Updates July 7, 7:15 a.m.
Williamson County officials confirmed late Sunday evening that there has been a second fatality due to flooding this weekend.
"Williamson County has confirmed two individuals are deceased as a result of the July 5 flooding. The first victim, recovered late Saturday night by the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office, was Kaitlyn Swallow, age 22, from the Liberty Hill area. After a full day of searching, the remains of another individual were recovered. At this time, one person still remains missing," the county said in an evening update July 6.
“My heart goes out to those who lost their loved ones in the devastating floods over the holiday weekend,” said County Judge Steven Snell. “I am very grateful for the tireless work of first responders, Road and Bridge crews and other county personnel over the past two days. I also am grateful for the assistance from neighboring agencies and the State of Texas. We have a long way to go in this recovery phase, but I know Williamson County is a caring and resilient community. The outpouring of support from the public to those impacted is humbling.”
According to the county, crews continue recovery efforts and road repairs. County Road 279 was reopened on Sunday evening, but work still remains on a half-dozen other roadways.
"Drivers should not drive past barricades or through water flowing over a road. The road beneath the water could have washed away or be unsafe," according to the county.
The Central Texas Community Foundation has also started a fund to assist those impacted by the floods. Donate by visiting https://ctxcf.networkforgood.com/projects/254933-wilco-cares-support-july-2025-flood-victims.
Originally Publishes July 6, 12:10 p.m.
Williamson County Judge Steven Snell Sunday morning reported that the county has one confirmed fatality due to flooding this weekend, and two people are still reported missing.
“It’s with a heavy heart that I can announce one death, and we still have more people missing,” Mr. Snell said during a press conference Sunday, July 6.
He — along with Sheriff Matthew Lindemann and Emergency Service Director Bill Zito— provided updates about ongoing recovery efforts and recapped the past 48 hours.
On July 4, Williamson County sent first responders to support recovery efforts after deadly flooding in the Kerrville area, about 120 miles southwest of Georgetown.
Then, early in the morning July 5, law enforcement started to get calls locally at flooded roadways, Mr. Lindemann said. Deputies were dispatched, and the Wilco response team in Kerrville was called back to assist recovery at home.
“I’m very proud that our county answered the call to go assist in Kerr County, but at the time, the next morning, they had to come and assist with Williamson County,” Mr. Snell said. “They put in many man hours, and we are thankful for that.”
Mr. Snell said over the past two days, the county has sent out more than 1,500 emergency messages, many targeted toward specific flood-prone areas.
“Once we realized that new flooding levels were going to be as dangerous as they were, we immediately started looking at our low-lying areas and proactively started sending messages,” Mr. Zito said.
Sheriff’s deputies also went door-to-door to connect with residents in areas that were at risk.
“You can’t get everybody, but you try,” Mr. Zito said. “You message, you go out, you try to communicate face-to-face, but you're always going to have one or two people that take that risk or drive through rushing. It's unfortunate, but I do believe the county did a fantastic job with minimal lives lost.”
A total of 10 rescues were conducted saving 27 people, he said. The Hope House in Liberty Hill off CR 285 was evacuated by helicopter with assistance from the U.S. Army based at Fort Hood.
“The efforts of using technology proactively to get the word out, I think, saved many lives,” Ms. Snell said. “Our people like Bill Zito and the sheriff saved lives.”
The two missing persons and the fatality are related to vehicles that were swept away in the flood water.
“Our efforts continue today with ground searches along the South San Gabriel River and the area around Liberty Hill, as well as a number of drones that have been deployed,” Mr. Lindemann said. “We’ve gotta find those two missing individuals. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to everyone affected by this.”
Judge Snell said Williamson County has 29 roads closed due to the flooding, debris and damage. Damaged roads include County Road 279, 257, 236, 207, 200 and 126.
“Crews are out today reopening roads as water recedes and debris is removed,” he said. “Six roads have damage to the pavement, and crews are working today to open up those roadways.”
A local state of disaster was issued by Judge Snell effective as of 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 5. A copy is available on the county website www.wilcotx.gov.
Residents who suffered property damage can report it to the Texas Division of Emergency Management at damage.tdem.texas.gov. These reports help secure state and federal recovery funding.
Mr. Snell asked those looking to give financial support or donations to help individuals directly impacted by the floods wait until the scope of the recovery becomes clear.
“We have a tremendous community that is always charitable,” he said. “We are asking that you wait as we assess the needs and the damage in the community, so we can coordinate our efforts where they need it the most.
“What I do know right now is that Williamson County is a very resilient community. We have excellent first responders and EMS. We are also a community of faith. And Governor Abbott has declared today a day of prayer, and I definitely encourage our community to join in prayer. Pray for the lives lost, pray for the families left behind, and pray for our community suffering right now, not only Williamson County, but across the state of Texas.”