Sirens, Cellphone Alerts and Stronger Emergency Preparation Helped Save Lives as Another Round of Catastrophic Flooding Struck Central and South Texas
One year after catastrophic flooding killed 136 people in the Texas Hill Country, another round of punishing storms has tested the warning systems and emergency procedures created in response to that disaster.
Days of heavy rain sent rivers over their banks, flooded homes and highways and forced hundreds of rescues across Central and South Texas. At least two people were killed, but officials and residents said stronger preparation, new warning tools and a more aggressive response prevented the death toll from approaching last year’s devastation.
New flood sirens sounded in some of the hardest-hit communities. Cellphones buzzed with alerts from local governments and the National Weather Service. Rescue crews equipped with new boats, vehicles and specialized gear were already preparing before rivers began rising…