Canyon Lake flooding has put Texas on high alert. Heavy rains hit Central Texas overnight. The Guadalupe River rose 26 feet in 45 minutes. At least 24 people have died. More than 20 camp girls are missing. This is a life-threatening emergency.
Camp Mystic Tragedy: Children Missing in Floods
Twenty young girls vanished near Hunt, Texas. They were at Camp Mystic by the river. Flash floods swept through the area fast. Rescue teams searched all night. Helicopters pulled 237 people to safety. The search continues for the campers. Families wait for news.
How Rain Caused Record Flooding
Tropical Storm Barry brought this rain. It mixed with wet air over Texas. Some places got 10–12 inches overnight. This is a “100-year rain event.” Dry ground made things worse. Water rushed off hard soil fast. Creeks became rivers in minutes.
Canyon Lake’s Flood Defense Role
Canyon Lake flooding is now a major worry. The lake catches river water upstream. Right now, it has 66 feet left before filling. No flood releases are planned yet. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers watches closely. If the lake hits 909 feet, gates may open. Today it sits near 885 feet.
Evacuations Along the Guadalupe River
Thousands left homes near Spring Branch. The river may reach 37 feet there. Water could cover roads and houses. Comal County told people: “Move now.” Bandera and Kerr Counties also evacuated. Roads are closed. Bridges are underwater.
Rescue Teams Work Against Time
Texas sent 14 helicopters and 500 workers. They saved 167 people from rooftops. Boats pulled 70 more from flood zones. Crews face blocked roads and broken gear. Rain keeps falling. Rivers move fast.
Why This Flood Caught Texas Off Guard
No one saw this coming. River gauges broke in the rush. The flood beat all records. Kerr County’s judge said: “We had no warning.” People woke to water in their homes. Cars floated down streets.
Drought to Flood: Texas’ Climate Shift
Texas was bone-dry last month. Canyon Lake flooding seems unreal. The lake was half-empty last week. Now rain pours into it non-stop. This flip from dry to wet hurts. Hard soil can’t soak up sudden rain.
Flood Dangers Still Ahead
The flood wave heads toward Canyon Lake. Towns downstream face rising water. More rain is coming this week. People near rivers should stay alert. Avoid flooded roads. Just 6 inches of water can knock you down.
Help for Flood Victims
Texas declared a disaster in 14 counties. Federal aid will help rebuild. Shelters house those who lost homes. Donations pour in for families. Volunteers hand out food and clothes.
Canyon Lake’s Next Test
All eyes are on Canyon Dam now. It has held back floods since 1964. In 2002, it faced its biggest test. Water rose to 950 feet then. Today’s Canyon Lake flooding challenge grows. Rain keeps feeding the lake.
Lessons from the Flood
Texas must fix flood warning systems. River gauges need updates. Towns need better escape plans. Climate swings bring more extremes. Dry or wet, Texas must stay ready.
How to Stay Safe
Check local flood maps now. Pack a go-bag with pills and papers. Know your high-ground route. Heed weather alerts. Never drive through floodwater.
The Long Road Back
Canyon Lake flooding will leave scars. Homes are ruined. Roads are gone. Some families lost loved ones. Rebuilding will take years. But Texans help each other. Hope remains strong.
Final Word
Canyon Lake flooding shows nature’s power. Stay informed. Stay safe. Support those hit hard. We will update this story as news comes.
