Why Texas Hill Country, where a devastating flood killed dozens, is one of the deadliest places in the US for flash flooding
It is known for its views of Texas Hill Country, wrapped between the hills of shallow rivers and hugged through hilly valleys. But this geography does this One of the most deadly Places in the US for flash floods.
In the early hours of July 4, 2025, about 70 miles west of San Antonio passed through a dotted area with summer camps and small towns. At least 27 people diedAnd About two dozen girls Authorities said that one camp and other people in the region were still not calculated the next day. More than 200 people He had to be saved.
Flood, a large number of flash floods in this region, the slopes of water layer to the streams began with a heavy torrential rainfall. The streams poured into the Guadalupe River. Around 3 am on 4 July, National Air Service data shows Near the river camp, about 1 feet was rising every 5 minutes. There was water until 04:30 Rose more than 20 fit.
Flood specialist Hatim ŞerifA hydrologist and civil engineer at the University of Texas in San Antonio explains what makes this part of the country known as Flash Flood Alley so dangerous.
What makes Hill Country so prone to flood?
Texas as a whole He leads the nation in flood deathsAnd with a wide difference. A colleague and I analyzed the data from 1959 to 2019 and found that 1,069 people died in Texas for these twenty years. The next highest was in Louisiana with a total of 693.
Most of these flood deaths are in Hill County, an area known as Flash Flood Alley. A soil to San Antonio near Dallas and then to the west.
The hills are erect and move quickly while floating. This is a semi -dried area With soils that do not wet too much water, therefore the water chadors close quickly and shallow streams can rise quickly.
When these streams are joined on a river, they can create a water wall that erases the houses and destroys cars and unfortunately washing everyone on their way.
Hill Country saw some destructive flash floods. Inside 1987, heavy rain In Western Kerr County, he rapidly leaving the Guadalupe River under water and triggered a flash flood in 2025. Release from a camp Hurry died in water.
San Antonio at Eastern Edge Hill Country was shot on June 12, 2025 with another flash flood, He killed 13 people When they dragged from a flood skin to high water, their cars were swept near an interchangeable ramp Early in the morning.
Why does the region get such strong torrential rainfall?
One reason for Hill Country’s powerful torrential rainfall Balconies.
Escarpment is a cliff created by a geological error and a line of upright hills. When the warm weather from the bay rises to the rise, it concentrates and It can shed too much moisture. In many different ways, this water flows quickly from the hills that fill the streams and rivers below.
The more the temperature increases, the warmer The atmosphere can keep more moistureIncreasing the risk of torrential and flood.
The same effect can contribute to the flash flood in San Antonio, a large amount. Furnished land and updated drainage deficiency Controlling the flow increases the risk.
What can be done to increase flash flood safety?
First, it is important that people understand What causes flash flood And how fast the water can rise and flow. In many arid areas, dry or shallow streams can quickly fill with fast -moving water and can be fatal. Therefore, people should be aware of the risks and pay attention to the weather.
Improving the flood forecast, More detailed models Physics and water rates can also help in different places.
For example, probability estimation can provide a range of rainfall scenarios that allows authorities to prepare for the worst scenarios. A scientific framework that connects precipitation forecasts to local influences such as flow flow, flood depth and water rate can help decision -makers apply timely release or road closure.
Training is especially necessary for drivers. One to two fit moving water Wash the car. People may think that their trucks and SUVs can pass through anything, but the fast -moving water can turn and carry a truck.
Authorities can do more for barricades when there is a high risk of floods to prevent people from being damaged. We found this 58% of flood deaths In the last twenty years in Texas, it contained vehicles.
On June 12, the storm in San Antonio was an example. Happened Early in the morning and the visibility of the drivers weak. Until the cars were too late, he entered the flood water without seeing the risk.
This article has been re -published here. SpeechAn independent news organization that brings you real and reliable analysis to help you understand our complex world. Written by: Hatim Şerif– Texas University in San Antonio
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Hatim Sharif does not work from any company or organization to benefit from this article, does not consult, do not receive shares or financing and has not explained any relevant commitment beyond his academic appointments.
