At the time of writing, the death toll from the flash floods that struck central Texas on 4 July has passed 100 and is expected to rise further as search efforts continue with over 20 people still missing.
At least 84 of the victims – 56 adults and 28 children died in Kerr County, the worst affected area, where the Guadalupe river rose to critical levels in multiple locations. 27 campers and counselors who were attending Camp Mystic have been confirmed among those who died.
Outlined below is a timeline of the devastating floods.
Thursday 3 July
13.18 CST: The National Weather Service (NWS) issues a flood watch for parts of south-central Texas, including Kerr County, warning of a slow-moving storm system that could bring scattered showers to intense storms through Friday morning. The forecast predicts up to 7 inches (175mm) of isolated rainfall.
16.45 CST: NWS Austin/San Antonio posts on X, signalling early hints of severe weather.
Evening: The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) activates state emergency response resources, citing “increased threats of flooding in parts of West and Central Texas.” Swift water rescue teams and equipment are pre-positioned. At this stage the NWS forecast does not predict the full extent of rainfall.
Late Evening: The remnant mid-level circulation of Tropical Storm Barry, combined with tropical moisture from the east Pacific, becomes embedded in a mid-level trough, setting the stage for heavy rainfall in Central Texas.
Friday 4 July
Midnight: Rain begins falling in Central Texas. The NWS issues the first flash flood warning for Medina Bandera County just before midnight, indicating flooding is imminent or already occurring.
01:00 CST: NWS issues a flood warning for parts of Central Texas, signaling that flooding is imminent.
01:14 CST: NWS issues a flash flood warning for Kerr County, triggering Wireless Emergency Alerts via cellphones. This warning is updated nine times throughout the day, each triggering additional alerts.
01.30 CST: At Camp Mystic, a Christian girls’ summer camp along the Guadalupe River in Hunt, Texas, a raging storm wakes campers. Floodwaters begin to rise, prompting some evacuations.
02:14 CST: NWS expands the flood warning area. The NWS Weather Prediction Center (WPC) posts on X, stating “flash flooding likely overnight with significant impacts possible,” warning of hourly rainfall rates of 2–3 inches (50-70mm), with localized 6-hour totals exceeding 6 inches (150mm).
03.00. CST: Heavy rainfall intensifies, with 6.5 inches (165mm) falling in three hours in some areas. The Guadalupe River gauge in Hunt records a 22-foot (6.7 meters) rise in two hours, reaching 29 feet (8.8 metres) before falling.
05:34 CST: NWS issues a flash flood emergency for Hunt through Kerrville to Center Point, stating that “automated rain gauges indicate a large and deadly flood wave is moving down the Guadalupe River. Flash flooding is already occurring.” The alert warns of a “catastrophic” damage threat.
06.00 CST: The Guadalupe River in Kerrville rises from 1 (0.3 metre) to over 34 feet (10.3 metres), peaking around 06.45. Major flooding is defined as anything above 20 feet (6 metres).
07.00 CST: Kerr County begins evacuating people near the Guadalupe River in Hunt due to major flooding caused by 6–7 inches (150-175 mm) of rainfall.
10:00 CST: Kerr County Sheriff’s Office confirms “multiple fatalities” due to “catastrophic flooding” and urges residents to shelter in place and avoid travel, especially near creeks, streams, and the Guadalupe River.
13:00 CST: Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly states the flooding has surpassed the 1987 flood, becoming the highest on record for the Guadalupe River. Dozens of water rescues are reported.
Afternoon: Six flash flood emergencies are issued across Central Texas, including Kerrville and Mason.
Evening: Texas Governor, Greg Abbott issues a disaster declaration for several counties in the Hill Country, later expanded to include additional counties like Travis and Burnet. Later at 22.25, the governor signs an emergency disaster declaration to provide state resources for search-and-rescue efforts.
22.28 CST: Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha reports a death toll of 24, with 23–25 people, including many children from Camp Mystic, still missing.
22.35 CST: Major General Thomas M. Suelzer reports 237 rescues, including 167 by helicopter.
Friday 5 July 2025
Early Morning: Flooding continues, with two additional flash flood emergencies issued for areas around Lake Travis (Colorado River watershed) and a third for Central Comal County due to Guadalupe River flooding
13:00 CST: Flash flooding is reported at Shady River RV Resort in eastern Georgetown, Texas, highlighting the ongoing regional impact.
Evening: Travis County reports four deaths, and Burnet County reports three deaths and two missing persons. Major roadways and bridges are damaged.
Evening: The death toll rises to at least 50 statewide, with 43 in Kerr County, according to CNN. Rescue operations continue, with 850 people reported rescued, many by helicopter. The U.S. Coast Guard assists with search-and-rescue efforts.
Saturday 6 July 2025
Afternoon : President Trump signs a major disaster declaration for Kerr County, enabling Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) resources to support first responders. The U.S. Coast Guard uses helicopters and thermal cameras for rescues.
