Plans to develop a flood monitoring system in the Texas county hit hardest by deadly floods were scheduled to begin only a few weeks later.

Over just two hours, the Guadalupe River at Comfort, Texas, rose from hip-height to three stories tall, sending water weighing as much as the Empire State building downstream roughly every minute it remained at its crest. The force of floodwater is often more powerful and surprising than people imagine.

Flash flooding is common enough around the crescent-shaped region from Dallas through the Hill Country, the area earned the nickname "Flash Flood Alley."

With more than 170 still missing, communities must reconcile how to pick up the pieces around a waterway that remains both a wellspring and a looming menace.

Texas flooding map, update: Thousands face new flash flood risk Ann-Margret, 84, Makes Rare TV Appearance and Shares 2 Secrets for Her Dance Moves

Flash floods along Texas’ Guadalupe River have killed at least 32 people and also left around 27 people missing.

Severe flash flood in Kerrville, Texas prompts evacuations and reports of fatalities due to the Guadalupe River overflowing.