Four friends in their 20s went to Texas Hill Country for a weekend, but flash floods struck, resulting in two bodies recovered and two still missing, including a couple, Aidan Heartfield and Ella Cahill, as rescue efforts continue.
Heavy rains caused catastrophic flooding along the Guadalupe River in Texas Hill Country, resulting in at least 13 deaths, dozens missing including 20 children from a summer camp, and widespread rescues. The flood levels were among the highest on record, with authorities deploying extensive resources for rescue and recovery efforts amid warnings that more casualties are likely.
Emergency responders in the Hill Country are collaborating to create a safety plan for the influx of people expected to visit the area to view the annular eclipse next month. With an estimated 800,000 to 1.5 million visitors, the main concern is managing traffic congestion and keeping intersections and highways open for emergency services. To prevent overwhelming 911 dispatchers, Kendall County is considering opening a phone bank for non-emergency calls. Fire departments are urging visitors to be aware of the ongoing drought and fire danger, while the Hill Country Alliance advises people to prepare for limited resources, including internet access, and suggests printing paper maps for navigation.
A rare annular solar eclipse will pass through San Antonio and the Hill Country on October 14, creating a "ring of fire" in the sky. This astronomical phenomenon occurs when the moon passes in front of the sun but appears smaller, allowing the edge of the sun to be visible. Eclipse glasses or a shadow box are necessary for safe viewing. The full eclipse will last for a little over 4 minutes in San Antonio, and the partial eclipse will begin at 10:23 a.m. and end at 1:33 p.m. Additionally, another total solar eclipse is expected to occur in the same area on April 8, 2024.