Article: From July 4 to 5, 2025, a large flooding event took place in the Texas Hill Country and areas downstream, United States, resulting in the deaths of at least 32 people, with hundreds initially reported missing. The floods, caused by the rapid rise of the Guadalupe River after excessive rainfall, have been described as "catastrophic."
Flooding began on July 4 after large amounts of rain fell on Central Texas. Six flash flood emergencies, which included the cities of Kerrville and Mason, were issued the same day. The Guadalupe River surged an estimated 29 feet (8.8 m) in the Hunt area, where over 20 children were declared missing from a summer camp. A total of 25 people were killed on July 4, with search-and-rescue operations still underway. July 5 saw more flash flood emergencies and flood warnings over the Lake Travis area (Colorado River watershed).
Because there are many dead, there's conspiracy theories.
Here's the warning:
Article: Mesoscale Precipitation Discussion 0584
NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD
126 AM EDT Fri Jul 04 2025
Areas affected...central TX
Concerning...Heavy rainfall...Flash flooding likely
Valid 040525Z - 041030Z
Summary...Areas of flash flooding will be likely across central TX
overnight with very heavy rainfall expected. Hourly rainfall in
excess of 2 to 3 inches seems reasonable given the environment and
localized 6-hr totals over 6 inches will be possible. Some flash
flood impacts could be significant, especially considering
sensitive terrain over portions of the region.
...
The
tropical airmass will be capable of 2 to 3+ inches of rain in an
hour and localized totals over 6 inches in a 6 hour period may
also occur. These areas of heavy rainfall are expected to result
in a few areas of flash flooding through the overnight, some of
which may become locally significant.
It seems tragically mundane. More rain fell than was expected, and the warning system was inadequate for these novel circumstances