Why Texas Leaders Are Blaming Trump’s NWS for Deadly Flash Floods That Took More Than 80 Lives

Central Texas is reeling from a devastating flood that has claimed at least 82 lives, including many children, and left dozens missing.
The tragedy, centered in Kerr County, has sparked heated debate. Local officials are pointing fingers at the National Weather Service (NWS), claiming its forecasts failed to warn communities about the catastrophic rainfall.
But why are they blaming the NWS, and what role do recent government decisions play?
Let’s dive into the details of this heartbreaking event and the controversy surrounding it.
The Deadly Floods and Their Impact

On July 4, 2025, torrential rains hit Central Texas, causing the Guadalupe River to surge 26 feet in just 45 minutes. Kerr County, known as “Flash Flood Alley” due to its hilly terrain and thin soil, bore the brunt of the disaster.
The floods swept away homes, vehicles, and even entire camps, including Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp where at least 28 children and a counselor are among the deceased or missing.
Rescue teams are still searching for survivors, with over 850 people rescued so far. The death toll, now at 82, is expected to rise as more rain threatens the region.
The scale of the tragedy has left communities in shock. Governor Greg Abbott declared a “Day of Prayer” for the victims, and President Donald Trump signed a major disaster declaration to aid recovery efforts. But amidst the grief, questions are growing about why the warnings didn’t reach everyone in time.
Texas Flood: Why Blame Trump and the National Weather Service?

Why are Texas officials blaming Trump and the National Weather Service forecasts for the damage from the floods?
Texas officials, including Texas Emergency Management Chief W. Nim Kidd and Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice, have criticized the NWS for underestimating the rainfall.
Forecasts predicted 3-6 inches of rain in the Concho Valley and 4-8 inches in the Hill Country, but some areas saw up to 15 inches. Kidd stated,
“The amount of rain that fell was never in any of those forecasts.”
This led to accusations that the NWS failed to provide adequate warnings, leaving communities unprepared.
However, the NWS and some meteorologists push back. The agency issued a flood watch for Kerr County over 12 hours before the flooding and a flash flood warning three hours before the Guadalupe River surged.
Meteorologist Avery Tomasco defended the NWS, saying, “They did their job and they did it well.”
The real issue, some argue, may lie in how these warnings were communicated to local officials and residents. Kerr County, for example, lacks a local flood warning system, which may have delayed evacuations.
The Role of Budget Cuts

The controversy has also spotlighted recent budget cuts to the NWS under the Trump administration. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) reduced NWS staff by nearly 600, leaving some offices understaffed.
Key positions, like meteorologists and hydrologists, remain vacant in Texas offices, potentially hindering coordination with local emergency managers.
Critics, including former NOAA director Rick Spinrad, warn that these cuts could degrade forecasting and response capabilities.
However, Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem argue that the administration is upgrading “ancient” NWS technology to improve alerts.
On the other hand, some experts say the cuts aren’t the main issue. The storm’s sudden escalation and massive rainfall were hard to predict precisely.
Former NWS officials note that the forecasts were as accurate as possible given the data, and the focus should be on improving local alert systems and preparedness.
Moving Forward

As Texas continues its grim recovery, the debate over the NWS’s role will likely intensify. Was the tragedy due to forecasting errors, staffing shortages, or a lack of local preparedness?
The answers may shape future policies to prevent such losses. For now, the focus remains on rescuing survivors and supporting grieving families.
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