Flash Flood in Kerr County, Texas

Training thunderstorms produced around 10 inches of rain over the headwaters of the Guadalupe River in central Kerr County producing a massive flood wave that moved down river. When this flood wave reached Center Point it overtopped the San Antonio St. bridge, and the flood waters reached the intersection with Swayze St. Broadcast media video showed the water rise from its normal level to the bridge in approximately 30 minutes. When the water reached the bridge it was carrying a house that got stuck in the trees next to the bridge.

Tropical Storm Barry moved into and dissipated over eastern Mexico. Moist air from the remnants of Barry moved northward into Texas. Precipitable water values over South-Central Texas increased to near record levels. A mid-level anticyclonic circulation developed and moved over Central Texas providing lift to generate thunderstorms. During the overnight period of July 3-4, a low-level jet streak set up over South Texas and led to training of thunderstorms over the Texas Hill Country. The combination of weather features generated efficient rain making storms that produced 2-3 inches of rain per hour for several hours over the headwaters of the Guadalupe River. Rainfall totals in the area were up to 11 inches which led to catastrophic and deadly flooding along the Guadalupe River in Kerr County. Heavy rain eventually moved eastward causing additional flooding. Flood water killed 117 people in Kerr County and caused an estimated $200 million in damage to public property and infrastructure. There was no estimate for private property damage. Kerr County officials estimated 2,000 structures were damaged or destroyed.