Kerr County Orders Evacuations, Suspends Searches Amid New Flood Threat

Kerr County and the city of Kerrville suspended searches for flood victims and issued new evacuation notices Sunday for the Guadalupe River as heavy rains again threaten the area ravaged by floodwaters a week ago.

"All search crews need to evacuate the river corridor until further notice," the Kerrville Police Department said about 8 a.m. "Any volunteer search parties in the Guadalupe River corridor need to heed this warning. The potential for a flash flood is high."

An emergency alert from the city of Kerrville said there is a high probability of the Guadalupe River at Hunt reaching flood stage today.

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The city was already experiencing intense rainfall. Up to 2 inches of rain had fallen in the area this morning with another 1-2 inches per hour expected through late morning.

About 10 a.m., the city of Kerrville posted a social media image of floodwaters rushing across Park Street, which is about three blocks east of the Guadalupe River. Farther east, water was surging across a low water crossing on First Street.

The Guadalupe River has risen in Louise Hays Park and low-lying areas along Quinlan Creek and Town Creek have water in the roadways, Kerrville Police said.

The Rio Vista low water crossing off Texas 39 is closed and the sheriff's office redirected residents and first responders to the Cade Loop bridge crossing.

A flash flood warning is in effect for Kerrville, Ingram, Hunt, Comfort, Waltonia and much of the Guadalupe River valley until at least 11:30 a.m. Sunday.

A deadly flash flood swept over the area on Independence Day, killing at least 103 people. Gov. Greg Abbott said last week that as many as 161 people were still unaccounted for and searchers have been working non-stop.

Early Sunday, though, Kerrville suspended search operations as heavy rain again swells the Guadalupe River.

"This is a dangerous and life-threatening situation," the Kerr County’s Sheriff’s Office said. "Do not attempt to travel unless you are fleeing an area subject to flooding or under an evacuation order."

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.