Heart breaking flash flood at Blue Oak RV Park washes away a family, kills more than 130, rescuers fight under fresh storms. Flash flood consumes Texas Hill Country, sweeping families at Blue Oak RV Park.
At a Glance on Texas Flood
- Random 26 foot rise in Guadalupe River in 45 minutes.
- RV park managers alert visitors at 4 a.m., chaos ensues.
- Burgess family washed away in spite of efforts to rescue children.
- More than 130 fatalities confirmed; dozens still missing.
- Several camps affected, including young girls at Camp Mystic.
- Locals come out to support rescue, bring normalcy to aftermath.
- Focus on ineffectual warning systems and absence of emergency sirens.
Flash flood hits with no warning
July 3 night in Kerrville’s Blue Oak RV Park begins serene with rain coming down. Patrons sleeping close to Guadalupe River. River gauge is steady until, in an instant, it jumps 26 feet at 4:00 a.m. in 45 minutes. No alarm, no warning. Owners Bob Canales and Lorena Guillen catch whiff of trouble before trouble breaks loose.
Embed from Getty ImagesOwners raise alarm amidst seeping currents
Bob and Lorena run through knee-deep rising water, knocking on RV doors and yelling warnings. Rescue workers show up about 4:00 a.m. ordering evacuation. Guests rush up the hill but water goes through the park in minutes.
Heart wrenching loss of Burgess family
On a small islet on a river, John and Julia Burgess hold onto two small sons. Bob begs: “Throw me the baby!” Husbands holds both children, family lost in torrent. Bodies of John and Julia recovered Monday; sons are still missing, daughter survives being at a nearby camp.
Mass casualties and missing individuals
At least 132 confirmed dead statewide, over 100 in Kerr County alone and including 36 children. Approximately 97 still missing, the majority in Kerr County. Camp Mystic had 27 children killed, numerous others missing. RV communities throughout Hill Country destroyed, dozens left homeless.
Ongoing rescues complicated by new storms
Search groups of 2,200 responders search riverbanks in precarious conditions. New rain halts work; search could take six months, rebuilding longer. Flash flood warnings were issued for Guadalupe and San Saba Rivers as rivers’ levels rise again.
Preparedness failures revealed
Warning systems inadequate or delayed. National Weather Service sends alerts at 1:14 a.m., but there were no sirens or evacuation notices in a timely manner afterward. Kerrville didn’t have an official siren system because of funding and manpower deficiencies.
Community response sparks resilience
Owners transform Howdy’s restaurant and bar into center of rescue—feeding volunteers, providing shelter. Tribute evening celebrates employee Julian Ryan who perished trying to save family. Residents sweep away debris, aid recovery with signs, donations, karaoke.
The timeline of the flood in brief
| Date | Even |
| July 3 | Heavy rains start throughout Hill Country |
| July 4, 1 a.m. | NWS sends flash flood warnings |
| July 4, 2–4 a.m. | River crests ~26 ft, park is inundated |
| July 4 morning | Buried wedding guests discovered; rescue starts |
| July 5–14 | Search is ongoing; storms interfere with efforts |
A father’s sacrifice in adversity
John Burgess stood with his sons until he died. His denial to allow one to fall is parental love at greatest expense. Daughter Jenna lived, served by sheer circumstance.
Shortcomings in warning system
NWS sent out alerts, but Kerr County did not amplify through sirens. A local lag in timeliness meant too many did not receive the alert. Officials point to staff and system deficiencies. Solutions for better warning systems now being debated.
Rebuilding begins in sorrow
Volunteers assist owners in reopening Howdy’s. Memorials for Julian Ryan, an ex-kitchen employee, attract locals. Businesses provide supplies; community events held to create hope.
Broader impact and recovery outlook
Statewide death toll exceeds 130; many remain missing. Flood classified worst inland flash flood since 1976. Officials warn rebuilding will require years, and search might last six months Governor Abbott plans special legislative session to address shortcomings.
Looking ahead
Volunteers asked to withdraw to higher ground as river swells increase again. Flood watch ongoing until the storm passes. Future action involves having effective alert systems, citizen training, and resilient infrastructure.
Final Reflection on Flood
Blue Oak RV Park flood exposes harsh realities: unexpected strength of nature, human resilience, and systemic weaknesses. Kerrville residents come together to retrieve normality amidst tragedy and guilt. The efforts now turn towards learning from the disaster and avoiding future loss.