Weather Event and Impact - Flash floods are the second most deadly extreme weather event, only surpassed by extreme heat [4] - From 2015 to 2024, floods have caused more deaths than hurricanes and tornadoes [4][5] - At least 129 people are confirmed dead from the floods along the Guadalupe River, and 166 people are still missing [2] Flash Flood Characteristics - Flash floods typically form in about 6 hours or less, often within 3 hours [5] - The Guadalupe River rose 26 feet (approximately 7.9 meters) in just 45 minutes on July 4th [6] - Deaths associated with floods often occur at night or when people are trapped in their cars [7] Factors Contributing to Flash Flooding - Rainfall intensity, location and distribution of rainfall, land topography, vegetation, and soil type all influence flash flood occurrence [7] - Mountainous streams and rivers can quickly become raging torrents [8] - Urban areas with concrete and hardened surfaces have limited water absorption [8] - Areas recently burned by wildfire are at greater risk due to a soil layer that repels water [8][9] Texas Hill Country Specifics - The geography of the Texas Hill Country makes it one of the deadliest places in the United States for flash flooding [10] - Some areas experienced 10 inches (approximately 254 mm) of rain, causing water to sheet off hillsides into creeks [10] - A rainfall rate of 4 inches (approximately 101.6 mm) per hour is considered an incredible rate in the Hill Country [20] Flood Plane and Regulation - There is a general disregard for flood planes, with people living and recreating in susceptible areas [15][16] - Texas has historically shown hesitation and bitterness towards flood plane regulation [17] - Local governments may handle flood plane regulation reluctantly and inefficiently [18]