Big revelation in Texas tragedy: Was ‘flash flood' warning system scrapped before 27 died at Camp Mystic?
Texas officials scrapped 'Flash Flood Alley'
NWS defends flood warnings amid cuts
(You can now subscribe to our
(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel
A July Fourth weekend deluge in Texas caused catastrophic flash flooding that has killed more than 80 people. Camp Mystic in Kerr County says Monday morning that it is 'grieving the loss' of 27 campers. The risk of life-threatening flooding was still high in central Texas with more rain on the way.Officials in Kerr County, Texas had discussed installing a flood warning system along the banks of the Guadalupe River, known as 'Flash Flood Alley". But the idea was rejected as it was too expensive, reports The New York Times.Flash floods, which occur when the ground is unable to absorb torrential rainfall, are not unusual in this region of south and central Texas, known colloquially as " Flash Flood Alley ." Human-driven climate change has made extreme weather events such as floods, droughts and heat waves more frequent and more intense in recent years.A flood warning system was first suggested in 2015 in the wake of deadly floods in Wimberley, Texas, some 75 miles east of Kerrville, the Kerr County seat.According to the outlet, Kerr County had looked into installing sirens, river gauges and other modern communication tools along the waterway in 2017. But it never happened. 'We can do all the water-level monitoring we want, but if we don't get that information to the public in a timely way, then this whole thing is not worth it,' Kerr County Commissioner Tom Moser said at the time.But the county, which has an annual budget of around $67 million, lost out on a bid to secure a $1 million grant to fund the project in 2017, county commission meeting minutes show. It is unclear how much installing a flood warning system would have cost specifically.The report says Rob Kelly, the Kerr County judge and its most senior elected official in a recent interview, said residents were hesitant about the high cost of a warning system. 'Taxpayers won't pay for it,' he said, according to the Times.After the devastating floods, Wimberley upgraded to a more advanced monitoring system, installing cell towers to send emergency alerts directly to local cellphones.Inspired by Wimberley's improvements, former commissioner Moser visited the town to study the new flood warning setup and returned to Kerr County advocating for a similar approach. His plan included enhanced water detection technology and improved public alert mechanisms, but it ultimately stalled due to budget constraints.'It sort of evaporated. It just didn't happen,' he told the Times.He admitted that he 'didn't know' if people might reconsider their position in light of the recent tragedy.Moser admitted it isn't certain that a flood warning system like the one he proposed a decade ago would have prevented the recent tragedy in the county, which has seen at least 80 killed, including some 28 children — but he does believe it would have made a difference.'I think it could have helped a lot of people,' he said.The fatal and deadly floods in Texas have also sparked a fresh round of scrutiny of Trump administration cuts to the National Weather Service (NWS). Some Texas officials were critical of the NWS, saying forecasts underestimated the rainfall.President Donald Trump rejected the idea of investigating whether NWS cuts had left key vacancies, and the White House said claims that NWS cuts had anything to do with the tragedy were 'disgusting", reports NBC News.'The forecasting was good. The warnings were good. It's always about getting people to receive the message,' said Chris Vagasky, a meteorologist based in Wisconsin. 'It appears that is one of the biggest contributors — that last mile.'(With inputs from agencies)
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
2 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
South Dakota tornado tracker: Massive twister in Watertown; these cities under warning
A massive tornado was spotted in Watertown, South Dakota, on Sunday. Scary videos posted by locals and storm chasers on social media showed the twister approaching populated parts of the city. This comes as the National Weather Service has issued severe tornado warnings for several parts of the state. A massive tornado was spotted near Watertown, South Dakota(Unsplash) 'Watertown, South Dakota — large, violent and extremely dangerous tornado is west of town. Tornado warning may soon be extended into the city. Begin moving to or prepare to shelter now. Those who need extra time or have mobility challenges — start the sheltering process NOW,' storm chaser Matthew Cappucci posted on X, platform formerly known as Twitter. Read More: Old Farmer's Almanac prediction for Fall 2025 across the US revealed Another local said that the tornado appeared to damage structures. 'Photogenic corn grinder just West of Watertown… Unfortunately hit structures,' they tweeted. Authorities are yet to confirm the extent of the damage. No injuries have been reported yet. NWS warnings for tornadoes in South Dakota The National Weather Service (NWS) in Aberdeen has renewed a Tornado Warning for southwestern Codington County, South Dakota, effective until 6:30 PM CDT, as a confirmed large and extremely dangerous tornado rages near Watertown. Issued at 6:10 PM CDT, the alert classifies this as a Particularly Dangerous Situation (PDS), urging immediate action as the twister, spotted over Long Lake near Goose Lake, moves southeast at 10 mph. Residents are in a life-threatening scenario, with potential for widespread destruction as the storm approaches key locations. Read More: Dallas County reports first heat death as dangerous heatwaves grip North Texas: See list of safety precautions Weather spotters confirmed the tornado's presence, reporting hazards including flying debris that could prove fatal without shelter, alongside the risk of total devastation to mobile homes, homes, businesses, and vehicles. The storm is expected to near Watertown, Lake Kampeska, and Memorial Park Camping Site around 6:15 PM CDT, prompting urgent evacuation from vulnerable areas. The NWS warns of considerable damage, with a maximum hail size of 1.00 inch adding to the threat, particularly for those on or near water bodies like Lake Kampeska, where capsizing waves and lightning pose additional dangers. Authorities are urging residents to seek safety immediately, advising movement to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, away from windows. For those outdoors, in mobile homes, or vehicles, the closest substantial shelter is critical to avoid deadly debris. Special caution is urged for those on Lake Kampeska, with instructions to leave the water, dock boats, and find shelter to escape thunderstorm-related hazards. The slow movement of the tornado suggests a prolonged threat, keeping emergency services on high alert.
