A dangerous flood emergency unfolded across the Texas Hill Country Thursday after torrential overnight rain sent the Guadalupe River rapidly out of its banks, forcing water rescues, evacuations, and the opening of emergency shelters.

The National Weather Service issued a life-threatening Flash Flood Emergency for the Guadalupe River from Center Point through Comfort to Bergheim, warning that a "large and deadly flood wave" was moving downstream.

The river's rise was stunning.

A gauge at Center Point climbed 32 feet in just four hours, and forecasters warned the Guadalupe could reach levels close to the devastating July 4, 2025, flood that killed more than 130 people.

Emergency crews spent the morning racing from one rescue to the next as floodwaters swallowed roads, low-water crossings, and bridges throughout Kerr County.

Officials said rescue boats were deployed across the county after at least two bridges washed away and rising water cut off access to several neighborhoods. Among those rescued were 10 people who became stranded on top of a barn.

The Kerr County Sheriff's Office called the flooding an "extremely dangerous" situation and urged anyone already on high ground to stay there.

Evacuations were underway in several areas, including Goat Creek, Arcadia Loop, the Lowery/Guadalupe area, Junction Highway low-water crossings, and other flood-prone neighborhoods.

Emergency shelters quickly opened for residents forced from their homes.

Shelters are operating at Calvary Temple in Kerrville, City West Church in Ingram, and Impact Church for residents evacuated from the Goat Creek area.

Additional shelters opened at Lakehills United Methodist Church and the Silver Sage Hill Country Resource Center in Bandera County, as well as Comfort High School and the Kendall County Golden Age Center in Kendall County.

Meteorologists said roughly 11 inches of rain fell northwest of Kerr County overnight, sending the Guadalupe River into major flood stage.

The speed of the rise caught attention across the region. The National Weather Service reported one section of the river rose about 22 feet in less than an hour, while another gauge recorded a 16-foot jump in only 30 minutes.

By Thursday morning, the Guadalupe River at Comfort had climbed above 37 feet, topping the crest recorded during last year's deadly flood.

More rain remained in the forecast, raising concerns that conditions could worsen through the day.

Flash Flood Warnings remained in effect for parts of Kerr, Kendall, and southeastern Bandera counties, where radar estimates and rain gauges showed anywhere from 3 inches to a foot of rainfall.

The National Weather Service also issued a Flash Flood Emergency for parts of the Pedernales River in Gillespie and Blanco counties, urging anyone near the river to move to higher ground immediately.

A Flood Watch remains in effect across much of Central Texas through Thursday evening.

Several summer camps along the Guadalupe River reported that campers and staff were safe despite the rising water.

Camp CAMP said everyone was sheltering in place after floodwaters closed Skyline Drive. Officials said the camp sits more than 80 feet above the Guadalupe River and has enough food, water, and backup power.

Hermann Sons Life, Camp Waldemar, Camp La Junta, and Camp Stewart also reported that campers and staff were safe and staying in contact with emergency officials.

Authorities urged parents not to drive to the camps, warning that flooded roads could create even more dangerous situations.

In Kerrville, city officials issued a shelter-in-place order as water continued rising throughout the community.

Residents were told to stay off the roads unless evacuating and reminded never to drive through flooded roadways.

Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly signed a local disaster declaration Thursday morning and requested additional assistance from the State of Texas as emergency crews continued rescue operations.

The National Weather Service said flash flooding remains ongoing and urged anyone living near the Guadalupe River to move to higher ground immediately if ordered to evacuate.