Central Texas Flood Warning Issued as San Saba, Concho, and Colorado Rivers Rise

San Saba, Concho, and Colorado River sections are under River Flood Warnings after torrential downpours caused life-threatening flash flooding throughout Central Texas on Friday. The Guadalupe River has passed its all-time record level, resulting in severe flooding in Kerrville and throughout Kerr County.

Urgent Texas Alert Issued by National Weather Service

The National Weather Service in San Angelo issued an urgent alert at 10:30 a.m. CDT, warning residents: “River Flood Warnings have been issued for parts of the San Saba, Concho, and Colorado Rivers. Do not venture out today if you don’t have to. If you have to travel, please turn around if you come across a flooded roadway.”

Rapid River Rise in Comfort and Kerrville

In Comfort, the Guadalupe River crested 22 feet within 30 minutes, between 9:00 and 9:30 a.m., at 29.86 feet.

In Kerrville, the river rose 21.6 feet in one hour, from 3:45 a.m. to 4:45 a.m. It is currently at 11.64 feet, well over flood stage. Further upstream in Hunt, the river is in moderate flood stage, at 13.99 feet.

Texas Governor Abbott Responds to Devastating Hill Country Floods

Governor of Texas Greg Abbott released a statement about the flooding in Kerrville.

“Texas is providing all necessary resources to Kerrville, Ingram, Hunt and the entire Texas Hill Country dealing with these devastating floods,” Abbott said. “The State of Texas today has mobilized additional resources in addition to the resources sent in preparation for the storms. I urge Texans to heed guidance from state and local officials and monitor local forecasts to avoid driving into flooded areas.”

Acting Governor Dan Patrick Warns of Continued Risk

Acting Governor Dan Patrick also issued a statement, saying, “I am working in coordination with the state’s emergency response team on the significant flooding that occurred in the Hill Country and Concho Valley regions in the early hours of this morning. The Kerr County Sheriff’s Office has reported catastrophic flooding in the area, with several people missing and confirmed loss of life. Additional rain is forecast in those areas. Even if the rain is light, more flooding can occur in those areas. There is an ongoing threat for possible flash flooding from San Antonio to Waco for the next 24 to 48 hours in addition to the continued risks in west and central Texas.”