In the aftermath of a devastating July 4 flash flood that claimed over 130 lives, Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring Jr. is calling for an urgent overhaul of Kerr County’s emergency warning system to prevent future tragedies.
Speaking before a joint session of the Texas Legislature on Wednesday, Herring urged lawmakers to fund and install a countywide siren and automated alert system before next summer.
“We need solutions in place that protect the public and save lives,” Herring told lawmakers. “There is no excuse for not acting.”
A Tragedy Exposed Gaps in Response
The flood, which struck in the early morning hours along the Guadalupe River, became one of the deadliest in recent U.S. history. Testimony revealed critical delays in local emergency response:
The emergency management coordinator was on personal leave and unaware of the weather threat.
The county judge was out of town and asleep.
The sheriff was not alerted until hours after the river began rising and rescue calls were already pouring in.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick sharply criticized the response, saying leadership was absent when residents needed it most. Speaker Dustin Burrows promised continued legislative action even beyond the current special session.
A Region Long at Risk
Kerr County is located in Flash Flood Alley, one of the most flood-prone regions in the U.S. Despite its vulnerability, proposals to install warning sirens have failed for more than a decade largely due to funding issues and local opposition.
Sheriff Larry Leitha admitted the floodwaters came with such force and speed that even a warning system may not have saved every life but he agreed better public communication and education are essential going forward.
Public Demands and State Support Grow
The disaster has ignited public calls for reform. A petition demanding immediate state action has already gathered nearly 37,000 signatures. Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Patrick have both signaled support for a state-funded flood alert system.
Emergency Management Coordinator William B. Thomas IV told lawmakers he was unaware of any exceptional flood warnings when he took leave and only began coordinating the response after 6 a.m. on July 4.
“We Owe It to the Victims”
Lawmakers are expected to introduce new legislation mandating flood alert infrastructure in high-risk areas like Kerr County. Mayor Herring closed his remarks with a heartfelt plea:
“We owe it to those we lost to ensure this never happens again.”