Extreme flooding ravaged central Texas. USA TODAY answers your FAQs
USA TODAY readers have lots of questions about the flooding, as well as the recovery efforts.
Here are some of the answers. Got more questions? Fill out this form and check back for updates as we take on more of your questions.
Why was there no warning?
The extreme flooding began around 4:00 a.m. on July 4, as storms dumped more than 10 inches of rain over the Texas Hill Country.
State emergency management officials warned as early as July 2 that west and central Texas faced heavy rains and flash flood threats, citing National Weather Service forecasts ahead of the holiday weekend.
Meteorologists on July 3 predicted a 'slight' risk – or level 2 out of 4 – for flash flooding. But there were no predictions of catastrophic floods. That same day, the National Weather Service released a 'flood watch' for eight Hill Country counties, including Kerr. The advisory predicted 1 to 3 inches of rain and up to 7 inches in some places.
The weather service's Austin office put out a 'flash flood emergency' bulletin at 4:03 a.m. on Friday, when many were still asleep.
'This is a FLASH FLOOD EMERGENCY for South-central Kerr County, including Hunt,' the bulletin said. 'This is a PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS SITUATION. SEEK HIGHER GROUND NOW!'
What's the death toll now?
As of Sunday evening, state and local authorities said at least 81 people have died in the flooding. As of Sunday afternoon, Sheriff Larry Leitha of Kerr County, where the worst of the flooding occurred, said authorities had recovered the bodies of 40 adults and 28 children.
What is being done to save people in the area?
Search and rescue efforts are underway for people who are still missing.
Crews have been working around the clock to find the missing, traversing swollen waterways and scouring riverbanks littered with mangled trees and rubble. As of Sunday, about 650 people have been rescued, officials said.
How bad was the flooding and is the weather expected to get worse?
The gauge on the Guadalupe River near Kerrville surged from less than two feet to more than 34 feet in just over an hour on July 4.
On Sunday, forecasters expected several more inches of rain and warned of additional flooding and a worsening of conditions on the ground.
Is there flooding in the San Antonio area? Was Brady, Texas affected by the flood? What Texas cities were flooded?
Several cities in the Central Texas region between San Antonio and Austin were hit by the unrelenting rain over the weekend.
Portions of at least four cities in the region took on more than 10 inches of rain during the Independence Day weekend: Liberty Hill, 20.6; Lakeway, 13.5; Kerrville, 11.9; and Leander 10.5.
What are some things I can do to help?
The Red Cross, World Central Kitchen, Kerr County Relief Fund, are taking donations on their websites.
Crowdfunding website GoFundMe has a page for verified fundraisers connected to the flooding in Central Texas. The page will be updated as fundraisers are verified, according to GoFundMe.
Austin Pets Alive! reported that it has taken in over 50 animals from Kerr and Williamson counties as of July 5. In a July 6 update, the shelter said that they are coordinating a volunteer search and rescue group to find animals along the riverbank. The shelter also said it is seeking donations on its website to provide support to families that have lost pets, including body recovery and cremation services.
The Salvation Army Kroc Center in Kerrville is coordinating and accepting donations of nonperishable goods, personal hygiene items, diapers and other items. The organization is providing regular updates on its Instagram page.
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