Latest news with #JasonRunyen
Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Texas Officials Did Not Use Technology That Would Have Sent Lifesaving Messages amid Flooding Tragedy: Report
A new report found that officials in Kerr County, Texas, did not use technology that would have sent lifesaving emergency messages to everyone in the vicinity of the Guadalupe River as it flooded on July 4 The Washington Post obtained messages from a National Weather Service meteorologist warning Kerr County officials about potential flash flooding, beginning at 1 a.m. that morning The death toll from the flooding has risen steadily since July 4 and now sits at more than 120 peopleA new report found that officials in Kerr County, Texas, did not use technology that would have sent lifesaving emergency messages to everyone in the vicinity of the Guadalupe River, where dozens of people have died and been reported missing in the wake of devastating flooding that began on July 4. According to The Washington Post, Kerr County officials did not use the Integrated Public Alert & Warning System (IPAWS) — a notification tool that uses vibrations and emits a loud alert noise — even after a National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologist warned them about the severity of the floods. The outlet obtained messages posted in a Slack channel — a message system used by NWS meteorologists to communicate about changing conditions with local officials and members of the press — that showed one meteorologist asking county officials to send an alert about the severe flooding to the public several times in the early hours of July 4, to no response. Kerr County did issue cellphone alerts that morning, using a system called CodeRED that sends voice messages to landlines listed in the White Pages, as well as text messages to the cellphones of people who have signed up, according to the Post. The outlet reported that although it couldn't confirm the exact time of each CodeRED message, some local residents' first message from the system was at 10:55 a.m., hours after the water had reached record-breaking levels. It's not clear whether any Kerr County officials were monitoring the channel that night, CNN reported. Jason Runyen, the NWS meteorologist on duty for the Austin/San Antonio region that night, first sent a message just before 1 a.m., saying that officials should look out for flash flooding in Kerr and neighboring Bandera County. One person reacted to the message with a thumbs-up emoji, but it was an emergency manager from another county. The Weather Service used the IPAWS system at 1:14 a.m. to send a flash-flood warning to Kerr and Bandera, and instructed recipients to "turn around, don't drown." By 2:28 a.m. Runyen wrote in Slack that Kerr County had received 200% of the rainfall needed to trigger flash flooding, and that the flooding had "likely begun." No Kerr County officials reacted or replied to the message, the Post reported. The water in the Guadalupe River would rise more than 20 feet in the hours following Runyen's message, and by 3 a.m., he wrote: "A very dangerous flash flood event is unfolding across south-central Kerr County." Runyen also wrote that Hunt, Texas, might reach a "moderate" flood level later in the morning, calling the town a "bullseye." The meteorologist also wrote in Slack at 3:56 a.m. that the flooding in Hunt had been categorized as "major," and said the Weather Service was about to issue another IPAWS alert about a "Flash Flood Emergency" to Kerr and Bandera counties. At 4:35 a.m., the level of the Guadalupe River had surged above 29 feet near Hunt, and soon after, the gauge that measures the water level was destroyed. Kerr County officials made their first public comment at 5:31 a.m., according to the Post. The Kerr County Facebook page announced that the flooding was "happening now." The Kerr County Sheriff's Office also wrote on its Facebook page soon after that people near the river should "move to higher ground immediately." Two and a half days after the flooding, Kerr County sent its first IPAWS evacuation order at around 3 p.m. on July 6. "High confidence of river flooding," read the message. "Evacuate the Guadalupe River and low-lying areas. Move to higher ground." Many local Texas residents told the Post that flash flood warnings sometimes come so often in the region that people ignore them. Abdul-Akeem Sadiq, a professor at the University of Central Florida who researches emergency management, told the Post that if local authorities had sent an IPAWS message rather than the National Weather Service, residents might have paid closer attention. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. "If the alert had gone out, there might be one or two people who might have still been able to receive that message, who now, through word of mouth, alert people around them," Sadiq said. "We are eight days removed from the most devastating tragedy in this community's history," officials told PEOPLE when asked for comment on the Post's report. "From the start, the city and county have pledged transparency and a full review of the disaster response, and we stand by those commitments." "The special session begins July 23, and that review work is underway while we remain focused on active emergency response," their statement added. Central Texas is still reeling from the destructive and deadly floodwaters, which were spurred by nearly unprecedented rainfall that swelled the Guadalupe River, drowning portions of the state's Hill Country. The death toll has risen steadily since July 4 and now sits at more than 120, with another 150 people still missing, CNN reported. Among the dead, at least 36 were children. Camp Mystic, an all-girls Christian summer camp located just off the Guadalupe River, previously confirmed that 27 of its campers and counselors died. Five girls from the camp remain missing, according to authorities. To learn how to help support the victims and recovery efforts from the Texas floods, click here. Read the original article on People
Daily Mail
12-07-2025
- Climate
- Daily Mail
Critical mistake made by county officials during Texas floods that could have saved countless lives
Officials in the Texas county where more than 100 people have died from the July 4 flash flood did not use technology that would have sent Amber Alert-like messages to everyone in the vicinity of the Guadalupe River, according to a bombshell new report. Kerr County officials did not use the more powerful notification tool they had even after a National Weather Service meteorologist warned them about the potential for catastrophic risk, per The Washington Post. The meteorologist, identified as Jason Runyen, posted his warnings in a Slack channel that local officials and reporters were in. He was unfortunately proven right. In the early morning hours of July 4 the river rose at least 30 feet in Hunt, Texas, near where Camp Mystic was. More than two dozen children and staff from the all-girl Christian summer camp were killed. Across the county, about 160 people thought to be washed away by the flood remain missing. Experts say Kerr County officials could have used the Integrated Public Alert & Warning System, or IPAWS, to save more people who were in bed sleeping at the time the waters were rising. IPAWS are similar to Amber Alerts in that they force phones to vibrate and emit a loud, jarring tone as long as they're on and have a signal. Abdul-Akeem Sadiq, a professor at the University of Central Florida who researches emergency management, told the Post that local authorities not sending IPAWS messages to targeted areas was a critical mistake. The National Weather Service did send alerts to Kerr County through IPAWS, but Sadiq argued that if they had also come from local officials, residents would have trusted them more and perhaps listened. 'If the alert had gone out, there might be one or two people who might have still been able to receive that message, who now, through word of mouth, alert people around them,' Sadiq said. He spoke about the phenomenon of people in frequently-flooded areas like this area of Texas ignoring alerts because they come so often. And usually, they amount to not that much. The National Weather Service issued 22 alerts through IPAWS on July 4, and each message used increasingly dire language. County officials, though, also have the added knowledge of the area that federal weather forecasters might not. If they had sent IPAWS alerts earlier, they could have described risks to certain neighborhoods or provided more specific guidance on how to stay safe, experts said. Instead, county officials used a more limited warning system called CodeRED. When activated, it send voice messages to landlines listed in the White Pages and text messages to cellphones of people who have signed up, the Post reported. Some locals didn't get CodeRED messages until 10:55am, according to screenshots obtained by the Post. That was over five hours after the river reached its highest recorded level. It's unclear why Kerr County leaders opted not to use IPAWS in the early stages of the July 4 natural disaster, especially when they've used it in the past to warn about much less dangerous threats. William B. 'Dub' Thomas, Kerr County's emergency management coordinator, used IPAWS last July to warn that the Guadalupe River could rise four feet, the Post reported. The alert told residents to avoid low-level river crossings and move their belongings away from the river. That flash flood came and went with no major injuries. Kerr County officials did eventually use IPAWS; it was activated on July 6, two days after the worst of the flooding. That alert was sent out because they were worried about another round of rising water levels. Daily Mail approached Thomas for comment on the disaster response. A communications team representing state and local officials said in a statement to the Post that county leaders are focused primarily on rescue and reunification and are 'committed to a transparent and full review of processes and protocols.' This revelation that IPAWS went unused comes as Kerr County officials are facing harsher scrutiny as time goes on. During a Tuesday press conference, one reporter asked Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha if anyone at emergency management office had been awake to push a button to send an emergency alert. Leitha snapped back, 'Sir, it's not that easy to just push a button. And we've told you several times.'
