(The Center Square) – Fatalities have been reported amidst flash flooding in Texas Hill Country, local officials said.
Reports of over a foot of rain hitting the region overnight and into the morning Friday have led to “catastrophic flooding,” according to the Kerr County Sheriff’s Office, where an undisclosed number of fatalities have been reported.
Flash flood emergencies have been declared throughout the region including Kerr, Tom Green, and Kendall Counties, with the city of Kerrville issuing a disaster declaration.
The Guadalupe River carried a “deadly flood wave,” according to the National Weather Service, which urged residents in its path to seek higher ground as quickly as possible.
Meanwhile, people are being asked to shelter in place while search and rescue missions are underway. With roads too dangerous to drive, those in need of evacuation have been asked to call local law enforcement.
The Kerr County Sheriff’s Office said, “The entire county is an extremely active scene. We can confirm fatalities but will not release further information until next of kin are notified.”
A video from meteorologist Avery Tomasco showed an entire RV park “swept away with families reportedly still in their campers.”
More rain is expected, according to the National Weather Service.