KHOU 11 Investigates questions the timing of Kerr County’s flood alerts during the deadly Hill Country flooding.
KERR COUNTY, Texas — Since the deadly Hill Country flooding, there’s been confusion and controversy over whether Kerr County sent out emergency alerts early enough to warn residents of the danger.
KHOU 11 Investigates obtained text messages from Kerrville City officials that provide some details of a timeline. Police Chief Chris McCall received three CodeRed alerts the morning of July 4. CodeRed is the web-based notification system that citizens and businesses can sign up for to receive emergency alerts in Kerr County.
At 1:14 a.m., Chief McCall received a Code Red Weather Warning, saying the National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning for his location.
At 5:02 A.M., Chief McCall received another text alert: “This is Kerr County with an emergency CodeRed message. If you are in the Hunt area along Highway 39 or the river, evacuate the area or get to high ground.”
At 10:54 a.m., Chief McCall received a third text alert: “Kerr County Dispatch with a CodeRed message major flooding continues for Kerr County. There is another rise to the river to be expected within the next hour. Stay away from the river and low water crossings. Shelter in place unless you are in immediate danger, then move to higher ground if possible.
It is unclear if the alerts sent to Chief McCall were sent to everyone who signed up for the notification system. CodeRed can be used to target specific geographic areas, and some residents previously said the first time they received an alert was after 10 a.m. July 4.
KHOU 11 Investigates has a pending open records request with Kerr County for a complete list of CodeRed alerts.