Live Updates: More Flooding Looms as Searchers Scramble to Find Missing
Several more inches of rain were expected on Sunday in areas of Central Texas devastated by flooding over the weekend, forecasters said. Up to four inches could fall, with isolated areas potentially receiving up to 10 inches through Monday, according to the National Weather Service.
Jason Runyen, a meteorologist at the Weather Service's office for Austin, San Antonio and the surrounding areas, said that while river levels across the region had receded, more rain could exacerbate flooding in the area. Flash flooding in the region killed more than 50 people over the weekend, with dozens more missing.
'We're kind of saturated now,' he said. 'So any additional amounts, even if we don't get up to 10 inches, could cause flooding.'
The Weather Service's Storm Prediction Center placed a Level 2 out of 4 risk for flash floods over portions of North and Central Texas and the Hill Country through Monday afternoon.
Further rounds of heavy rain were expected at the beginning of the week before drier conditions develop. 'There's still chances of daily precipitation in the forecast on Monday and Tuesday,' Mr. Runyen said. 'It trends drier and warmer beyond Tuesday.'
The flooding that began on Friday was triggered by a combination of a moist tropical air mass — the remnants of Tropical Storm Barry — and a slow-moving storm system, which together fueled powerful thunderstorms.
Forecast risk of excessive rain for Sunday Risk
Some
Moderate
High
Mr. Runyen said that the storms occurred in two separate waves: one Thursday night into Friday morning, and the other Friday night into Sunday morning.
Ahead of the storms, the Weather Service issued a broad flood watch for parts of south-central Texas, including Kerr County, specifying the possibility of rainfall totals up to three inches and isolated amounts of five to seven inches. But for some areas, the actual totals far exceeded those projections.
'Most areas were between five to 10 inches,' Mr. Runyen said. 'But there was a little pocket of eight to 12 inches, that exceeded our values in our flood watch,' he added, referring to areas near the Guadalupe River where many people were killed.
Texas officials appeared to blame the Weather Service for forecasts on Wednesday that underestimated the amount of rain that was coming. Former Weather Service officials have said that the forecasts were as good as could be expected, given the way the storms escalated and the remarkable levels of rainfall. Some experts questioned whether staffing shortages at the Weather Service also made it harder for the forecasting agency to coordinate with local emergency managers as floodwaters rose.
In the early hours of Friday morning, a 'particularly dangerous situation' warning was issued for Kerr County, highlighting communities along the Guadalupe River as high-risk areas. Rainfall estimates in this swath were for five to 10 inches.
Other counties, such as Tom Green County, were also placed under similar warnings Friday morning as heavy rain fell.
Later on Friday, another intense round of rain battered the region. A new flood watch was issued, including portions of the Hill Country, warning of isolated rainfall totals up to 10 inches. Again, this amount was exceeded. Up to 16 inches of rain fell in Kirby, southwest of Austin, from Friday into Saturday, Mr. Runyen said.
The deluge caused rivers in the region to rise to major flood stages. The Guadalupe River reached 29.45 feet — its second highest level on record, surpassing the levels that led to the devastating flood of 1987 in the same area, according to the Weather Service.
The actual river levels this weekend might have been even higher than recorded, however, according to Mr. Runyen, who said that the river gauge was 'washed out' during the storm.
'We think that may have been a record,' he said.
Flooding also occurred north of Kerrville, in San Angelo, where a National Weather Service office had issued river flood warnings on Friday for all parts of the San Saba, Concho and Colorado rivers.
