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Kerr County Faces Rapid River Rise and Evacuations

Kerr County, Texas, Kerrville, USAThursday, July 16, 2026

The Guadalupe River has surged dramatically, forcing residents of Kerr County to evacuate as floodwaters swallow roads and bridges.

Emergency Alert – A Flash Flood Emergency has been declared, lasting until 11:30 a.m. Residents are urged to move to higher ground immediately.

Current Situation

  • Rescue Operations: Teams are deploying boats across the county, tackling slick roads that have become impassable for first responders.
  • Infrastructure Damage: At least two bridges are gone, and ten individuals were pulled from a barn after the river crept up their building.
  • River Rise: The river climbed roughly 22 feet in under an hour, mirroring the deadly July 2025 flood that claimed over 130 lives.
  • Gauge Readings: A river gauge at Center Point recorded a 32‑foot rise in four hours, signaling that the water level could match that historic peak.

Evacuation and Shelter Information

  • Shelters Opened:
  • Calvary Temple on TX‑534 Loop in Kerrville
  • City West Church on Junction Highway in Ingram

Local authorities are urging anyone near the river to seek safety immediately.

Weather Update

The National Weather Service reports that flash flooding is already underway, adding urgency to the evacuation orders.

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