Flash Flood — Burnet, Texas

2025-07-05 · near Smithwick, Burnet, Texas

Event narrative

Slow-moving thunderstorms produced 8-10 inches of rain over the headwaters of Cow Creek. Washouts occurred along CR 328/Cow Creek Rd. both along and over Cow Creek at multiple locations. A 66-year-old firefighter and his emergency vehicle were swept away while responding to flooding along Cow Creek near FM 1174. His vehicle was found 2 miles downstream mangled and entrenched within flood debris and sediment, but his body had not been recovered as of the time of this writing.

Wider weather episode

Precipitable water values over South-Central Texas remained near record levels, and a mid-level anticyclonic circulation continued over Central Texas providing lift to generate thunderstorms. These storms were efficient rain making storms leading to another night of excessive rainfall. Parts of Burnet and Travis Counties received 12-16 inches of rain in approximately six hours that led to deadly flash flooding. Eighteen people died in flood waters: four in Burnet County, ten in Travis, and four in Williamson. The Travis County Emergency Manager estimated the cost of damage to public property and infrastructure at $5 million. The Burnet County Emergency Manager estimated the cost of damage to public property and infrastructure at $6 million. The Williamson County Emergency Manager estimated the cost of damage to public property and infrastructure at $25 million.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (30.5893, -98.0698)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1287884. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.