Latest news with #TexasParksandWildlife
Indianapolis Star
07-07-2025
- Climate
- Indianapolis Star
Watch: Timelapse video shows floodwaters rising rapidly in Texas' Llano River
At least 90 people have died in the catastrophic flash floods that hit Texas over the Fourth of July holiday weekend, including 27 children and counselors at beloved all-girls Camp Mystic. Dozens of people were known to be missing across the state and areas affected by the flooding, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said at a news conference July 6, adding search and rescue efforts were still underway. Extreme flooding began in the Texas Hill Country around 4 a.m. on July 4, as thunderstorms dropped more than 10 inches of rain on the region. The rain overwhelmed the Guadalupe River, causing it to quickly rise and surge over 26 feet in less than an hour on July 4, said Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. The hardest-hit area is Kerr County. Timelapse footage captured by an eyewitness shows floodwaters from the nearby Llano River rising over a causeway in Kingsland, about 65 miles north of Austin, completely submerging it in just a few minutes. The video was captured around 6 p.m. CST June 4 over 50 minutes by a resident Robert Ivey. "It really only took a few minutes to shut down the roadway," Ivey said. Watch the video at the top of the story. The water in the river had subsided slightly as of Monday morning, Ivey told USA TODAY on Monday, June 7. Extreme flooding in Texas: USA TODAY answers your FAQs The Llano, a spring-fed stream, is formed in Kimble County by the meeting of the North and South Llano Rivers, according to Texas Parks and Wildlife. The main stream flows east through Kimble, Mason, and Llano Counties for approximately 100 miles before joining the Colorado River and forming Lake Lyndon B. Johnson, a reservoir on the Colorado River in the Texas Hill Country about 45 miles northwest of Austin. As search and rescue efforts are underway, more downpours and flash flooding are expected in the region and the National Weather Service extended a flood watch July 7 through 7 p.m. local time for much of central Texas, anticipating that slow-moving thunderstorms will drop heavy rain across the region. Texas Hill Country is no stranger to extreme flooding. In the rugged, rolling terrain it's known for, heavy rains collect quickly in its shallow streams and rivers that can burst into torrents causing flash floods. The Guadalupe has flooded more than a dozen times since 1978, according to the U.S. Geological Survey, but the Independence Day flood is among the worst in its history. Contributing: Karissa Waddick, Dinah Voyles Pulver, Christopher Cann, USA TODAY
USA Today
07-07-2025
- Climate
- USA Today
Watch: Timelapse video shows floodwaters rising rapidly in Texas' Llano River
At least 90 people have died in the catastrophic flash floods that hit Texas over the Fourth of July holiday weekend, including 27 children and counselors at beloved all-girls Camp Mystic. Dozens of people were known to be missing across the state and areas affected by the flooding, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said at a news conference July 6, adding search and rescue efforts were still underway. Extreme flooding began in the Texas Hill Country around 4 a.m. on July 4, as thunderstorms dropped more than 10 inches of rain on the region. The rain overwhelmed the Guadalupe River, causing it to quickly rise and surge over 26 feet in less than an hour on July 4, said Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. The hardest-hit area is Kerr County. Timelapse footage captured by an eyewitness shows floodwaters from the nearby Llano River rising over a causeway in Kingsland, about 65 miles north of Austin, completely submerging it in just a few minutes. The video was captured around 6 p.m. CST June 4 over 50 minutes by a resident Robert Ivey. "It really only took a few minutes to shut down the roadway," Ivey said. Watch the video at the top of the story. The water in the river had subsided slightly as of Monday morning, Ivey told USA TODAY on Monday, June 7. Extreme flooding in Texas: USA TODAY answers your FAQs Texas devastated by flash flooding The Llano, a spring-fed stream, is formed in Kimble County by the meeting of the North and South Llano Rivers, according to Texas Parks and Wildlife. The main stream flows east through Kimble, Mason, and Llano Counties for approximately 100 miles before joining the Colorado River and forming Lake Lyndon B. Johnson, a reservoir on the Colorado River in the Texas Hill Country about 45 miles northwest of Austin. As search and rescue efforts are underway, more downpours and flash flooding are expected in the region and the National Weather Service extended a flood watch July 7 through 7 p.m. local time for much of central Texas, anticipating that slow-moving thunderstorms will drop heavy rain across the region. Texas Hill Country is no stranger to extreme flooding. In the rugged, rolling terrain it's known for, heavy rains collect quickly in its shallow streams and rivers that can burst into torrents causing flash floods. The Guadalupe has flooded more than a dozen times since 1978, according to the U.S. Geological Survey, but the Independence Day flood is among the worst in its history. Contributing: Karissa Waddick, Dinah Voyles Pulver, Christopher Cann, USA TODAY Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@ and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.