A flash flood emergency was declared for the Llano River in Mason County early Friday afternoon due to rapid rise. The warning urged residents, 'If you live along or near the river in this area, take action immediately as this is a life-threatening situation!' The San Gabriel River also experienced flooding.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Florida burning with heat advisories issued across entire state, heat index up to 115
It's not just you. It's hot out there, dangerously hot. Heat index advisories have been issued for the entire state of Florida with heat index values of 110-115 expected for July 21 as a heat dome spreads across the South, forecasters said. Temperatures across most of the state are expected to be in the 90s and may approach 100 degrees around Orlando and Southwest Florida, forecasters said. July 21 is also the one-year anniversary of the hottest day on record for the Earth. North Florida and the Panhandle (and parts of southeast Alabama and southern Georgia) are under a heat advisory from 11 a.m. ET through 7 p.m. with heat index values up to 112 expected. Advisories for Central, Southwest and South Florida are scheduled for noon through 6 p.m., with heat index values from 109 to 112 possible. The National Weather Service's Heat Risk map shows roughly two-thirds of Florida from the Panhandle down into the Central and Southwest regions facing major heat risk, with pockets of extreme heat risks in the Big Bend area and parts of the Southwest. "The 'Dog Days of Summer' are in full swing for most of the eastern two-thirds of the Lower 48," Peter Mullinax with the NOAA/NWS Weather Prediction Center said in a Monday morning update. "This is brought about by a strengthening heat dome originating over the Deep South that builds in over the Mississippi and Ohio Valleys by mid-week. "Expect some localized daily record highs to be broken in the Southeast," he said. Florida heat wave: What's the best setting for your AC thermostat? Heat index alert: Weather watches and warnings issued in Florida How dangerous is the heat in Florida? When your body gets hot, it cools itself off by sweating. If you get too hot, you can't cool off fast enough and your brain, your heart, and other organs can be damaged. If the relative humidity is high (that's the moisture in the atmosphere), your sweat doesn't evaporate as quickly — or at all — and you heat up even faster. That leads to dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and potentially fatal heat stroke. Anyone can get heat stroke, but infants, the elderly, and people with chronic disease, or people who have suffered from heat stroke in the past are at higher risk because their bodies may not be able to regulate temperature effectively. Heat waves kill more people in the U.S. than hurricanes, tornadoes and floods combined, despite being more preventable. According to the CDC, the average number of heat-related deaths per year in the U.S. has risen 95% from 2010 to 2022. Florida saw an 88% increase in heat-related deaths from 2020 to 2023. Heat exhaustion, heat stroke in Florida: Symptoms, what to do, when to call 911 Heat advisory issued for Panhandle. Heat index up to 110 A heat advisory will be in effect from 10 a.m. CT to 7 p.m., National Weather Service Mobile said, with heat index values up to 108 expected. Heat advisory issued for Tallahassee, Big Bend area. Heat index up to 112 A heat advisory is in effect for the North Florida region July 21 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET. Heat index values are expected to reach 112 in portions of southeast Alabama, the Big Bend and Panhandle of Florida, and south central and southwest Georgia. Heat advisory issued for Jacksonville, Northeast Florida. Heat index up to 110 A heat advisory was issued for Northeast Florida for July 21, in effect from noon ET to 6 p.m. Heat index values up to 110 expected for all of northeast and north central Florida and southeast Georgia, the National Weather Service Jacksonville said. Heat advisory issued for Central Florida, East Coast. Heat index up to 112 A heat advisory has been issued for Lake, Volusia, Seminole, Orange, Osceola, Brevard, Okeechobee, Indian River, St Lucie, and Martin counties from noon to 6 p.m. ET July 21. Heat index values from 108 to 112 expected, the National Weather Service Melbourne said. Heat advisory issued for Southwest Florida. Heat index could be 109 A heat advisory has been issued for portions of southwest and west central Florida from noon to 6 p.m. ET July 21. Heat index values up to 109 expected. Heat advisory issued for South Florida. Heat index from 105 to 110 The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory for South Florida from noon July 12 until 6 p.m. The heat index could reach between 105 and 110 across portions of southeast, south and southwest Florida and could reach even higher is some isolated locations, the National Weather Service said. A major heat risk means there is a risk for heat-related illnesses for most residents, especially for those without access to air conditioning or who don't stay hydrated. Dangerous heat: Heat advisory issued for Palm Beach County as temperatures and humidity soar Heat index and temperature map for US, Florida What is the heat index? The heat index is what the temperature feels like to the human body when relative humidity is combined with the air temperature, according to the National Weather