Catastrophic Flooding Strikes Kerrville: Disaster Declared, Power Outages, Fatalities, and Widespread Damage Reported

KERRVILLE, TX (July 4, 2025) — The City of Kerrville has declared a local state of disaster following catastrophic overnight flooding that has devastated neighborhoods, prompted evacuations, and claimed lives in the region. City officials, emergency personnel, and utility providers are working around the clock in response to what authorities are calling one of the most severe flooding events in Kerr County’s history.

Emergency Shelter Now Open

An emergency shelter has been opened at First United Methodist Church, located at 321 Thompson Drive, which remains accessible despite surrounding closures. The shelter is available to all individuals displaced by the floods and is providing a safe haven as rain continues to affect the area. In addition, Arcadia Live Theater has also opened its doors today for anyone in need of shelter.

City Cancels Fourth on the River Celebration

Due to the extensive flooding and dangerous conditions, the City of Kerrville has cancelled this year’s Fourth on the River celebration, originally scheduled for Independence Day. The decision was made in light of public safety concerns and ongoing rescue and recovery efforts.

Official Disaster Declaration

Mayor Joe Herring Jr. has issued a formal Declaration of Disaster for the City of Kerrville, citing severe flooding caused by a weather event that began overnight and continues. The declaration allows for immediate activation of emergency resources and coordination with state and federal agencies. The City has also switched to groundwater wells for water service while floodwaters persist.

Power Outages and Infrastructure Damage

The Kerrville Public Utility Board (KPUB) reports widespread power outages impacting more than 2,600 customers, particularly in Southeast Kerrville, Center Point, and Hunt. Floodwaters have rendered several substations inaccessible, including the Hunt Substation, which remains underwater. Power lines near Riverhill, Center Point, and Highway 173 have also been confirmed down, making full restoration efforts challenging.

Residents are encouraged to download the SmartHub app or visit www.kpub.com/outages to report outages and stay informed.

Road Closures & Flood Conditions

The Kerrville Police Department and Fire Department remain actively involved in high-water rescues throughout the area. Motorists are strongly advised to avoid flooded roads and heed the warning: “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”

Current major road closures include:

• Arcadia Loop

• Most of Thompson Drive

• Guadalupe Street

• Rio Robles

• Riverside Drive

Low water crossings currently closed inside city limits:

• Francisco Lemos

• G Street

• Schreiner Street at Town Creek

• All crossings on Town Creek

• Bear Creek Bridge

Sections of Water Street have begun reopening as water recedes, and all crossings on Quinlan Creek are currently open.

Monitoring of Vulnerable Populations

The Kerrville Fire Department is stationed at local nursing homes along the Guadalupe River, monitoring conditions and preparing for potential evacuations. As of now, all residents are sheltering in place, and no evacuations have occurred from these facilities.

Ongoing Rescue and Recovery Efforts

The Kerr County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that fatalities have occurred but declined to release details pending next-of-kin notification. Officials are also responding to reports of missing persons, and search-and-rescue operations are expected to intensify as the water levels recede.

According to the National Weather Service, the Guadalupe River at Hunt reached over 29 feet by 4:00 a.m., marking the second-highest river level on record, surpassing the infamous 1987 flood.

“This is a catastrophic flooding event in Kerr County,” the Kerr County Sheriff’s Office stated. “The entire county is an extremely active scene. Residents are encouraged to shelter in place and not attempt travel.”

Stay Informed

Residents should continue to monitor the City of Kerrville Facebook page and KPUB outage portal for updates, road conditions, and emergency alerts.

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or needs emergency assistance, call 911.

A Message of Safety

City officials, law enforcement, and emergency responders are urging the public to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary, and to seek shelter if living near streams, creeks, or the river.

We hope and pray everyone stays safe during this crisis.