One dead as Guadalupe River flood forces evacuations and road closures in Kerr County

A flood emergency along the Guadalupe River in Kerr County, Texas, resulted in one death and prompted widespread evacuations, water rescues and road closures early Thursday. The Mayor Pro Tem of Kerrville confirmed the fatality, though details about the victim have not been released.

Emergency managers warned residents downstream toward Comfort to move to higher ground after the river rose 16 feet within 30 minutes, urging people not to wait until floodwaters reached their homes. The National Weather Service issued a Flash Flood Emergency for Hunt and Kerrville, noting that additional rainfall could worsen conditions.

Governor Greg Abbott said more than 1,300 emergency personnel were deployed and that rescue crews had saved over 70 people. > "Our number one focus is saving lives," Abbott said.

The City of Kerrville advised residents to shelter in place, move to the highest safe level of their homes and avoid travel. A large wall of water was reported moving down Harper Road, and the Sidney Baker Bridge was temporarily closed as a precaution.

Evacuations began at Buckhorn Lake Resort and the Ingram RV Park, and a shelter and reunification center was opened at Calvary Temple Church in Kerrville. Additional shelters were established in Uvalde for residents affected by flooding along the Leona, Nueces and Frio rivers.

Several bridges and highways were damaged or closed, including the Sidney Baker Street Bridge, Anderson Ranch Bridge, Ingram Hills Road Bridge, Henderson Branch Bridge, Main Street and Water Street bridges, Highway 39 Bridge, and the 480 Bridge at Center Point. Interstate 10 and portions of Highways 27, 39 and Medina remained closed, and numerous local roads were reported impassable.

By 2:30 a.m., emergency crews had responded to at least six major water-rescue calls, including a mother and child trapped near Indian Creek Road in Ingram. Fire departments, the Texas Department of Public Safety, sheriff’s deputies and other agencies coordinated additional personnel for the mounting rescue requests.

Camp officials said all campers were safe, with the main camp site situated more than 80 feet above the river and cabins remaining dry despite upstream flooding.

Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly signed a local disaster declaration, enabling the county to request state assistance and access additional emergency resources. Authorities continue to urge residents to monitor alerts, move to higher ground if needed and avoid driving through flooded roadways as heavy rain is forecast through Friday.