Forty-eight hours after the
flood occurred, officials faced questions about whether and when authorities sent out
weather alerts and warnings before the deadly flash
flooding.
Here’s how the situation developed with the forecasts and alerts sent out by the
National Weather Service:
Meteorologists with the
National Weather Service offices in
San Antonio and
Austin began highlighting the potential for
flooding as early as Tuesday. By Thursday morning, the messaging had intensified, with forecasters
warning of the increasing risk of flash
flooding and river rises.
A rare special
weather discussion emphasized worsening trends. Forecasters noted:
The first
official warning came just after 1 a.m. with a “Considerable” tag. This tag is reserved for significant and potentially
life-threatening flash
floods and typically triggers Wireless
Emergency Alerts on mobile
phones across the region. It’s currently unclear how cellular coverage in the
area may have impacted
people’s ability to receive the alert.
Flash Flood Communication Update
In the
National Weather Service Chat, The NWS reported that up to 5 inches of rain had already fallen. Conditions in
Kerr County suggested that flash
flooding had already begun.
Flash Flood Situation Worsens
In a subsequent communication, the NWS warned that a “dangerous flash
flood event is unfolding in south-central
Kerr County.”
A rarely issued Flash
Flood Emergency was declared — the most serious alert level in the flash
flood warning system. This designation is reserved for only the most
life-threatening and catastrophic
flooding events. Only a small percentage of warnings reach this level.
Near
Hunt,
Texas, the
Guadalupe River surged past its major
flood stage of 22 feet, eventually cresting at an astounding 29.45 feet at 4:35 AM. The speed and magnitude of the rise are stunning.
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