Aerial drone photographs taken on July 5, 2025, reveal the scope of devastating flooding in Georgetown, Texas, after the San Gabriel River burst its banks due to an intense, sudden rainfall. Drone footage reveals houses underwater, cars stranded, and mobile home communities inundated, placing into perspective the severity of this disaster that has devastated central Texas communities.
What Happened Flash Flooding Suddenly, within hours, heavy downpours deposited almost 4 inches of rain per hour, sending the San Gabriel River far beyond its 9‑foot flood stage to a height of about 29.7 feet by 1 p.m. on July 5th, as reported by the National Weather Service and local officials. Rivers swelled dangerously, necessitating evacuations in Riverside Mobile Home Park, Shady River RV Park, and riverfront apartment buildings. Williamson County Judge Steve Snell proclaimed a local disaster amid the emergency.
Casualties and Emergency Response Three individuals have perished during the floods as of this writing, with several more missing as reported by Williamson and Travis County authorities. Emergency responders made more than 30 water rescues, sending 1,500+ evacuation warnings and asking citizens to move to higher ground. "We have deployed every available emergency resource," stated Travis County Judge Andy Brown, as STAR Flight and area crews persist with rescues.
Historical and Regional Context This disaster comes on the heels of the Guadalupe River flash flooding in Kerr County, when a record July 4 rain claimed at least 59 lives, several children at Camp Mystic, and spurred mass rescues. The stationary thunderstorm complex, blamed partially on Tropical Storm Barry and exacerbated by drought‑dry soil, created a "perfect storm" scenario, dumping over 20 inches of rain on the area within a few days.
Why It Matters: Climate and Infrastructure Impact Authorities describe how the combination of saturated soil that cannot absorb rainfall and sloping riverbanks, common in central Texas Hill Country, increases flash flood danger. Georgetown's aging infrastructure, water mains, bridges, and evacuation routes were rapidly overwhelmed, necessitating a boil water order and prolonged road closures. Authorities report recreational river use in Austin is prohibited until at least July 7 in the interest of public safety.
What's Next? Recovery and Vigilance Local officials, such as Judge Snell, are asking residents not to come home before July 6 at the earliest, while rescue missions and infrastructure inspections are ongoing. Governor Abbott has declared Sunday a day of prayer, activated federal aid through FEMA, and committed to continued support. The area braces for additional storms, as flash flood watches remain in effect over the weekend, and emergency alerts are still in effect