A devastating flash flood swept through the Hill Country of Texas last Friday, claiming the lives of at least 32 individuals and leaving many others missing. Among the missing are young girls who were attending a summer camp. Authorities reported that approximately 850 people have been rescued, some by helicopter.
Flash floods are known to form rapidly, starting within six hours, and sometimes as quickly as three hours, of heavy rainfall. The sudden rise in water levels catches people off guard, especially those traveling or at home or work. In the recent flooding along the Guadalupe River in Kerr County, the waters surged 26 feet in just 45 minutes, destroying homes and vehicles. The threat continued as more heavy rains were forecasted for Saturday, with flash flood warnings and flood watches in place for parts of central Texas.
While the National Weather Service had issued a flood watch on Thursday, warning of potential rising waters, the situation escalated overnight to a flood warning affecting 30,000 individuals. Despite efforts to alert residents of the impending heavy rainfall, the county’s chief elected official admitted that there was no formal warning system in place in Kerr County.
Flash floods, as the nation’s top storm-related killer, can be deadly. Last year alone, 145 people lost their lives in flash floods, with vehicle-related incidents accounting for nearly half of all flood-related fatalities. It is crucial to understand that even minimal amounts of water can make driving hazardous, leading to vehicles being swept away.
The weather service emphasizes that flash floods can occur anywhere, turning peaceful streams and creeks into dangerous torrents. Various weather events, such as hurricanes, tropical storms, and heavy rainstorms, can trigger flash flooding in both rural and urban areas. It is essential to stay informed and prepared for such emergencies to ensure the safety of yourself and others.
