More flash flooding is forecast for central Texas, where more than 100 lives were claimed by devastating floods last week.
Flash flooding in Texas’ Hill Country region materialized in the early hours of July 4, when the Guadalupe River surged over 20 feet. The aftermath was catastrophic, especially in Kerr County, where 103 people were killed. Over 160 people are still unaccounted for, but the search effort has been suspended due to more flash flooding expected Sunday, according to the Kerrville Police Department.
Approximately 3 to 6 inches of rain is expected to accumulate Sunday in areas that flooded last week, and create flooding in new areas as well, according to the NWS Weather Prediction Center.
Earlier Sunday morning, thunderstorms producing 2 to 4 inches of rain per hour drifted into northern Llano and Burnet counties, according to the National Weather Service, which warned that “flooding is now ongoing or is expected to begin soon.”
“Significant rain has fallen and flooding is expected to develop shortly, particularly over Llano county,” the weather service said.
The rain is expected to move southeast into the Hill Country region and the southern Edwards Plateau, the weather service said.
“Do not drive into flooded roads or around barricades,” the weather service warned.
Flash flood warnings have been issued in Bertram, Llano, Cherry Spring, Watson and Briggs until 10:45 a.m. local time, according to the weather service.
In Williamson County, officials warned that flash flooding is occurring due to a surge in the San Gabriel River and advised residents not to drive in the floodwaters. The northwestern part of the county is under a flash flood warning until 10 a.m. local time.
Kerr County, which was hit especially hard in last week’s floods, is also under a flash flood warning until 11:30 a.m. local time, the city of Kerrville announced on Facebook. Heavy rain has already begun falling in the city, according to the Kerrville Police Department.
Video posted to Instagram showed what appears to be floodwaters and downed trees near the Guadalupe River. The river surged 8 to 9 feet in Hunt, Texas on Sunday morning, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Seven feet is considered the flood stage.
“This is a dangerous and life-threatening situation,” the city warned. “Do not attempt to travel unless you are fleeing an area subject to flooding or under an evacuation order.”
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