Jaw-dropping time-lapse video shows Llano River floodwaters engulf Texas causeway in under an hour
KERR COUNTY, TEXAS: What was meant to be a relaxed Fourth of July weekend turned into one of the most devastating natural disasters in Texas history.
At least 104 people have lost their lives in catastrophic flash floods that swept through the state, including a heartbreaking 27 campers and counselors at Camp Mystic, a beloved all-girls summer camp.
The full scale of the disaster is still unfolding, with dozens more still missing. Texas Governor Greg Abbott confirmed during a July 6 news conference that search and rescue efforts remain ongoing, as crews continue combing through flood-ravaged areas in search of survivors.
Time-lapse video shows how fast floodwaters overtook Llano River causeway
The nightmare began early on July 4, when Texas Hill Country was pounded by a relentless storm.
By 4 am, more than 10 inches of rain had fallen, causing the Guadalupe River to swell uncontrollably, rising over 26 feet in under an hour, according to Texas Lt Governor Dan Patrick.
One of the most jaw-dropping moments was captured in real time. A resident, Robert Ivey, filmed time-lapse footage of floodwaters from the Llano River completely submerging a causeway in Kingsland, about 65 miles north of Austin.
Shot around 6 pm CST on July 4, over 50 minutes, the clip shows water creeping in before suddenly surging like a monster.
“It really only took a few minutes to shut down the roadway,” Ivey told USA Today.
By Monday morning, July 7, the water had finally started to recede slightly, but the damage was already done.
Why the Texas Hill Country is uniquely vulnerable to flash flooding
The Llano River, formed by the confluence of the North and South Llano Rivers in Kimble County, snakes east through Mason and Llano Counties before merging with the Colorado River to help form Lake Lyndon B Johnson, just 45 miles from Austin.
But the Texas Hill Country has long carried a dangerous reputation. Its rugged, hilly terrain channels heavy rainfall into narrow rivers and shallow streams, which can become roaring torrents in a matter of minutes.
The Guadalupe River alone has flooded more than a dozen times since 1978, according to the US Geological Survey, but this year’s Fourth of July surge may go down as one of the worst ever.
The National Weather Service has already braced for more. On July 7, a flood watch was extended through 7 pm local time for much of central Texas, warning that slow-moving thunderstorms could dump even more rain onto the already saturated region.
Donald Trump approves disaster aid as Texas faces up to $22B in losses
The ripple effects of this catastrophe are already enormous.
AccuWeather has estimated total damage and economic losses between a staggering $18 billion and $22 billion. That figure accounts for everything from destroyed homes and businesses to recreational facilities wiped out, tourism declines, and supply chain disruptions.
In response, the federal government has stepped in. President Donald Trump approved a major disaster declaration for Kerr County, unlocking federal aid for temporary housing, home repairs, and low-interest loans to cover uninsured losses.
Governor Greg Abbott has also activated state emergency response teams, mobilizing 1,750 personnel and 975 vehicles to assist affected communities across Texas.
Texas flood alerts questioned as officials admit warning gaps
Some residents have slammed the lack of alerts, calling the flood “a pitch black wall of death.” While some summer camps acted fast and got their kids to higher ground, others (like Camp Mystic) didn’t.
The tragedy there was especially heartbreaking. Not only did 27 campers and counselors perish, but among the victims was Camp Mystic’s beloved director, Richard "Dick" Eastland.
Kerr County officials are now under scrutiny. Judge Rob Kelly admitted that the county didn’t have a comprehensive flood warning system, mainly due to cost concerns. That’s now becoming a major point of contention, as families and lawmakers alike demand to know why better alerts weren’t in place.
With the region being known as “flash flood alley,” many are now pushing for multi-channel emergency alert systems that can reach even the most remote areas, especially at night, when many people are asleep and unaware of danger rising just outside their doors, CBS News reported.
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