flooding

Warmer air holds more water. When that air encounters the right weather conditions, bigger storms emerge.

At least two people died after extreme flooding hit the Hill Country late Wednesday into Thursday morning.

A new investigative report paints a troubling picture of Camp Mystic's preparedness before last year's historic July Fourth floods, which killed 25 campers and two counselors. The 115-page report will now be used by the Texas Legislature to guide future policy changes.

The $4 million system could provide up to several hours of advance warning, giving residents more time to evacuate before floodwaters become dangerous.

The Eastland family, the camp's owners, testified the day after a team of investigators shared findings about a lack of emergency training among camp counselors.

The two-day hearing marks the first public session for the joint state House and Senate flood investigating committees. Members previously visited Camp Mystic, where 27 girls and the director died.

Severe weather is happening more frequently as the climate changes, adding to an ever-growing list of challenges for U.S. farmers. From sudden temperature swings to floods, these events can have serious consequences for farms and ranches.

A group of parents whose children died in the July 4 floods claim in a federal lawsuit that Camp Mystic's emergency instructions directed kids to stay in cabins even though state law requires evacuation plans for camps.

The lawsuit by Catherine and Will Steward, parents of Cecilia “Cile” Steward, argues the family who owns and operates the camp should “never be responsible for children again.”

Several court hearings and policies affecting education, health and more will roll out in the new year.