by The Hill Country, which spans a large portion of Texas where the American South meets the Southwest, is home to wineries, lavender fields, a network of rivers and lakes, and a large population drawn by the area’s rustic charm and natural beauty.
However, Friday’s flash floods that raced through Kerr County and the predictions that more might follow served as a sudden and painful reminder of the danger that lies beyond the idyllic landscape.
In acknowledgment of a persistent menace that has claimed lives and upended communities over the years, the area has also earned the moniker “Flash Flood Alley.” It is particularly vulnerable due to its steep topography, exposed bedrock, shallow soil, and tendency toward heavy rainfall.
Rob Kelly, the judge for Kerr County, told reporters on Friday that this is the most dangerous river basin in the United States. We frequently struggle with flooding.
The Guadalupe River overflowed its banks on Friday in and around Kerrville, Texas, a community of roughly 25,000 residents, killing at least 27 people and leaving several others unaccounted for. In just one and a half hours, the river climbed almost thirty feet.
The Guadalupe River rose 29 feet one morning in 1987, according to longtime inhabitants.Ten teens lost their lives when the bus they were riding in was washed away less than 20 miles from Kerrville, close to Comfort.
In 2015, the Blanco River rose about 30 feet in a matter of hours, killing 13 people and destroying hundreds of homes in Wimberley, a small city about 90 minutes east of Kerrville.
The region’s appeal has only grown stronger, though. In recent years, the city of Austin has experienced tremendous growth, which has resulted in the emergence of housing developments and subdivisions. Retirees and people seeking a slightly more rustic lifestyle have long been drawn to the area. Camping, hiking, biking, and other tourist pursuits are also popular in the area.
The environment, which many consider to be a classic representation of Texas, includes dance halls playing locally produced country music, easy access to the outdoors, and expansive open spaces.
The population of Kerr County, which has been severely damaged by the recent flooding, has been gradually increasing. Inns, shops, campgrounds, taquerias, and barbecue spots can be found in Kerrville, the county seat, which is situated right off the Guadalupe River’s meandering banks.