Service. At its most basic: the heat index is what the temperature feels like when you're outside. The chart above shows the combination of air temperature with humidity. It's important to note the chart uses the air temperature in the shade. In direct sun, the air temperature can be up to 15 degrees higher. In Florida, except for Miami-Dade County, the National Weather Services offices around the state would issue a heat advisory if the heat index is expected to reach 108 to 112 degrees. The National Weather Service Miami said Miami/Dade County wanted a lower threshold for an advisory for its population, which was set at 105 degrees. NWS issues several types of heat-related warnings National Weather Service changed its heat watch and warning terms in March 2025. Here's what you should know: Excessive heat watches were renamed to extreme heat watches. Issued when dangerous heat is possible and residents are encouraged to be prepared. Excessive heat warnings were renamed to extreme heat warnings. Issued when dangerous heat is happening or about to happen. What is a heat advisory? Issued for dangerous heat conditions that are not expected to reach warning criteria. ➤ See when heat watches and warnings could be issued in your area What is a heat advisory? A heat advisory is issued for dangerous heat conditions that are not expected to reach warning criteria, according to the National Weather Service. "Residents are advised to consider postponing or rescheduling outdoor activities, especially during the heat of the day. If you must be outside, be sure to drink plenty of water and take frequent breaks in the shade. Stay in a cool place, especially during the heat of the day and evening." When a heat advisory is issued also depends on where you are in Florida. For most of the state, a heat advisory is issued if the heat index is expected to be between 108 to 112 degrees. Here is the breakdown by each NWS region. A heat advisory is issued when the heat index is expected to be: Western Panhandle: 108-112 degrees Central Panhandle, North Florida: 108 to 112 within the next 6 to 24 hours or air temperature is forecast to reach 103 degrees Northeast Florida: 108-112 degrees East Central Florida: 108 to 112 degrees In South Florida: 108 degrees in South Florida or 105 degrees for Miami/Dade and Broward counties Southwest, West Central Florida: 108-112 or the air temp is greater or equal to 103 degrees The National Weather Service Miami said Miami/Dade County wanted a lower threshold for a heat advisory for its population. Signs, symptoms of heat stroke Heat stroke is the most serious of heat-related illnesses, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Signs and symptoms include: Confusion, altered mental status, slurred speech Loss of consciousness (coma) Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating Seizures Very high body temperature Heat stroke is fatal if treatment is delayed What to do: Call 911 Move the person to a shaded, cool area and remove outer clothing Cool the person quickly, using the following methods: With a cold water or ice bath, if possible Wet the skin Place cold wet cloths on the skin Place cold wet cloths or ice on the head, neck, armpits, and groin Soak clothing with cool water Circulate the air around the person to speed cooling Signs, symptoms of heat exhaustion Heat exhaustion is the body's response to an excessive loss of water and salt, usually through excessive sweating, the CDC said. Signs and symptoms include: Headache Nausea Dizziness Weakness Irritability Thirst Heavy sweating Elevated body temperature Decreased urine output What to do: Take the person to a clinic or emergency room for medical evaluation and treatment Call 911 if medical care is unavailable Have someone stay with the person until help arrives Remove the person from the hot area Remove unnecessary clothing, including shoes and socks Cool the person with cold compresses or have the them wash their head, face, and neck with cold water Encourage frequent sips of cool water How to stay safe. What do meteorologists recommend when it's hot outside? ➤ What's the best temperature to set your air conditioner thermostat? Drink plenty of fluids Stay in an air-conditioned room Stay out of the sunshine Check on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. Car interiors can reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes. Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 911. Stay informed. Get weather alerts via text What's next? We will provide weather coverage as conditions warrant to keep you informed and prepared. Download your local site's app to ensure you're always connected to the news. And look for our special subscription offers here. This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Florida heat advisories issued with heat index up to 115 expected Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Parts of Northern Ireland saw almost full month's worth of rain in 24 hours
