In the early hours of July 4, 2025, Texas was hit by a devastating flood that took everyone by surprise. Lorena Guillen, the owner of Blue Oak RV Park in Kerrville, Texas, recounts the terrifying moments when the floodwaters surged, sweeping away families and causing destruction.
This tragic incident brings to light the urgent need for better flood preparedness in the state.
What Happened at the Texas RV Park?
The incident began in the middle of the night, as heavy rainfall caused the Guadalupe River to rise rapidly. By 3:30 a.m., the floodwaters reached dangerous levels, overwhelming Blue Oak RV Park. Guillen and her husband rushed to alert residents and help them escape, but the rising waters left little time for evacuation.
Despite their efforts, a father and his children were tragically swept away by the surging floodwaters.
The Park Owner’s Efforts During the Flood
Lorena Guillen described a chaotic scene as the floodwaters tore through the park. She and her husband did everything they could to warn guests and help them to safety, even as their property was damaged. Cars floated away, cabins were destroyed, and the situation quickly escalated beyond their control.
Guillen’s quick actions, despite the overwhelming conditions, helped save many lives, but the event tragically claimed others. She has since called for better flood warning systems, emphasizing how quickly the situation escalated and how little time people had to react. The need for stronger flood management infrastructure has become a central theme in her calls for change.
The Impact of the Flood on Texas RV Parks
This tragic event highlights the vulnerability of RV parks in flood-prone areas. It also underscores the necessity of better flood preparedness and more stringent safety regulations in Texas.
While Blue Oak RV Park is still reeling from the aftermath, the tragedy is sparking a broader conversation about the need for more effective flood warning systems and state infrastructure improvements.
As the Kerrville community begins to recover, the lessons learned from this incident could lead to significant changes in how RV parks and other businesses in flood-prone regions manage emergencies.