing into the sea during this period.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Flood-hit Northland and Tasman brace for more rain next week after a frosty spell
Tasman on alert again Live Events Coldest morning of the year (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel New Zealand's flood-weary regions, including Northland and the Tasman District, are being warned of more heavy rain and strong winds starting early next week. According to MetService , a shift in weather conditions will end the recent stretch of clear skies and sub-zero temperatures . The most severe weather is expected to hit on Tuesday, July meteorologist Devlin Lynden said, as quoted by NZ Herald, the calm and cold weather, which brought frost and snow to many areas, will give way to warmer, unsettled conditions from the is expected to begin in Fiordland on Saturday, with showers spreading to the West Coast and Northland by Sunday. Heavier rain may affect the Tasman District, West Coast, and northern parts of the North Island by Tuesday.'This spell of settled weather is coming to a close,' said Lynden. 'Warmer temperatures, rain and wind are firmly returning to the forecast.'Tasman Mayor Tim King said the region is once again preparing for potential flooding. Although there have been seven days of clear weather since the last storm, river levels remain high, and more heavy rain could bring serious damage.'The forecast is not looking great,' King said. 'It's been good to have a break from it, but it hasn't been enough.'Recent floods in Nelson, Tasman and Marlborough left homes uninhabitable and roads damaged. Many areas are still recovering from what officials described as a 'one-in-100-year event.'While rain is on the horizon, many parts of the country woke to the coldest temperatures of the year. Dunedin Airport dropped to -6.7°C, Wānaka to -5.1°C, and Timaru to -4.7° Auckland experienced frost in some areas, with temperatures falling below 4°C every morning this NZ Transport Agency issued black ice warnings for several roads as a result of the freezing conditions.
