By Tom Ozimek

Catastrophic flash flooding triggered by torrential rainfall has left 24 people dead, others missing, and extensive damage across parts of central Texas, prompting urgent rescue operations and widespread power outages on Independence Day.

At a news conference late Friday, Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha said “about 24” people were dead after at least 10 inches of rain poured down overnight.

Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said during an afternoon news conference that 20 children were still missing at a Christian summer camp for girls alongside the Guadalupe River in Hunt, a suburb of San Antonio. Federal resources have been mobilized to assist with efforts to rescue the missing girls.

“Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has been working around-the-clock with state and local leaders in Texas and has activated U.S. Coast Guard and Federal Emergency Management Agency resources to try to get these girls to safety,” Homeland Security assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement on social media. “Pray for Texas and these beautiful young girls.”

The National Weather Service (NWS) reported that between 5 and 12 inches of rain fell in some areas, with storms continuing to produce additional heavy rainfall and dangerous runoff. Flash Flood Warnings and Flood Warnings remain in effect across several counties, including Kerr, Bandera, Llano, Mason, Kendall, Comal, San Saba, and others.

“This is an extremely dangerous and life-threatening situation,” warned an NWS alert for Kerr County, urging residents to seek higher ground immediately. “Do not attempt to travel unless you are fleeing an area subject to flooding or under an evacuation order. Turn around, don’t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.”

The Kerr County Sheriff’s Office described the flooding as “catastrophic” and confirmed fatalities, though details remain limited pending notification of next of kin.

“This is a catastrophic flooding event in Kerr County,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a statement on social media. “We can confirm fatalities but will not release further information until next of kin are notified. Our Office is working with a wide variety of local and state agencies to respond to calls and rescues. The entire county is an extremely active scene. Residents are encouraged to shelter in place and not attempt travel. Those near creeks, streams, and the Guadalupe River should immediately move to higher ground.”

Multiple people remain unaccounted for. At a press conference on Friday, Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly called the flooding “very devastating and deadly,” urging public cooperation and requesting prayers and donations via the Red Cross. Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring Jr. also implored: “Please pray for our community.”

There have been reports that first responders have been hindered at some Kerr County locations by onlookers filming or taking photographs of the flood. “Please be aware of your surroundings and make way for first responders if you see them coming. There are still rescue operations underway,” the city of Kerrville said in a statement.

Several rivers in the region, particularly the Guadalupe River, are experiencing moderate to major flooding. NWS warnings indicate the Guadalupe River at Kerrville and Hunt remains in flood stage, threatening to inundate homes, roads, and crossings.

Meanwhile, widespread power outages have left thousands without electricity. The Kerrville Public Utility Board (KPUB) reported that more than 2,600 customers across its service area, including Kerrville, Center Point, and Hunt, are affected. Restoration efforts are hindered by flooded substations, inaccessible roads, and downed power lines near river crossings.

“Our crews are working as quickly and safely as possible under extremely challenging weather and access conditions,” Allison Bueché, KPUB Director of Customer and Community Relations, said in a statement. “Power restoration efforts are underway where crews can safely reach and will begin in inaccessible areas as soon as they become reachable.”

Officials stressed that travel should be avoided unless absolutely necessary, warning that floodwaters can rise rapidly and are often deeper and faster than they appear.

“Conditions are life-threatening! DO NOT go out onto the roads,” NWS in San Angelo urged on Friday morning. “Expect roads washed out and rapid rises on rivers and creeks.”