Economic Times
2 days ago
- Economic Times
Severe thunderstorms sweep through Pennsylvania and Northeast bringing damaging winds hail and flash flooding risk
TIL Creatives Severe thunderstorms move across Pennsylvania and the Northeast with 60 mph winds penny sized hail and risk of flash flooding as warnings remain in effect A powerful line of thunderstorms tore across parts of Pennsylvania and the broader Northeast on Friday(July 25), triggering multiple severe weather warnings and putting millions under threat of damaging winds, large hail, and flash flooding. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning just after 3:20 pm ET for portions of south-central Pennsylvania, including Dauphin, Lebanon, Perry, northeastern Cumberland, northwestern York, and southwestern Schuylkill Counties. The warning remains in effect until 4 pm ET. Radar showed storms stretching from Tower City to Ickesburg, moving southeast at 35 mph, packing 60 mph wind gusts and penny-sized hail, strong enough to damage rooftops, trees, and power lines. Several highways including the Pennsylvania Turnpike, Interstates 78, 81, 83, and 283 are also under alert due to hazardous driving conditions.'Move indoors immediately,' the warning urged. 'If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning.' The NWS emphasized that cloud-to-ground lightning is frequent in this storm system. These storms come on the heels of an oppressive heat wave gripping much of the region. The NWS also issued a Heat Advisory for multiple counties in Pennsylvania through 8 pm. Friday, with feels-like temperatures soaring past 100°F. That hot, humid air has created an unstable atmosphere ideal for violent storms. Farther east, a Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in place for New Jersey, Delaware, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island until 9 pm ET. In Morris County, New Jersey, a warning was issued until 3:45 pm for cities including Morristown, Dover, and Madison, as storms continue to track eastward.'It's all happening fast,' said Raul Martinez, a truck driver caught along I‑81. 'One minute I'm in the sun, the next I'm dodging fallen branches in the wind.'Emergency services are urging residents to avoid flooded roads, as heavy rainfall could lead to flash flooding in low-lying areas. The NWS warned, 'Turn around, don't drown.'Residents are advised to monitor local alerts, keep phones charged, and seek shelter at the first sign of thunder or lightning. Severe weather could continue through the evening hours.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Severe thunderstorms sweep through Pennsylvania and Northeast bringing damaging winds hail and flash flooding risk
A powerful line of thunderstorms tore across parts of Pennsylvania and the broader Northeast on Friday(July 25), triggering multiple severe weather warnings and putting millions under threat of damaging winds, large hail, and flash flooding. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning just after 3:20 pm ET for portions of south-central Pennsylvania, including Dauphin, Lebanon, Perry, northeastern Cumberland, northwestern York, and southwestern Schuylkill Counties. The warning remains in effect until 4 pm ET. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category healthcare Finance Healthcare Project Management Digital Marketing Product Management Others MBA others Technology Leadership MCA Degree Public Policy Artificial Intelligence Data Science Design Thinking Data Science PGDM Data Analytics Management Cybersecurity CXO Operations Management Skills you'll gain: Duration: 11 Months IIM Lucknow CERT-IIML Healthcare Management India Starts on undefined Get Details Radar showed storms stretching from Tower City to Ickesburg, moving southeast at 35 mph, packing 60 mph wind gusts and penny-sized hail, strong enough to damage rooftops, trees, and power lines. Several highways including the Pennsylvania Turnpike, Interstates 78, 81, 83, and 283 are also under alert due to hazardous driving conditions. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Hyderabad: 1 Trick to Reduce Belly Fat? Home Fitness Hack Shop Now Undo 'Move indoors immediately,' the warning urged. 'If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning.' The NWS emphasized that cloud-to-ground lightning is frequent in this storm system. Heat and humidity add to instability Live Events These storms come on the heels of an oppressive heat wave gripping much of the region. The NWS also issued a Heat Advisory for multiple counties in Pennsylvania through 8 pm. Friday, with feels-like temperatures soaring past 100°F. That hot, humid air has created an unstable atmosphere ideal for violent storms. Farther east, a Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in place for New Jersey, Delaware, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island until 9 pm ET. In Morris County, New Jersey, a warning was issued until 3:45 pm for cities including Morristown, Dover, and Madison, as storms continue to track eastward. 'It's all happening fast,' said Raul Martinez, a truck driver caught along I‑81. 'One minute I'm in the sun, the next I'm dodging fallen branches in the wind.' Emergency services are urging residents to avoid flooded roads, as heavy rainfall could lead to flash flooding in low-lying areas. The NWS warned, 'Turn around, don't drown.' Residents are advised to monitor local alerts, keep phones charged, and seek shelter at the first sign of thunder or lightning. Severe weather could continue through the evening hours.
