Kerr County warned of 'monstrous and devastating flash floods'

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- While Kerr County officials say they didn't know how bad the July 4 flooding would be, it warned residents nearly eight years ago to "be flood aware" about the ongoing potential for "monstrous and devastating flash floods."

"The topography is favorable for water to not just stagnate but to rush down rivers, creeks and streams," said Cary Burgess, a Hill Country meteorologist. "If you get three or four inches of rain at one time, that could be a real serious problem."

Kerr County received as much as three to four times that, according to reports.

In September 2017, the Upper Guadalupe River Authority sounded the alarm in an online video produced with Kerr County and the city of Kerrville warning about the dangers of flash floods and its historical precedent posted to YouTube.

The video notes Kerr County, and Central Texas, are "the most flash flood prone area in the United States by the National Weather Service, often referred to as "Flash Flood Alley" due to its steep terrain and shallow soil.

"Our area has a history of monstrous and devastating flash floods," the video said.

Like a historic flood in August 1978 that killed at least nine people and another flood in July 1987 that killed 10.

"It rained about 15 inches in a matter of three hours," Burgess said.

In 2016, officials discussed flood warning sirens. According to Kerr County Commissioners' Court meeting minutes, one commissioner said at the time: "The thought of beautiful Kerr County having these damn sirens going off in the middle of the night, I'm going to have to start drinking again to put up with y'all."

In 2018, the county's request for a $1 million grant for a new flood warning system was rejected. So far, Kerr County Emergency Management Coordinator William B. "Dub" Thomas has not said what actions were taken after the first flood alerts came in a week ago. In the 2017 online video, he said it was up to residents to "heed the warnings" -- like not driving across flooded roads.

"It's all about personal accountability," Thomas said. "You're responsible for your life, your family's life, the lives of your children."

On Thursday, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announced the creation of House and Senate Select Committees on Disaster Preparedness and Flooding. Lawmakers will look at flood warning systems, emergency communications and relief funding during the upcoming special session.

"In the coming year, and into the next regular legislative session," Patrick said, "we will gather all the facts and answer the many questions to which the public demands answers."