Overview

• At least 111 people have died and 173 are still missing after unprecedented flash floods inundated the Hill Country over the Fourth of July weekend.
• Search operations have given way to recovery and accountability efforts as responders navigate debris and forecast threats of additional heavy rain.
• State and federal authorities have launched probes into National Weather Service staffing cuts and the absence of local siren systems that delayed emergency alerts.
• President Trump signed a major disaster declaration to free up federal aid and will visit Texas on Friday to meet with local officials and assess relief needs.
• Lawmakers and officials have earmarked funds to upgrade flash-flood warning systems and expand mobile alert coverage in vulnerable rural counties.