New York Times
06-07-2025
- Climate
- New York Times
Live Updates: More Flooding Looms as Searchers Scramble to Find Missing
Surveying the damage along the Guadalupe River on Saturday. The river surged to nearly 30 feet. Several more inches of rain were expected on Sunday in areas of Central Texas devastated by flooding over the weekend, forecasters said. Up to four inches could fall, with isolated areas potentially receiving up to 10 inches through Monday, according to the National Weather Service. Jason Runyen, a meteorologist at the Weather Service's office for Austin, San Antonio and the surrounding areas, said that while river levels across the region had receded, more rain could exacerbate flooding in the area. Flash flooding in the region killed more than 50 people over the weekend, with dozens more missing. 'We're kind of saturated now,' he said. 'So any additional amounts, even if we don't get up to 10 inches, could cause flooding.' The Weather Service's Storm Prediction Center placed a Level 2 out of 4 risk for flash floods over portions of North and Central Texas and the Hill Country through Monday afternoon. Further rounds of heavy rain were expected at the beginning of the week before drier conditions develop. 'There's still chances of daily precipitation in the forecast on Monday and Tuesday,' Mr. Runyen said. 'It trends drier and warmer beyond Tuesday.' The flooding that began on Friday was triggered by a combination of a moist tropical air mass — the remnants of Tropical Storm Barry — and a slow-moving storm system, which together fueled powerful thunderstorms. Forecast risk of excessive rain for Sunday Risk Some Moderate High Mr. Runyen said that the storms occurred in two separate waves: one Thursday night into Friday morning, and the other Friday night into Sunday morning. Ahead of the storms, the Weather Service issued a broad flood watch for parts of south-central Texas, including Kerr County, specifying the possibility of rainfall totals up to three inches and isolated amounts of five to seven inches. But for some areas, the actual totals far exceeded those projections. 'Most areas were between five to 10 inches,' Mr. Runyen said. 'But there was a little pocket of eight to 12 inches, that exceeded our values in our flood watch,' he added, referring to areas near the Guadalupe River where many people were killed. Texas officials appeared to blame the Weather Service for forecasts on Wednesday that underestimated the amount of rain that was coming. Former Weather Service officials have said that the forecasts were as good as could be expected, given the way the storms escalated and the remarkable levels of rainfall. Some experts questioned whether staffing shortages at the Weather Service also made it harder for the forecasting agency to coordinate with local emergency managers as floodwaters rose. In the early hours of Friday morning, a 'particularly dangerous situation' warning was issued for Kerr County, highlighting communities along the Guadalupe River as high-risk areas. Rainfall estimates in this swath were for five to 10 inches. Other counties, such as Tom Green County, were also placed under similar warnings Friday morning as heavy rain fell. Later on Friday, another intense round of rain battered the region. A new flood watch was issued, including portions of the Hill Country, warning of isolated rainfall totals up to 10 inches. Again, this amount was exceeded. Up to 16 inches of rain fell in Kirby, southwest of Austin, from Friday into Saturday, Mr. Runyen said. The deluge caused rivers in the region to rise to major flood stages. The Guadalupe River reached 29.45 feet — its second highest level on record, surpassing the levels that led to the devastating flood of 1987 in the same area, according to the Weather Service. The actual river levels this weekend might have been even higher than recorded, however, according to Mr. Runyen, who said that the river gauge was 'washed out' during the storm. 'We think that may have been a record,' he said. Flooding also occurred north of Kerrville, in San Angelo, where a National Weather Service office had issued river flood warnings on Friday for all parts of the San Saba, Concho and Colorado rivers. A flash flood emergency was declared for the Llano River in Mason County early Friday afternoon due to rapid rise. The warning urged residents, 'If you live along or near the river in this area, take action immediately as this is a life-threatening situation!' The San Gabriel River also experienced flooding.
Time of India
06-07-2025
- Climate
- Time of India
Texas floods, weather forecast latest updates: Flash floods, heavy rains predicted on Monday by Met officials. Details here
Several more inches of rain were expected Sunday in areas of central Texas devastated by flooding over the weekend, forecasters said. Up to 4 inches could fall, with isolated areas potentially receiving up to 10 inches through Monday, according to the National Weather Service. The weather service's Storm Prediction Center placed a Level 2 out of 4 risk for flash floods over portions of north and central Texas and the Hill Country through Monday afternoon. Further rounds of heavy rain were expected at the beginning of the week before drier conditions develop. The flooding that began Friday was triggered by a combination of a moist tropical air mass -- the remnants of Tropical Storm Barry -- and a slow-moving storm system, which together fueled powerful thunderstorms. Flash Floods Expected in Texas? Jason Runyen, a meteorologist at the weather service's office for Austin, San Antonio and the surrounding areas, said that while river levels across the region had receded, more rain could exacerbate flooding in the area. Flash flooding in the region killed more than 50 people over the weekend, with dozens more missing, NYT News Service reported. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like These Photos Captured the Exact Wrong Moment Read More Undo The deluge caused rivers in the region to rise to major flood stages. The Guadalupe River reached 29.45 feet -- its second highest level on record, surpassing the levels that led to the devastating flood of 1987 in the same area, according to the weather service. The actual river levels this weekend might have been even higher than recorded, however, according to Runyen, who said that the river gauge was "washed out" during the storm. Before the storms, the weather service issued a broad flood watch for parts of south-central Texas, including Kerr County, specifying the possibility of rainfall totals up to 3 inches and isolated amounts of 5 to 7 inches. But for some areas, the actual totals far exceeded those projections. Live Events Texas officials appeared to blame the weather service for forecasts on Wednesday that underestimated the amount of rain that was coming. Former weather service officials have said that the forecasts were as good as could be expected, given the way the storms escalated and the remarkable levels of rainfall. Some experts questioned whether staffing shortages at the weather service also made it harder for the forecasting agency to coordinate with local emergency managers as floodwaters rose. FAQs Q1. Will there be more rains in Texas? A1. There will be more rains predicted in Texas throughout Monday. Q2. What is condition of Guadalupe River? A2. Guadalupe River reached 29.45 feet -- its second highest level on record, surpassing the levels that led to the devastating flood of 1987 in the same area, according to the weather service.
