Texas Hill Country Floods Kill At Least 70

Catastrophic flash flooding struck Texas Hill Country over the July Fourth weekend, resulting in at least 70 deaths and dozens of missing persons, including children from a summer camp. The flooding was triggered by lingering tropical moisture from Tropical Storm Barry, a stationary low-pressure system, and a low-level jet stream, which produced intense rainfall over drought-hardened terrain. Rainfall rates exceeded four inches per hour, causing river levels to rise up to 40 feet within an hour and overwhelming local warning systems. The area's geography, known as 'flash flood alley,' exacerbated the disaster as rapid runoff led to devastating floods. Emergency responders and volunteers continue to search for survivors amid forecasts of more rain, while officials and meteorologists highlight the difficulties in predicting such extreme events. President Trump approved federal disaster aid for affected communities, and Texas Governor Greg Abbott declared a day of prayer.