LIVE BLOG: 24+ fatalities in Kerr County, 20+ children missing from camp after flooding

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05-07-2025

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Heavy rain overnight Thursday and into Friday produced over a foot of rainfall in just a few hours in the Hill Country. The National Weather Service has issued multiple Flash Flood Warnings, with a Flash Flood Emergency declared early Friday morning.
San Saba Co. Sheriff's Office warns of 'rapidly rising river' overnight
Texas' Division of Emergency Management (TDEM), Department of Public Safety (DPS), Military Department, and Parks & Wildlife Department responded to the region to assist local emergency responders.
'Devastating and deadly,' Kerr Co. using 'every asset' in flood recovery efforts
Readers wishing to help those impacted by the floods and storms can learn more here.
PHOTOS: Deadly flood in Kerr County
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9:26 p.m.
Governor Abbott announced at least 24 confirmed fatalities during a press event in Kerrville, Texas.
8:30 p.m.
Starke Dam and Wirtz Dam each have multiple gates open now, according to the LCRA.
LCRA said it anticipates holding the floodwater in Lake Travis, which is about 43 feet below full, and does not expect to open floodgates at Mansfield Dam, which forms Lake Travis.
8:00 p.m.
KXAN has learned that the Starke Dam will open its floodgates soon, and that Wirtz has opened its second floodgate.
7:50 p.m.
The Lower Colorado River Authority said it opened a floodgate at Wirtz Dam to release storm run off from the Llano River. It also said it may need to open additional floodgates at the Wirtz and Starcke Dams.
KXAN Meteorologist Freddy Vela said that when this happens, the water level downstream of the dams will rise rapidly. He also noted that the Llano River and San Saba River are now cresting over their banks, making it more likely that additional gates will need to be opened.
7:35 p.m.
The city of San Saba asked residents to conserve water, as its pump station was 'in jeopardy of going under water.'
This comes hours after a similar request by Kerrville officials.
7:15 p.m.
Kerrville and Kerr County informed KXAN reporters at Kerrville City Hall that their 7 p.m. press conference has been canceled. Those officials said that they will instead speak at the Governor's 9 p.m. presser.
The Texas Game Wardens said on X that it had made access to Camp Mystic with vehicles and are bringing campers out of the affected area.
6:28 p.m.
5:22 p.m.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott will hold a press conference in Kerrville at 9 p.m. KXAN will attend.
TDEM Chief Nim Kidd, Adjutant General of Texas Major General Thomas Suelzer, DPS Col. Freeman Martin and local officials will also be at the presser.
5:02 p.m.
The city of Kerrville has asked its residents to minimize non-essential water usage. The city's surface water treatment plant is offline, according to a social media post from the city.
The city is not currently at a critical stage, it said, but asks the community 'to be prepared in case the situation worsens.'
4:14 p.m.
Officials from Kerrville and Kerr County gave a press conference at Kerrville City Hall.
Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha said that at least 13 people were confirmed dead.
'We've got a lot of help out here, we'll get the job done,' Leitha said. 'We want everyone to shelter in place. We don't have a number for how many are missing yet.'
Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring, Jr. and Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice joined Leitha at the presser. Those officials will reconvene at 7:30 p.m. to provide another update.
'We'll keep you all updated as much as we can, as fast as we can, but y'all got to understand right now the only concern we have is is rescuing everybody and all these kids out here,' Leitha said.
3:45 p.m.
3:30 p.m.
Acting Governor Dan Patrick said during a briefing that the Guadalupe River rose 26 feet in 45 minutes. There are 14 helicopters in the air rescuing those impacted by the floodwaters, as well as nine rescue teams with swimmers, and 400-500 responders on the ground.
Patrick said approximately 20 children were unaccounted for from Camp Mystic, which had more than 750 campers. He clarified that could mean they were possibly stuck in a tree or out of communication. Parents of missing Mystic campers have been notified.
According to Patrick, President Donald Trump said federal resources would be provided to the state.
2:40 p.m.
Acting Governor Dan Patrick is expected to speak on the significant flooding in the Hill Country and the Concho Valley.
