Flood warning issued for Guadalupe River at Hunt, with crest expected above flood stage Thursday morning

The National Weather Service issued a flood warning Wednesday afternoon for the Guadalupe River at Hunt, forecasting the river will rise above flood stage overnight and crest at 10.1 feet Thursday morning before receding.

The warning, issued at 2:21 p.m., is in effect from Wednesday afternoon through late Thursday evening. As of 2:05 p.m. Wednesday, the river stage at Hunt measured 8.1 feet. Flood stage at that gauge is 10.0 feet, and forecasters said the river is expected to climb past that mark overnight, reaching a crest of 10.1 feet Thursday morning before falling back below flood stage later in the morning.

The weather service said minor flooding is forecast. At 7.0 feet, flow extends over low sections of the riverbank. At 10.0 feet — bankfull stage — water extends into low areas of the flood plain, and lower bridges on the north and south forks of the Guadalupe along Highway 39 and FM 1341 become impassable.

For comparison, this week’s forecast crest of 10.1 feet is just above bankfull and below the river’s previous crest of 10.6 feet, recorded May 24, 2015.

The Guadalupe was one of seven rivers and creeks across South Central Texas under flood warnings Wednesday afternoon, alongside Cibolo Creek at Sutherland Springs and near Falls City, the San Antonio River near Floresville, Seco Creek near D’Hanis, Hondo Creek in Medina County, and the Nueces River near Asherton — reflecting the broad reach of this week’s rain event well beyond Kerr County.

The National Weather Service urged anyone who observes flooding to report it to local emergency services or law enforcement, and reminded residents that the shortest path to higher ground is the safest way to escape rising water. Officials again cautioned drivers to turn around rather than attempt to cross flooded roads, noting most flood deaths occur in vehicles.

The next update on the Guadalupe River forecast is expected from the National Weather Service by 8:30 a.m. Thursday.