Kerr County Commissioners’ hear updates on Guadalupe River flood warning system

Kerr County Commissioners’ met Tuesday to discuss ongoing flood recovery efforts and the status of implementing a flood warning system.  Key agenda topics included updates on the Kerr Together Long Term Recovery Group, recommendations for the development of the Guadalupe River Flood Warning System (GRFWS), approval of new materials to repair damaged roads and acceptance of donations.

At the Commissioners’ meeting last month, a timeline was established for implementing the GRFWS, with prediction and projection components estimated to be advanced by June 2026.  Tom Moser, a former Kerr County Commissioner and NASA project manager, explained the components in more detail.

Moser said the prediction system will consist of various gauges across Kerr County and the National Weather Service’s prediction.  These predictors will have varying accuracies, depending on their proximity to the water and other factors to be determined.

All of the pieces will then be put into a projection model, according to Moser.  When a flood is predicted, alerts will be sent through various means only in the affected areas.  Moser said the alerts will include sirens, local warning systems implemented in camps and homes, social media and Code Red.  This is to ensure everyone in the area is informed.

He reported that his team has moved to phase two out of four, and it is expected to be completed by the end of the month.  If so, this would put the project ahead of schedule.  Final plans for the GRFWS will include regular drills and training for emergency personnel, as well as maintenance to ensure the system operates smoothly.

The flood in Kerr County and the surrounding areas killed over 100 people on the Fourth of July.