2:33 p.m.
The National Weather Service confirmed the Kerrville river gauge was not reporting the correct amount, so any totals seen are under-reported; however, NWS can't make it out there to check for safety reasons.
The Texas Military Department said its Texas Task Force 1 helicopter search and rescue teams were sent to the area.
2:26 p.m.
KXAN Meteorologist Freddy Vela said the Llano River at Mason is currently in the Major Flooding Category at 29.68 ft. That is 2 feet above Major flooding. The water will be flowing down into Llano over the next few hours, with the Llano River at Llano expected to peak at 7 p.m. and almost hit major flooding at 22.8 ft. (Major flooding is 23 ft.)
The San Saba River near Brady is currently at 29.65 feet, which breaks the record of 29.1 ft. That water will continue flowing down through San Saba, where it is expected to hit 32.6 ft at 7 a.m. tomorrow. The record is 42.1 ft., but it is still considered major flooding.
1:30 p.m.
12:02 p.m.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott provided the following statement regarding the floods in Kerrville.
'Texas is providing all necessary resources to Kerrville, Ingram, Hunt and the entire Texas Hill Country dealing with these devastating floods,' Abbott said. 'The State of Texas today has mobilized additional resources in addition to the resources sent in preparation for the storms. I urge Texans to heed guidance from state and local officials and monitor local forecasts to avoid driving into flooded areas.'
Greg Abbott
RELATED | 'Devastating and deadly,' Kerr Co. using 'every asset' in flood recovery efforts
Acting Governor Dan Patrick issued the following statement from the Texas State Emergency Operations Center:
'I am working in coordination with the state's emergency response team on the significant flooding that occurred in the Hill Country and Concho Valley regions in the early hours of this morning. The Kerr County Sheriff's Office has reported catastrophic flooding in the area, with several people missing and confirmed loss of life. Additional rain is forecast in those areas. Even if the rain is light, more flooding can occur in those areas. There is an ongoing threat for possible flash flooding from San Antonio to Waco for the next 24 to 48 hours in addition to the continued risks in west and central Texas.
'I urge Texans in impacted areas to heed the guidance of their local officials. TDEM and other state emergency response assets are on the ground assisting Texas communities with response operations and any unmet needs. I will hold a press conference from the Texas State Emergency Operations Center in Austin later this afternoon to brief the public and the media with the latest updates. Media advisory to follow.'
11:59 a.m.
Texas Department of Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller provided the following statement regarding the floods in Kerrville.
'My prayers go out to the families in Kerrville and across the Hill Country who are dealing with the devastation from these deadly floods. We've already seen tragic loss of life, and it's a heartbreaking reminder that catastrophic flash floods can strike fast and without much warning.
Folks, please don't take chances. Stay alert, follow local emergency warnings, and do not drive through flooded roads.
Farmers and ranchers should take steps now to protect livestock and property. Move animals to higher ground, secure your equipment, and be ready. Preparation saves lives, both human and animal.
Keep our rescuers and first responders in your prayers as they work around the clock to keep Texans safe.
Let's stay safe and watch out for one another.'
Commissioner Sid Miller
11:44 a.m.
The Llano River near Mason is rising rapidly, up to almost 16′. Flash Flood Warnings continue for portions of San Saba, Mason and Gillespie County.
11:30 a.m.
The city of Kerrville held a press conference to provide details on the situation in the area following flash flooding.
10:43 a.m.
All low water crossings on Quinlan Creek have been closed, according to the City of Kerrville. Third Street remains open at this time.
Additional closures include:
Fourth Street
Second Street and Lytle
First Street
Park Street
10:34 a.m.
The Kerr County Sheriff's Office said there was a reunification center set up at Ingram Elementary School, located at 125 Brave Run W, Ingram, TX 78025.
10:30 a.m.
KXAN Meteorologist Tommy House said high-resolution models showed the heaviest rain winding down before 3 p.m., but the river flooding threat will remain through the night.