Parts of Northern Ireland saw more than 85% of the average July rainfall come down over a 24-hour period, according to forecasters. Warnings over rain applied to significant parts of the island of Ireland on Monday following a night of heavy downpours. The deluge resulted in localised flooding across parts of the island following a series of weather alerts on Sunday, with the unseasonably high rainfall dampening the start of the week. The weather also brought difficult travelling conditions, lightning damage and poor visibility in the worst-affected areas. The Met Office issued a yellow-level rain warning for the east coast of Northern Ireland that is due to expire at 6pm. Forecasters had warned that some areas could see half a month's worth of rain in less than a day. The region normally records an average of 89mm of rain in July but falls of between 50-75mm had been predicted over a period of just 12 to 18 hours. Killowen in Co Down recorded 68mm of rain since 5pm on Sunday, the Met Office said around 2pm on Monday – the highest amount of rainfall across the UK. It normally sees 80.75mm of rain for the whole month. Elsewhere, Murlough in Co Down saw 60mm of rain in the same period – 87% of its July average of 69mm. The Met Office said other areas likely experienced higher amounts. Meanwhile, the heavy rain brought flooding at the Marble Arch Caves, a famous tourist attraction in Co Fermanagh. A spokesperson said it had never happened before, describing the occurrence as a 'highly unusual weather event'. A couple who were part of an evacuation prompted by a rush of water said they would not be put off returning. The agency had put a 24-hour yellow-level rain warning in place for Antrim, Armagh and Down until 6pm on Monday. A more intense amber-level warning was temporarily put in place overnight but lifted early. Forecasters had warned that there was a risk that homes and businesses could be flooded. The Met Office also cautioned that some communities could be cut off by flooded roads while fast-flowing or deep floodwater could pose a danger to life. Northern Ireland saw heavy rain in the last 24 hours, with 68mm recorded at Killowen – and likely higher amounts elsewhere. The southeast also picked up some fairly large totals this morning 🌧️ Here are the rainfall totals since 5pm yesterday 👇 — Met Office (@metoffice) July 21, 2025 A yellow-level thunderstorm warning was in place for the western half of Northern Ireland between midday and 8pm on Sunday. Flooding affected routes in Fermanagh with the Marble Arch Road, Florencecourt, and Sligo Road, Enniskillen, both described as impassable by police for a time. A PSNI spokeswoman said: 'Please take care when travelling, slow down, and exercise caution on affected roads.' In the Republic of Ireland, a status orange rain warning for Dublin, Louth, Meath and Wicklow came into effect from midnight and expired at 2pm on Monday. Irish national forecasting agency Met Eireann said there was a chance of thunderstorms amid persistent and heavy rain. A less severe warning for the Kildare region also expired at 2pm. The downpours across Sunday and Monday brought localised flooding to parts of Limerick and Louth. The warnings followed other alerts about thunderstorms in the east of the country and increased rain in the south-west on Sunday.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Death toll from South Korea rains rises to 16
Heavy rainfall for five consecutive days has left at least 16 people dead across South Korea and another 10 missing. Two people died and as many went missing in the resort town of Gapyeong on Sunday after a landslide engulfed houses and flooding swept away vehicles. The interior ministry said eight people were discovered dead and six were reported missing in the southern town of Sancheong on Saturday after heavy rainfall caused flash floods and landslides. The overall death toll stood at 16 as of 4pm local time on Sunday, The Korea Herald reported, citing fire authorities. Damaged vehicles are seen after heavy rainfall in Gapyeong, South Korea, on 20 July 2025 (AP) President Lee Jae Myung ordered the worst-hit areas, mostly in the south of the country, to be declared special disaster zones, which would entitle them to government support for damage recovery and relief. Interior minister Yoon Ho Jung asked local authorities to 'mobilise all available resources' to carry out 'swift emergency restoration work' after the government launched a multi-agency recovery effort. Mr Yoon announced that a prompt damage assessment would be launched to develop restoration plans for damaged facilities, including homes, commercial buildings and roads. 'The ministry and local governments need to ensure that the displaced residents staying in temporary shelters do not face any inconvenience by providing a sufficient amount of relief supplies and making their utmost effort in emergency restoration to help evacuees return to their normal lives as quickly as possible,' he said. Houses collapsed from a landslide are seen in Sancheong, South Korea, on 19 July 2025 (AP) Last week, three people were found dead in a submerged car and another person was killed when their car was buried by soil and concrete after a retaining wall of an overpass collapsed in Osan, just south of Seoul. The saturated soil had increased the risk of landslides even in areas receiving relatively modest rainfall. The downpours swept through South Chungcheong, South Jeolla and South Gyeongsang regions this past week, with rainfall exceeding 500mm breaking daily rainfall records in July and forcing the evacuation of at least 3,840 people from their homes, the interior ministry said. The rain stopped in most of South Korea on Sunday and heavy rain alerts were subsequently lifted, the ministry added. This period of heavy rainfall was expected to be followed by a heat wave, the country's official weather forecaster said.
