Flood sirens sounded in Comfort as the Guadalupe River rose to 37.08 feet.
Why it matters: The surge is forcing emergency response in the Texas Hill Country as officials warn of major to disastrous flooding. It also tests local warning systems and flood preparedness for residents and infrastructure in Kerr County.
- The Guadalupe River at Comfort rose from about 5.6 feet before dawn to 37.08 feet by 7:50 a.m. CDT on July 16.
- The National Weather Service had forecast the river could reach about 35.6 feet and warned mid-30-foot levels could bring major to disastrous flooding.
- Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said on July 15 that the state was responding to a flood "likely going to break records" and activated more than 1,300 personnel from more than 30 agencies.
- The Texas Tribune reported that more than 90 flood warning sirens had been installed in Kerr County before the flooding.
Flood sirens sounded in Comfort, Texas, on Thursday as the Guadalupe River surged to 37.08 feet by 7:50 a.m. CDT, according to National Weather Service river statements. The gauge was about 5.6 feet before dawn and climbed above flood thresholds within hours. National Weather Service river statement
The weather service had earlier said the Guadalupe at Comfort could rise quickly to about 35.6 feet and warned that mid-30-foot levels could bring major to disastrous flooding. Forecast statement
The Associated Press reported that the Comfort gauge exceeded last year's crest, while the Texas Tribune reported the gauge hit 37.08 feet, compared with 35.64 feet last year. The Tribune also reported that more than 90 flood warning sirens had been installed in Kerr County before the flooding. AP report Texas Tribune updates
Abbott said on July 15 that Texas was dealing with a flood "likely going to break records" and said more than 1,300 state personnel from more than 30 agencies were activated. He had already issued a disaster declaration on July 14 and ordered 24-hour operations at the State Emergency Operations Center. Governor's update Disaster declaration
By the numbers
- 37.08 feet - Guadalupe River level at Comfort by 7:50 a.m. CDT on July 16
- 5.6 feet - river level at Comfort before dawn
- 1,300+ personnel - Texas state response activated from more than 30 agencies