Strong rainfall made Texas crews stop search efforts in Kerr County. Yahoo!
Emergency teams paused their search for missing people on Sunday in Kerr County, Texas. Heavy rain over the weekend raised the risk of more flooding, making the area unsafe. The region was already badly hit by flash floods during the July 4 storm, which caused serious damage and loss of life.
Officials Resume Limited Recovery in West Kerr
Crews got the green light to resume some recovery work around 3 p.m. in the western part of the county. Still, the threat of rising water kept teams on alert. Emergency teams also rushed to help people in other counties like San Saba, Lampasas, and Schleicher. Rescue efforts were still active as of Sunday afternoon.
Governor Confirms Ongoing Rescues and Evacuations
Texas Governor Greg Abbott said on Sunday that rescues had taken place in the Lampasas area. He confirmed that dozens of people had been saved from dangerous floodwaters. Evacuations were ongoing in many Central Texas counties. Authorities feared the rivers could rise even faster than they did on July 4.
Kerrville Stops Search Over Flood Concerns
Kerrville police warned people to leave the river area early Sunday. Officers paused ground search efforts before 8 a.m. due to high flood danger. They asked volunteer teams to stay away from the Guadalupe River. Officials feared a sudden flash flood could occur with little warning.
Guadalupe River Still Poses a Threat
The Guadalupe River at Hunt, which flooded badly on July 4, could reach flood stage again. That earlier flood caused the river to rise over 20 feet in under an hour. At least 103 people died in Kerr County during that event, many of them children staying at Camp Mystic.
New Flash Flood Warnings Issued
Flash flood warnings returned on Sunday for Kerr County and nearby areas. Rain was falling at a rate of up to 2.5 inches per hour. The warnings expired in the early afternoon, but a broader flood watch will stay in place until Monday morning. Officials urged everyone to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.
Dangerous Crossings Still a Concern
Local leaders said low water crossings remained very risky. These small road bridges flood quickly, making it nearly impossible for emergency crews to help trapped people. Many were stranded on tiny dry spots during the earlier storm.
Statewide Impact Still Growing
So far, at least 132 people have died in the floods across Central Texas. More than 160 people are still missing. Search teams are using drones, dogs, and boats to find anyone left behind. Harsh weather and rough terrain have made their job harder.
Texas Expands Disaster Declaration
On Friday, Governor Abbott added more counties to the federal disaster list. This step allows more aid and resources to flow into flood-damaged areas. The situation remains serious as families wait for news of their missing loved ones.