New York Times
06-07-2025
- Climate
- New York Times
Live Updates: Desperate Search for Missing in Texas Floods as Death Toll Rises to 70
Surveying the damage along the Guadalupe River on Saturday. The river surged to nearly 30 feet. Several more inches of rain were expected on Sunday in areas of Central Texas devastated by flooding over the weekend, forecasters said. Up to four inches could fall, with isolated areas potentially receiving up to 10 inches through Monday, according to the National Weather Service. Jason Runyen, a meteorologist at the Weather Service's office for Austin, San Antonio and the surrounding areas, said that while river levels across the region had receded, more rain could exacerbate flooding in the area. Flash flooding in the region killed more than 50 people over the weekend, with dozens more missing. 'We're kind of saturated now,' he said. 'So any additional amounts, even if we don't get up to 10 inches, could cause flooding.' The Weather Service's Storm Prediction Center placed a Level 2 out of 4 risk for flash floods over portions of North and Central Texas and the Hill Country through Monday afternoon. Further rounds of heavy rain were expected at the beginning of the week before drier conditions develop. 'There's still chances of daily precipitation in the forecast on Monday and Tuesday,' Mr. Runyen said. 'It trends drier and warmer beyond Tuesday.' The flooding that began on Friday was triggered by a combination of a moist tropical air mass — the remnants of Tropical Storm Barry — and a slow-moving storm system, which together fueled powerful thunderstorms. Forecast risk of excessive rain for Sunday Risk Some Moderate High Mr. Runyen said that the storms occurred in two separate waves: one Thursday night into Friday morning, and the other Friday night into Sunday morning. Ahead of the storms, the Weather Service issued a broad flood watch for parts of south-central Texas, including Kerr County, specifying the possibility of rainfall totals up to three inches and isolated amounts of five to seven inches. But for some areas, the actual totals far exceeded those projections. 'Most areas were between five to 10 inches,' Mr. Runyen said. 'But there was a little pocket of eight to 12 inches, that exceeded our values in our flood watch,' he added, referring to areas near the Guadalupe River where many people were killed. Texas officials appeared to blame the Weather Service for forecasts on Wednesday that underestimated the amount of rain that was coming. Former Weather Service officials have said that the forecasts were as good as could be expected, given the way the storms escalated and the remarkable levels of rainfall. Some experts questioned whether staffing shortages at the Weather Service also made it harder for the forecasting agency to coordinate with local emergency managers as floodwaters rose. In the early hours of Friday morning, a 'particularly dangerous situation' warning was issued for Kerr County, highlighting communities along the Guadalupe River as high-risk areas. Rainfall estimates in this swath were for five to 10 inches. Other counties, such as Tom Green County, were also placed under similar warnings Friday morning as heavy rain fell. Later on Friday, another intense round of rain battered the region. A new flood watch was issued, including portions of the Hill Country, warning of isolated rainfall totals up to 10 inches. Again, this amount was exceeded. Up to 16 inches of rain fell in Kirby, southwest of Austin, from Friday into Saturday, Mr. Runyen said. The deluge caused rivers in the region to rise to major flood stages. The Guadalupe River reached 29.45 feet — its second highest level on record, surpassing the levels that led to the devastating flood of 1987 in the same area, according to the Weather Service. The actual river levels this weekend might have been even higher than recorded, however, according to Mr. Runyen, who said that the river gauge was 'washed out' during the storm. 'We think that may have been a record,' he said. Flooding also occurred north of Kerrville, in San Angelo, where a National Weather Service office had issued river flood warnings on Friday for all parts of the San Saba, Concho and Colorado rivers. A flash flood emergency was declared for the Llano River in Mason County early Friday afternoon due to rapid rise. The warning urged residents, 'If you live along or near the river in this area, take action immediately as this is a life-threatening situation!' The San Gabriel River also experienced flooding.