USA Today
07-07-2025
- Climate
- USA Today
Photos show aftermath of devastating flooding in Texas
Since Friday, at least 81 people are dead, including 27 children and counselors from Camp Mystic, an all-girls summer camp as flood warnings and search efforts continue. As of Monday morning, 10 children and a counselor are still missing from the Christian camp, Camp Mystic, where 750 girls were located during the floods. Search crews continue to scour the area for the missing, but forecasted storms could "pose life-threatening danger," said Texas Governor Greg Abbott. Areas that were hit with heavy rain, like Kerr County, the epicenter of the flash floods, are especially at risk. 'If you're in any of those regions, you need to realize, for one, you're in an area that is already saturated with water,' said Abbott. "When more water comes down, it could lead to rapid flash flooding events." Live updates Search for missing in Texas floods grows desperate as more storms loom Where is Kerr County? Kerr County is located in Central Texas, around 90 miles northwest of San Antonio. Camp Mystic is located in the Texas Hill Country, a "rolling to hilly grassland" situated on the Edwards Plateau, according to Texas Parks and Wildlife. Photos of the devastation floods left behind Julia is a trending reporter for USA TODAY. Connect with her on LinkedIn,X, Instagram and TikTok: @juliamariegz, or email her at jgomez@
Hindustan Times
04-07-2025
- Climate
- Hindustan Times
Camp Mystic update: When will Guadalupe River flood situation end? Weekend forecast here
Camp Mystic update: At least 13 people died and more than 20 girls at a summer camp were missing after flash flooding hit Guadalupe River in Kerr County on Friday. Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha and Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick addressed a press conference, warning locals about the 'catastrophic' situation and giving details about the rescue efforts. A flood gauge marks the height of water flowing over a farm-to-market road near Kerrville, Texas, on Friday(AP) "We have identified 13 fatalities," Leitha said. Some of the dead were children, Dan Patrick added. "About 23" girls were unaccounted for from Camp Mystic along the Guadalupe River, which rose 26 feet (eight meters) in 45 minutes overnight, the acting governor confirmed. Read More: Guadalupe River floods: What is weather forecast for Kerr County, San Antonio this weekend? Camp Mystic update Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp for girls located in Hunt, Texas, along the Guadalupe River, was heavily impacted by the flooding. At least 23 girls were missing from the camp after cabins got swept away by floodwaters. The camp has reportedly lost power, water, and Wi-Fi, and nearby highways have been washed out, complicating rescue efforts. Camp officials notified parents of unaccounted-for campers. Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with emergency resources including the Texas National Guard, Texas Parks and Wildlife, and helicopter teams deployed to assist. Guadalupe River flood situation The Guadalupe River surged dramatically on Friday, rising up to 30 feet in some areas, reaching its second-highest level on record, surpassing the 1987 flood. The river crested at 29.45 feet in Hunt and 23.40 feet in Kerrville, both in major flood stage and at 34.76 feet in Comfort. Read More: Camp La Junta and Camp Waldemar issue updates amid reports of missing campers in Hunt, Texas floods Weather forecast Forecasts indicate that the Guadalupe River's water levels are expected to drop significantly by early Saturday, July 5, potentially returning to below action stage in some areas like Hunt. However, downstream areas such as Comfort and Spring Branch may remain in major to moderate flood stages through Saturday morning. The National Weather Service (NWS) suggests that the heaviest rainfall threat has diminished, but moderate rainfall continues in nearby Mason and San Saba counties, with a level 3 of 4 risk of flash flooding persisting in the northwest Hill Country, including Kerr County, through Friday evening. Additional rainfall of 1 to 3 inches, with isolated areas possibly seeing up to 5 inches, could prolong flooding in low-lying areas through Saturday. By Sunday, July 6, drier air is expected to move in, reducing the flood risk significantly.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Where alligators are found in North Texas, and what to do if you see one
