AccuWeather said the private forecasting company and the National Weather Service sent warnings about potential flash flooding hours before the devastation.

The devastating floods have claimed 27 lives. More than 20 children are missing, and officials say more deaths are expected.

Runyan stressed the importance of avoiding travelling around the Kerr County region. “There’s still a lot of low water crossings flooded,” he said. “If you do live along — or are vacationing along — the Guadalupe River, you need to seek higher ground right now."