9:53 p.m.:
KXAN spoke with Sergeant Jonathan Lamb, Public Information Officer with the Kerrville Police Department.
Lamb said the major flooding is impacting the entire county, rescues and evacuations have been ongoing since early this morning and continue at this hour, including in the Hunt area.
Fatalities have been reported and confirmed, but Lamb said there are no fatality numbers reported at the moment.
Authorities currently do not have an estimate of how many homes or businesses have been affected.
9:23 a.m.
The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) said it was working with other state emergency response resources to remain engaged with local officials in support of flooding impacting the state.
8:57 a.m.
Flash Flood Warning issued by NWS for Gillespie County and Mason County. KXAN Meteorologist Tommy House said life-threatening flooding is imminent or occurring. Leave low-lying or flood-prone areas immediately, but do not drive over water-covered roads.
8:43 a.m.
The city of Kerrville's mayor issued a disaster declaration due to severe flooding.
8:41 a.m.
First United Methodist Church, located at 321 Thompson Drive, was established as a shelter for those displaced by the flooding.
Kerrville Fire Department personnel are monitoring area nursing and assisted living homes, which are sheltering in place.
8:30 a.m.
The Kerr County Sheriff's Office has reported fatalities.
'This is a catastrophic flooding event in Kerr County. We can confirm fatalities but will not release further information until next of kin are notified.'
The Sheriff's Office said it was working with a wide variety of local and state agencies to respond to calls and rescues.
'The entire county is an extremely active scene. Residents are encouraged to shelter in place and not attempt travel. Those near creeks, streams, and the Guadalupe River should immediately move to higher ground,' KCSO said.
8:28 a.m.
8:19 a.m.
On Facebook, the Kerrville Fire Department is monitoring local nursing homes along the Guadalupe River.
'Kerrville Fire Department personnel are on site at nursing homes near the river and will take appropriate evacuation measures if necessary. So far, all nursing home residents are sheltering in place,' KFD said.
8:09 a.m.
The City of Kerrville shared in a Facebook post, 'due to circumstances out of our control,' its 'Fourth on the River' Independence Day celebration has been canceled. The city also said the doors of the Arcadia Live Theater are open to anyone who has been evacuated and needs shelter.
7:59 a.m.
On Facebook, the City of Kerrville shared a list of low water crossings closed and reopened within city limits.
Those crossings are Francisco Lemos, G Street, Schreiner Street at Town Creek, all crossings on Town Creek, Bear Creek Bridge, sections of Water Street that were closed due to flooding are opening again as water recedes, and all crossings on Quinlan Creek are open.
'No other street flooding issues have been reported at this time,' the city said.
7:58 a.m.
The City of Kerrville announced in a Facebook post, it has opened an Emergency Shelter in place at First United Methodist Church.
7:47 a.m.
2 ENE Ingram (Kerr County) – Department of Highways reports Flash Flood.
5:44 a.m.
Hunt, Texas – Reports from Emergency Management officials of high water rescues ongoing along the Guadalupe River and South Fork of the Guadalupe River in Hunt, with people trapped on rooftops.
4:35 a.m.
Guadalupe River at Hunt continues to climb to 29.45 feet, with a forecast stage at 33.9 feet. Law enforcement issued reports of flash floods. The Kerr County Sheriff's Office reported several low-water crossings flooded.
4:30 a.m.
Richland Springs – Reports from San Saba County dispatch stating that there was flooding across a street, where the Fire Department could not cross with their fire truck on the way to fight a small house fire.
4:20 a.m.
Guadalupe River at Hunt reached a major status, with a state value of 24.7 feet.
4:03 a.m.
Flash Flood Emergency continues with a catastrophic damage threat.
3:20 a.m.
Guadalupe River at Hunt reaches moderate-stage flooding at 13.99 feet.
2:50 a.m.
Guadalupe River at Hunt stage growth reaches 9.15 feet, just shy of minor flood status.
2:20 a.m.
Guadalupe River at Hunt begins to see stage growth up to 8.54 ft.
1:14 a.m.
Flash Flood Warning issued for portions of Bandera and Kerr County.
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