local
State of Texas: One year after the flood
By Dylan McKim at KXAN (NBC Austin) - All News
· July 4, 2026
· 1 min read
One year ago, the Guadalupe River became the center of one of the deadliest disasters in Texas history. In the early morning hours of July 4, floodwaters tore through Kerr County and the Hill Country with terrifying speed.
Key takeaway In the early morning hours of July 4, floodwaters tore through Kerr County and the Hill Country with terrifying speed.
Why this matters in Westlake News
The devastating flood that ravaged Kerr County and the Hill Country one year ago has significant implications for West Lake Hills residents. As a community within the larger Austin area, West Lake Hills is not immune to the effects of severe weather events. The Guadalupe River flood serves as a stark reminder of the importance of emergency preparedness and flood mitigation efforts in Travis County. With its own unique topography and waterways, West Lake Hills must remain vigilant in its efforts to protect residents and property from potential flooding. The city's government and emergency management officials would do well to review and refine their flood response plans, taking into account the lessons learned from the Guadalupe River disaster. By doing so, West Lake Hills can better ensure the safety and well-being of its residents in the face of severe weather events.
About this story
Original reporting by KXAN (NBC Austin) - All News . Westlake News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KXAN (NBC Austin) - All News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 4, 2026 ·
Source: KXAN (NBC Austin) - All News ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? One year ago, the Guadalupe River became the center of one of the deadliest disasters in Texas history. In the early morning hours of July 4, floodwaters tore through Kerr County and the Hill Country with terrifying speed.
When was this published? This article was first published on July 4, 2026 by KXAN (NBC Austin) - All News and curated for Westlake News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Dylan McKim at KXAN (NBC Austin) - All News. To learn more about how Westlake News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Westlake News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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