Flash Flood — Burnet, Texas

2025-07-05 · near Marble Falls, Burnet, Texas

Event narrative

Heavy rain from slow-moving thunderstorms fell into the Hamilton Creek watershed contributing to a rapid rise of the creek that moved downstream near Marble Falls into the Colorado River. While only 1 to 2 inches of rain fell over Marble Falls, a swath of over 10 inches of rain occurred within the watershed upstream. An LCRA stream gauge on Hamilton Creek near Marble Falls measured a rise of 18.65 ft in about 90 minutes with 49,970 cfs before the gauge stopped reporting data. Widespread inundation and downing of trees occurred along the Hamilton Creek, with the extent of inundation at times nearly 1/3 mile across near FM 1431. The CR 341 crossing along Hamilton Creek was completely washed out on both approaches, leaving only a significantly damaged central concrete segment. The south approach to the CR 340/Mormon Hill Rd crossing was scoured out by floodwaters. Several homes were flooded along Hamilton Creek Rd. farther downstream of the CR 341 crossing. The Cedar Stays RV Park, located along the creek near FM 1431, saw major impacts. About 50 RVs were parked there overnight. All RVs were impacted by flooding and most were total losses. RVs closest to the creek experienced nearly 10 ft of inundation. RVs and other vehicles were swept into trees and the surrounding vegetation. Residents awoke to water entering their vehicles and climbed atop their RVs and the roof of the RV park office to avoid floodwaters and be rescued. Helicopters and boats were dispatched to aid water rescues. A 79-year-old male resident of the park died in the flooding. Hamilton Creek floodwaters overtopped the FM 1431 bridge, damaging the guardrail and washing out part of the crossing.

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.

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Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1288009. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.