The warning system comes nearly 10 months after deadly Fourth of July flooding devastated the region.
GUADALUPE COUNTY, Texas — A new flood warning siren system along the Guadalupe River is entering its final testing phase as Hill Country communities continue working to strengthen emergency response efforts after last year’s deadly Fourth of July floods.
The Upper Guadalupe River Authority began installing outdoor warning sirens last week across parts of Kerr County.
Officials say testing started Thursday and will continue through Friday, with residents possibly hearing one or more 30-second siren tests throughout the day.
The new warning beacons are part of a larger Guadalupe River Flood Warning System being developed jointly by the river authority and Kerr County.
The project will include a network of river and rainfall gauges capable of monitoring flood conditions every five minutes.
If water levels become dangerous, officials will be able to activate the sirens to warn people living, camping or visiting near the river.
The testing comes after recent severe weather moved through Central and South Texas over the weekend, knocking out power for thousands and serving as another reminder of how quickly Hill Country conditions can change.
River authority leaders say the next phase of the project will focus on educating the public about what to do when the sirens sound during an actual emergency.
Officials also plan to launch an online system allowing the public to track river and rainfall conditions in real time.