Heavy overnight rains in Texas Hill Country caused the Guadalupe River to reach near-record levels, prompting rescues.
SAN ANTONIO — The water rose fast and furiously in the Hill Country overnight as residents’ Fourth of July anticipation turned into a frenzy to ensure the safety of themselves and their loved ones.
While forecasters expected strong overnight rains in the region, the amount that fell – and how quickly – was stunning. Between 5 and 10 inches of rain fell before the sun rose in parts of Kerr and Bandera counties, with residences along the Guadalupe River hit particularly hard as it rose to some of its highest levels ever in certain communities.
Here’s how high the Guadalupe’s water level rose Friday across those communities, at what time and how that stacks up to history.
Crested at 29.45 feet at 4:25 a.m., the third-highest level. All-time record: 36.60 feet on July 2, 1932.
Crested at 34.76 feet at 10:45 a.m., the fifth-highest level. All-time record: 42.30 feet on July 1, 1869.
Crested at 21.41 feet at 7:30 a.m., the second-highest level. All-time record: 24.27 feet on Oct. 16, 2018.
Crested at 23.40 feet at 7:45 a.m., the the third-highest level. All-time record: 39 feet on July 2, 1932.
As of 7:30 p.m., still cresting at 49.70 feet (all-time record high).