As the death toll continues to rise and search and rescue teams continue to look for victims, the devastating flood in Kerr County, Texas show not only the vital role of weather forecasters, but also climate researchers who help make more accurate predictive models,

Historic rainfall fell last week in Central Texas, with the Guadalupe River rising 25 feet in 45 minutes around 4:30 a.m. on Friday, July 4. At least 84 of the confirmed fatalities are in Kerr County, Texas, including at least 27 at Camp Mystic, a summer camp along the river. Last week, Mr. Trump signed a disaster declaration for the region.