In 1987, sudden and intense rainfall caused the river to surge at an unprecedented rate in mid-July, leading to a tragedy that killed 10 campers at Pot O' Gold Christian Camp, a summer camp near Comfort, Texas. The campers drowned when their bus attempted to evacuate them and was overtaken by floodwater.

In Texas’ Flash Flood Alley, nearly a foot of rain fell near Kerrville, while over 22 inches drenched parts of the Hill Country, triggering deadly floods.