Rescue and recovery efforts in Central Texas faced new challenges Sunday due to the Texas flood threat. Authorities paused search operations in Kerr County early in the day as heavy rains and rising waters raised safety concerns. However, crews managed to resume some recovery work later in the afternoon.
The Kerr County sheriff’s office announced that search teams returned to work in the western part of the county around 3 p.m. local time. Meanwhile, Texas Governor Greg Abbott confirmed ongoing rescue operations in San Saba, Lampasas, and Schleicher Counties. Several Central Texas counties also continued evacuations due to swelling rivers and flash flood risks.
The hardest-hit area remains Kerrville, where catastrophic flooding on July 4 caused the Guadalupe River to overflow. At least 161 people remain missing in the region as officials push forward with extensive search efforts. Governor Abbott later tweeted that “dozens” of people had been rescued in the Lampasas area, providing a glimmer of hope amid the disaster.
The threat now extends along the San Saba River in San Saba County, another flood-prone area. Recent rains are expected to raise the river level faster and higher than during the initial July 4 flooding. Local police warned search crews to evacuate the river corridor early Sunday due to the Texas flood threat and the high risk of sudden flash floods.
Emergency alerts urged residents and responders to move away from low water crossings and riverbanks. These crossings flood easily, trapping people on small patches of dry land, as happened during the July 4 floods. The Guadalupe River near Hunt, a site of deadly flooding, remains under close watch.
The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning early Sunday, predicting rainfall rates of 1 to 2.5 inches per hour. Although the warning expired by midday, a flood watch stayed in effect through Monday morning. Officials emphasized the ongoing danger and advised people to avoid travel unless evacuating flood-prone areas.
Statewide, the flood toll has risen to at least 132 deaths, with 166 people still missing. Search teams continue their massive operation with help from volunteers, drones, and search dogs. Despite difficult terrain and harsh weather, they remain determined to find those lost.
Governor Abbott also expanded the federal disaster declaration to cover more affected counties. This move aims to bring additional resources to the region grappling with the devastating Texas flood threat.
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