Texas flood victims furious as local officials blame Trump's National Weather Service for warning delays

KERR COUNTY, TEXAS: At least 81 people are dead, and more than 40 others are missing, after torrential rains caused the Guadalupe River to rise over 30 feet above normal levels on Friday, July 4.

The worst-hit region, Kerr County, part of the notoriously vulnerable “Flash Flood Alley,” is now the epicenter of an intensifying public outcry.

As search and recovery operations continue, anger is mounting against the delayed warnings, with officials blaming the National Weather Service (NWS) for issuing critical alerts too late to make a difference.

Many victims say the water was already rising before they were aware of any threat. 

Local officials blame National Weather Service for delayed warnings

At the center of the backlash is the timing of alerts from the National Weather Service. According to official records, a flood watch was issued at 1.18 pm on July 3, predicting up to seven inches of rain.

A flash flood warning followed at 1.14 am on July 4, with a more severe warning sent at 4.03 am, urging immediate evacuation to higher ground.

Texas Emergency Management Chief W Nim Kidd said at a press conference that the intensity of the rainfall was never anticipated. “The amount of rain that fell at this specific location was never in any of those forecasts,” he claimed. 

Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly echoed the concern, emphasizing that he didn’t know what kind of alert system was in place at Camp Mystic, the riverside Christian camp where a counselor and 11 young girls remain missing.

National Weather Service defends actions as staff shortages come into focus

Despite the criticism, several meteorologists have defended the San Antonio-based NWS team. “This wasn’t a forecasting failure. It was a breakdown in communication. The warnings were there. They just didn’t get to people in time,” said meteorologist Matt Lanza. Chris Vagasky, another expert, insisted, “The Weather Service was on the ball.”

NWS meteorologist Jason Runyen noted the New Braunfels office had brought in extra staff to handle the storm. “There were extra people in here that night... You staff up for an event and bring people in on overtime,” he said. 

Still, internal agency challenges persist. Almost 600 NWS employees have left since the Donald Trump administration's personnel shake-up, including buyouts and firings. Nearly half of all forecast offices were facing 20% staffing vacancies as of April.

Donald Trump signs Emergency Declaration as officials call for reform of weather system

Donald Trump announced a “major disaster declaration” to support rescue and recovery efforts, stating on Truth Social, “These families are enduring an unimaginable tragedy, with many lives lost, and many still missing."

"The Trump Administration continues to work closely with State and Local Leaders. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem was on the ground yesterday with Governor Greg Abbott, who is working hard to help the people of his Great State," the president added. 

"Our incredible U.S. Coast Guard, together with State First Responders, have saved more than 850 lives. GOD BLESS THE FAMILIES, AND GOD BLESS TEXAS!" he concluded. 

Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem acknowledged the outdated systems in place, “We needed to renew this ancient system that has been left in place... That is the reforms that are ongoing there.”

Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Noem have pledged to modernize the emergency alert infrastructure.

AccuWeather's Jonathan Porter reinforced the need for a proactive response to weather warnings, regardless of actual rainfall figures. “People, businesses, and governments should take action based on Flash Flood Warnings,” he said. 

With questions still swirling around what warning measures were in place at Camp Mystic, home to over 750 campers, and why families received no immediate alerts, a reckoning appears imminent.

As recovery teams continue the grueling search for the missing, victims and officials alike are calling for accountability, and a system overhaul to ensure such a loss never happens again.