What lives in North Texas, has 80 sharp chompers and can hold its breath for almost 45 minutes? It's not a fish or a turtle. It's the American alligator. These large reptiles are not as scary as they sound. In fact, the American alligator is the least aggressive of all the crocodilian species, according to Texas A&M Agrilife. They are most populated in East and South Texas. So, while sightings in North Texas are rare, they are still present. Now that summer is here, keep your eye out. The American alligator is really only spotted in late spring through fall while the weather is warm — they go dormant when temperatures are 60 degrees or colder. Though alligator attacks are extremely rare, we do share marshes and swamps with the mega-lizards. Here's what you should know about American alligators in North Texas, and the Dallas-Fort Worth area. There are many differences between alligators and crocodiles. The most defining factor here in Texas is that crocodiles do not live in Texas, according to Texas Parks and Wildlife. Alligators are grayish-black in color. Female alligators grow to about nine feet long, while males can get up to 14 feet. They only mate once a year during the spring breeding season, and then the females lay their eggs in late June and July. It only takes two months for the eggs to hatch. Alligators only eat one to two times a week. There are no molars within their 80 teeth, so gators swallow most of their food whole. Their most active feeding hours are during dusk and dawn. Per Texas A&M, alligators use their keen sense of smell, sight and hearing to stalk their prey. They are exceptionally sneaky. TPWD says there has never been a fatality from an alligator in Texas. In fact, 'alligators don't normally eat people. Since they have been isolated from humans for all but about five or six thousand years, they don't really understand we're on the menu, unless we teach them,' TPWD said. According to TPWD, alligators in Texas live pretty much anywhere there is water. In North Texas, they are most commonly found in freshwater lakes and rivers. In D-FW, alligators have been spotted in the Trinity River watershed region. Specific sightings also include Lake Worth and Eagle Mountain Lake, according to the City of Fort Worth. During the summer of 2024, the City of Coppell issued an alligator warning due to sightings along Denton Creek. ⚡ More trending stories from our newsroom: →Why 'Last Rodeo' star loves Fort Worth →Price Check: Cheapest produce in Fort Worth for May →These are the most unsafe hospitals in North Texas If you run into an alligator, TPWD recommends the following: Refrain from calling TPWD if the alligator is not approaching humans or posing an obvious threat. Simply seeing an alligator does not mean it is a nuisance. If you hear an alligator hissing, that means you are too close. 'Never make the mistake of thinking that an alligator is slow and lethargic. Alligators are extremely quick and agile and will defend themselves when cornered,' according to TPWD. However, if you see one, back away slowly because it is rare for gators to chase humans. Alligators along the water, basking in the sun, are just trying to regulate their body temperature. Do not alarm them, otherwise they will retreat into water. TPWD considers alligators a nuisance if they are near homes, livestock pens or other urban structures. (This is when you should call TPWD.) If an alligator comes out of the water towards people, this alligator should be reported because it is also considered a nuisance. Alligators will consider pets a food source. Keep your animals leashed up or in fenced yards. If an alligator is on a road, notify TPWD. Never swim in a pond where you may see a gator, especially during night. Though gators can be hard to spot in water, you can sometimes see their eyes pop above the surface. Alligators may pursue fishing lures because they see it as a natural food source. However, if an alligator is following a boat or watercraft can be considered a nuisance. Never feed alligators. If caught doing so, you can face up to a $500 fine and be charged with a Class C misdemeanor. To report an alligator, you can call TPWD at 1-800-792-1112 or a Tarrant County game warden. Though alligators are a protected species by TPWD, they are also allowed to be hunted if the hunter has a valid hunting license and lawful means. Depending on the county you live in (core or non-core), there are different regulations. Tarrant County is considered a non-core county. Hunting season is April 1 though June 30. In non-core counties, hunters are allowed one alligator per season. Those who hunt an alligator in the wild, outside of Texas law, can be faced with a misdemeanor and fine. According to TPWD, violating Texas Fish and Wildlife law consequences can result in any of the following: Class C: $25-$500 Class B: $200-$2,000 Class A: $500-$4,000; Be fined for state jail felonies ($1,500-$10,000 and/or up to 2 years in jail). Face automatic suspension or revocation of licenses for up to five years. Forfeit hunting gear, including firearms, used to commit a violation.
