HUNT, TX — A life-threatening situation is unfolding in the Texas Hill Country as a powerful surge of floodwater barrels down the North Fork of the Guadalupe River, triggering immediate evacuation orders across multiple towns, including Hunt, Ingram, and Kerrville. Emergency management officials have declared the situation extremely dangerous and fast-evolving, warning residents to evacuate now or risk being trapped by rising water levels.

Authorities confirm that the flooding is the result of intense rainfall in upstream areas, which caused the river to swell at alarming rates. This second wave of floodwater is expected to exceed the already record-setting volumes seen earlier this week. The National Weather Service is continuing to monitor the situation and has placed the entire region under a Flash Flood Emergency, the highest level of alert for flooding.

Search and Recovery Teams Pulled Back

As the water continues its destructive path downstream, all search and recovery operations along the riverbanks have been suspended. A volunteer named Hale, assisting with the emergency response effort, reported that teams combing through debris for missing persons have been ordered to evacuate immediately.

“We assisted with search efforts through debris piles and have now been pulled out. More floodwater is coming fast,” Hale stated, his voice filled with urgency.

Emergency responders and volunteers working along the river have now been relocated to higher ground as a critical safety measure. The unexpected intensity of the second surge made continued operations impossible without risking additional lives.

Communities in Crisis

This unprecedented event has left communities already devastated by flooding scrambling once again to flee to safety. Many families had just begun recovery efforts when officials issued this new evacuation order. Low-lying neighborhoods near the riverbanks, campgrounds, rural roads, and popular outdoor recreation sites have become increasingly dangerous, with fast-moving water sweeping across roads, cutting off escape routes, and threatening infrastructure.

Residents are being advised to evacuate immediately, especially those living near:

• River Watch Way
• Highway 39
• Ingram Dam
• Kerrville River Trail
• Crider’s Campground and similar low-lying camping areas

Shelters have been opened in Kerrville and Fredericksburg, with transportation assistance available for those without means to leave on their own. Officials are urging the public to avoid all travel near river areas, as washed-out roads and submerged bridges pose serious threats.

Emergency Services Under Strain

With multiple rescue operations already carried out in the past 48 hours, emergency personnel are exhausted and overwhelmed. This new surge is expected to cause additional strain on resources, and residents are being strongly encouraged not to wait for rescue crews. “If you’re near the river, you are not safe. Get out now,” said one emergency coordinator.

The Guadalupe River is known for its sudden flash flood behavior, particularly during the summer months, but local officials say this is one of the worst episodes they’ve ever faced. Rising water levels are being monitored minute-by-minute, with some gauges already surpassing critical thresholds.

Public Safety Alerts

The Kerr County Emergency Management Office has issued the following warnings:

• Stay away from the river and any creek crossings.
• Do not attempt to drive through flooded roads.
• Turn around, don’t drown.
• Stay informed through official weather and emergency channels.
• Help your neighbors—especially the elderly or those without transportation.

Ongoing Developments

This is a developing situation with new information emerging rapidly. All residents of Hunt, Ingram, and Kerrville are urged to monitor emergency alerts closely, follow evacuation instructions, and prioritize safety over property.

The communities along the Guadalupe are no strangers to flooding, but the speed and intensity of this surge have taken even seasoned responders by surprise. As one volunteer put it, “We’ve seen floods before—but not like this.”

Stay tuned. Stay safe. And if you are in the evacuation zone, please leave immediately. Lives depend on it.