Houston campers recount escape from Guadalupe River flooding in Comal County

NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas — Comal County lifted evacuation orders following hours of flash flooding that devastated camp sites along the Guadalupe River. 

Heavy rains pounded down on the community, prompting the closure of River Road between Sattler and Gruene where businesses, camp sites and vacation homes were in the line of destruction. 

Dozens of people reportedly evacuated to higher ground where they were stranded and waited for rescue crews. 

Despite the rushing waters of an overflowed creek on River Road near Loop 337 in New Braunfels, numerous individuals managed to evacuate as swarms of first responders from multiple agencies headed toward the danger. 

Aerials captured by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and other agencies showed mangled trees and cars caught in the flooding. Flood waters could be seen blanketing the Gruene Road Bridge.   

KENS 5 met with a group of visitors in town from Houston who evacuated from Camp Huaco Springs at a moment’s notice once law enforcement showed up. The campers shot video on their phones of the sudden chaos. 

“A lot of water running over the road. That was the craziest part and it happened quick too,” said Travis Black. “It was all unexpected. We were rushing. Thin coat and then all of a sudden, big water rush came through and that’s when everyone started jumping in the trucks and taking off.

“The only thing we did see was a guy carrying his dog on his shoulders trying to walk through it to get to his truck. It was like knee deep where the RVs were so it was pretty deep,” said Shannon Read. “Some people were still in the RVs but the tents were all gone.” 

While in the process of evacuating, many of these Houston campers thought of the tragedy in Kerr County where catastrophic floods led to the deaths of at least 43 people, including adults and children. Dozens remain unaccounted for as first responders from across Texas press on with a 24/7 operation to find those who are missing. 

Dalton Ryder is just grateful he and his friends made it out safely despite the unknown condition of material items. 

“Nice gentlemen (camp staff) here took our trailer, put it up higher grounds and took the golf cart and everything we could,” Ryder said. “It’s all replaceable. It’s a sad experience. It’s a holiday and we’re trying to have a good time.”

Comal County officials have not reported any injuries or deaths as a result of Saturday’s flood event.