'Deadly flood wave' moving down Texas' Guadalupe River amid Flash Flood Emergency

Guadalupe River in Texas reaches major flood stage at nearly 30 feet

Historic rain slammed the city of Kerrville, Texas, Friday morning. Footage shot from a bridge overlooking the Guadalupe River, which runs through Kerrville, shows the river surging with floodwater . NOAA river gauges show the Guadalupe River was at nearly 30 feet.

SAN ANGELO, Texas – South Central Texas was hit by historic rain on Friday morning, triggering a "deadly flood wave," and leading to four Flash Flood Emergencies amid widespread high-water and home rescues throughout the affected areas.

"Automated rain gauges indicate a large and deadly flood wave is moving down the Guadalupe River," the National Weather Service (NWS) warned in issuing their Flash Flood Emergency. "Flash flooding is already occurring. This is a Flash Flood Emergency for the Guadalupe River from Center Point to Sisterdale. This is a particularly dangerous situation. Seek higher ground now!"

Watch: Guadalupe River swells from its banks in Kerrville, Texas

Bad flooding is impacting south central Texas where flash flood emergencies were issued on Friday morning and high-water rescues have been conducted. Several inches of rain fell over areas like San Angelo in the early morning hours. 

Officials have confirmed there have been some flood-related deaths. 

"This is a catastrophic flooding event in Kerr County," the Kerr County Sheriff's Office said. "We can confirm fatalities but will not release further information until next of kin are notified."

The FOX Forecast Center said the first Flash Flood Emergency was issued near San Angelo after 12-15 inches of rain was reported and flooding was ongoing.

The second was issued near Kerrville after the Guadalupe River rose several feet in only a few short hours. Over 7 inches of rain in six hours was reported in Kerr County. In Brady, water reached homes and rescues took place. The NWS said the river has reached the second-highest height on record, higher than the famous 1987 flood.

The Guadalupe River rose several feet in only a few short hours early Friday morning.

(FOX Weather)

"All Kerrville residents who live near the Guadalupe River are urged to evacuate now," Kerrville police said. "This is a life-threatening event. Do not wait." 

A nearby Walmart has been established as a shelter.

The Kerr County sheriff's office said they are working with a wide variety of local and state agencies to respond to calls and rescues. 

"The entire county is an extremely active scene," deputies said. "Residents are encouraged to shelter in place and not attempt travel. Those near creeks, streams, and the Guadalupe River should immediately move to higher ground."

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Rounds of rain and storms will move through the state of Texas on Friday and Saturday, raising the flash flood concerns, especially across West Texas. 

Flood Watches have been posted across West Texas and parts of New Mexico through Friday where some locations could see 3-5 additional inches of rain.

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The culprit? A stationary front that is continued to be draped across the region, sparking the chance of storms, the FOX Forecast Center said. There is also an upper-level disturbance moving through the Four Corners that will also aide with lift. 

Flash Flood Emergencies in Texas as historic flooding plagues Guadelupe River

As much as 12-15 inches of rain fell overnight across parts of Texas leading to life-threatening flooding.

Texas and Oklahoma won't be the only states to see rain, as parts of the Southern Rockies of Colorado could see some storms.