Hundreds of people were rescued in the deadly flood that devastated Hill Country on July 4. Many towns were hit by the high waters especially Kerrville, Ingram and Hunt. In Kerrville the Fourth of July typically brings chaotic excitement as the community prepares for their annual concert and festival,

The Hunt Store was badly damaged by the Texas floods, but the owner vows to rebuild the landmark where Kinky Friedman and other music stars performed.

The historic deluge claims victims across Texas, including a member of the Hunt family and multiple young girls from North Texas.

Outdoor weather alert systems are not required by any federal or state law. The choice is left up to local leaders.

Kerr County officials on Wednesday declined to discuss why a voluntary emergency system was not activated July 4 until more than an hour after a first responder requested an alert go out.

Residents say Kerr County’s use of CodeRED alerts was sporadic and inconsistent. Local officials have not answered questions about when and how they utilized the system, which has been in place since 2009.

Federal forecasters issued their first flood warning at 1:14 a.m. on July 4. Local officials haven’t shed light on when they saw the warnings or whether they saw them in time to take action.

It took just 90 minutes for the river to rise more than 30 feet. A look at the historic flood levels now etched into Central Texas history.