The Fourth of July and Fourth of July weekend 2025 will remain etched in the hearts of many Texans for years to come. Instead of festive parades or celebratory barbecues, many will remember unexpected rainfall, rising riverbanks, and a violent surge of water that overtook everything in its path, leaving behind only devastation.
A July 4th Texans will never forget – Texas Hill Country flash flooding
What I am referring to are the slow-moving storms that saturated the Texas Hill Country in the early morning hours of July 4. The flooding was swift and unexpected, catching residents off guard and leaving Central Texas communities in a state of panic. Kerr County and the surrounding areas west of San Antonio received 10 to 13 inches of rain, resulting in catastrophic flooding along the Guadalupe River. Even as rain tapered off in some areas and river levels began to recede upstream, flooding continued downstream, compounding the destruction.
First responders worked tirelessly to evacuate residents and river campers. Tragically, many victims were swept away by the fast-rising waters and did not survive. Unfortunately, the devastation did not stop here. Saturday, July 5, at 3:00 a.m., a flash flood emergency was issued by the NWS for northwestern Travis County and far eastern Burnet County, around Lake Travis in south-central Texas, and continued to expand through the surrounding areas.
At this time of year, Texans are more accustomed to battling heat waves and enduring droughts than flash floods. But rain does fall, and sometimes too much, too fast. Hurricane season is upon us, and although Tropical Storm Barry never became a hurricane and was a short-lived tropical storm described as disorganized and weak, its remnants contributed significantly to the development of the storm system that sat over the Texas Hill Country. When storms dump massive amounts of water into rivers and lakes, flooding can happen quickly, forcing people to adapt fast or risk being caught off guard.
We’ve all heard the phrase, “Turn around, don’t drown.” But what if you don’t get the chance to turn around? What if, through no fault of your own, you’re swept away or trapped by rising floodwaters?
How to survive a flash flood if you’re swept away
- Step 1: Stay calm. Panic makes everything worse. Control your breathing so you can think clearly.
- Step 2: Float. Even if you’re struggling to breathe, you can float. Lie face up, with your feet pointed downstream. Avoid going headfirst – you’re less likely to survive a head injury from debris.
- Step 3: Swim diagonally toward the shore. Don’t fight the current – let it carry you downstream as you angle your body toward safety.
- Step 4: Don’t try to stand. Fast-moving water is deceptively powerful. Standing could knock you down or trap your foot in debris.
- Step 5: Get to shore or calm water if possible. If not, continue floating and call out for help. Stay visible and alert – you need to be seen so you can be rescued.
How to survive a flood if you’re swept away in a vehicle
- Step 1: Stay calm. You’ll need a clear head to escape.
- Step 2: Unbuckle your seatbelt. Get ready to move quickly.
- Step 3: Try the windows first. If your car isn’t fully submerged, power windows may still work. Roll one down and escape.
- Step 4: Try the hatchback. If the windows won’t work, open the hatchback if your car has one—it’s usually the last part to submerge.
- Step 5: Wait for pressure to equalize. If the doors won’t open, you may need to wait until the water pressure inside and outside the car is equal, allowing you to try again.
- Step 6: Break a side window. Do not try to smash the windshield as it is reinforced. Use the metal part of the headrest or a window-breaking tool to strike and break a side window.
- Step 7: Escape and float. Get out, float as described above, and swim to safety or signal for help.
Downed power lines: What to do during a flood
Floods and power lines are a deadly combination. Below are some tips in case you see any:
What to do:
- Stay at least 35 feet away from power lines or anything touching them (water, fences, vehicles).
- Never touch puddles or debris nearby as they may be electrified.
- Avoid floodwaters where power lines may be hidden.
- Warn others to stay away.
- Call 911, then contact your utility provider.
Never do this:
- Never move a power line or anything that is in contact with it.
- Never assume it’s safe because it’s not sparking.
- Never drive or walk near it.
If a power line falls on your car or home, stay inside and call for help. Do not exit unless directed by emergency personnel.
Why you should leave rescues to first responders
This advice comes straight from my brother, a trained first responder. During a flood, letting professionals handle rescues can save lives, including your own.
- Don’t become a victim, too. Flood rescues are extremely dangerous. Strong currents, debris, open drains, and live wires can kill.
- First Responders are trained for this. They’re equipped and trained in swift water rescue. They know how to navigate these emergencies safely and efficiently.
- You may complicate rescue efforts. If you’re injured while trying to help, responders must stop what they’re doing to save you, which delays help for others.
- Floodwaters Hide Hazards. You can’t see everything in the water: downed power lines, sewage, chemicals, and hidden sinkholes.
Our hearts go out to every Texan impacted by this tragedy, especially those who’ve lost loved ones or homes. But we must not lose hope. You’re a Texan. And if there’s one word that captures the spirit of Texas, it’s indomitable – impossible to defeat or discourage. Together, we will rebuild, recover and remember.
If you have been affected by a disaster like the recent floods in the Hill Country and are struggling to pay your electric bill, there is help. See if you qualify for energy assistance or learn more about LIHEAP and CEAP.