At least 6 dead in Kerrville floods; kids missing from Camp Mystic in Texas. What we know
Multiple people were confirmed dead and frantic water rescues and searches were underway Friday in the Kerrville area of Central Texas as a “catastrophic” flooding emergency unfolded, caused by heavy rains that overwhelmed the Guadalupe River.
The area was under a flash flood warning overnight, and between 5 and 11 inches of rain had already fallen by about 9 a.m., according to the National Weather Service. Another 1 to 2 inches is expected to fall before the rain dissipates this afternoon.
Authorities haven’t yet confirmed the official number of fatalities in Kerr County, according to USA TODAY. But the San Antonio Express-News reported at least six people have been confirmed dead and several children reported missing who were attending the river-front Camp Mystic.
By late Friday morning, dozens of swift-water rescues had already been performed, and rescue operations were still underway well into the afternoon in Kerrville, a city of 25,000 people about 100 miles west of Austin.
Just hours before hitting Kerrville, the same storm sent a home in San Angelo — about 164 miles northwest — floating down the road in floodwaters.
The storm system wreaked havoc as Texas experiences a wetter-than-normal summer, despite early forecasts predicting below-average rainfall and warmer-than-usual temperatures. Several other deadly flash flooding events have hit Austin and San Antonio since late May.
According to the Climate Prediction Center, Texas should continue to expect above-normal chances for precipitation through at least next week.
All Kerr County residents who live near the Guadalupe River have been asked to evacuate their homes and move to higher ground. Other area residents are encouraged to shelter in place and avoid travel, according to the Kerr County Sheriff’s Office.
State officials respond to the flooding
Gov. Greg Abbott addressed the “devastating flooding,” saying the state is “surging all available resources to respond.”
“That includes water rescue teams, sheltering centers, the National Guard, the Texas Department of Public Safety,” Abbott said in a statement. “The immediate priority is saving lives.”
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick cautioned residents in his own statement.
“I urge Texans in impacted areas to heed the guidance of their local officials,” Patrick said.
What is a flash flood warning?
A flood watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding, according to the National Weather Service. It doesn’t guarantee flooding will occur, but it means flooding is possible.
A flash flood warning is issued when a flash flood is imminent or already happening, USA TODAY reported. If you’re in a flood-prone area during a flash flood warning, move to higher ground immediately.
Flash floods can even occur in areas that aren’t receiving rain, the National Weather Service warns.
The NWS says flooding is the leading cause of weather-related fatalities, with flash floods accounting for a significant portion of these deaths .
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Texas flooding turns deadly, several kids missing from Camp Mystic
