LeadStory

Why were people not warned about the Texas floods?

Asked 12 hours ago

Answer

Many residents did not receive timely warnings about the Texas floods due to failures in local alert systems, lack of sirens, and possible delays in relaying National Weather Service alerts. Budget constraints, outdated infrastructure, and communication gaps between agencies contributed to the inadequate warning.

References

What we know about Texas floods emergency alerts
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CBS America
13 hours ago
What we know about Texas floods emergency alerts

Kerr County's code red alerts failed for some; people did not receive alerts until hours after flooding began, raising concerns about the system's reliability.

Texas flood death toll hits triple digits, tally of missing tops 180
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Reuters
2 days ago
Texas flood death toll hits triple digits, tally of missing tops 180

Public officials face scrutiny over the timeliness of flood warnings and emergency preparedness after torrential rain exceeded forecasts.

Officials face questions over preparedness for Texas floods
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CNN
2 days ago
Officials face questions over preparedness for Texas floods

Officials have yet to clarify if National Weather Service warnings were pushed out via cell phone alerts, and there was no audible siren system in place.

Rising Texas death toll fuels anger over 'inadequate warning'
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Al Jazeera
3 days ago
Rising Texas death toll fuels anger over 'inadequate warning'

Questions remain as to why more wasn't done to ensure those in the floodplain evacuated before the flood, and whether timely evacuation orders were sent.

Death toll from Texas floods rises to 82, dozens still missing
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Al Jazeera
4 days ago
Death toll from Texas floods rises to 82, dozens still missing

Other communities received evacuation warnings, but it is unclear why some camps were not alerted in time, and authorities have not provided answers.

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