All articles tagged with #hill country
Texas’ Hill Country faces another round of catastrophic flash floods reminiscent of last year’s disaster (which killed more than 100 people), with two deaths reported this time; residents credit timely flood alerts for better prep, even as many mourn the ongoing toll in affected communities.
From July 13–17, roughly 1,800 square miles west of San Antonio received 15–27 inches of rain, totaling an estimated 480 billion gallons—enough to fill about 12 billion bathtubs—causing dangerous river rises on the Frio, Sabinal, Nueces, Guadalupe and Pedernales and triggering widespread flooding across the Hill Country and San Antonio metro area.
Gov. Greg Abbott said two flood-related deaths have been reported in Texas’ Hill Country, including a man swept away in Comfort, as authorities continue search and recovery operations.
Texas’ Hill Country and southwest Texas endured a third night of heavy rain and flash floods, with at least two fatalities and numerous evacuations. The National Weather Service warned 2–4 inches of rain, with isolated areas up to 8 inches, threatening major flooding along the Pedernales, Guadalupe, Frio and Nueces rivers. State officials mobilized responders, opened floodgates and launched a flood-relief fund as communities brace for more downpours and potential further evacuations.
Heavy rainfall continues west of San Antonio, with flood warnings in effect along Highway 90 and through the Hill Country. Rivers have risen to minor flood stage so far, but conditions can change rapidly as more rounds of heavy rain develop; a high risk of flash flooding remains today, especially in Frio, Medina, and Uvalde counties, with drier conditions expected by the weekend.
Four friends in their 20s went to Texas Hill Country for a weekend, but flash floods struck, resulting in two bodies recovered and two still missing, including a couple, Aidan Heartfield and Ella Cahill, as rescue efforts continue.
Heavy rains caused catastrophic flooding along the Guadalupe River in Texas Hill Country, resulting in at least 13 deaths, dozens missing including 20 children from a summer camp, and widespread rescues. The flood levels were among the highest on record, with authorities deploying extensive resources for rescue and recovery efforts amid warnings that more casualties are likely.
Emergency responders in the Hill Country are collaborating to create a safety plan for the influx of people expected to visit the area to view the annular eclipse next month. With an estimated 800,000 to 1.5 million visitors, the main concern is managing traffic congestion and keeping intersections and highways open for emergency services. To prevent overwhelming 911 dispatchers, Kendall County is considering opening a phone bank for non-emergency calls. Fire departments are urging visitors to be aware of the ongoing drought and fire danger, while the Hill Country Alliance advises people to prepare for limited resources, including internet access, and suggests printing paper maps for navigation.
A rare annular solar eclipse will pass through San Antonio and the Hill Country on October 14, creating a "ring of fire" in the sky. This astronomical phenomenon occurs when the moon passes in front of the sun but appears smaller, allowing the edge of the sun to be visible. Eclipse glasses or a shadow box are necessary for safe viewing. The full eclipse will last for a little over 4 minutes in San Antonio, and the partial eclipse will begin at 10:23 a.m. and end at 1:33 p.m. Additionally, another total solar eclipse is expected to occur in the same area on April 8, 2024.