Three hours and 21 minutes. That’s how much time passed from when the National Weather Service sent out its first flash flood warning for part of Kerr County to when the first flooding reports came in from low-lying water crossings.

The number of confirmed deaths from the Texas Hill Country floods rose to 95 in Kerr County on Wednesday, Sheriff Larry Leitha said.

Residents say Kerr County’s use of CodeRED alerts was sporadic and inconsistent. Local officials have not answered questions about when and how they utilized the system, which has been in place since 2009.

Roads disappeared under rushing water. Homes and businesses were submerged as the Fourth of July weekend turned into a rescue mission.

Outdoor weather alert systems are not required by any federal or state law. The choice is left up to local leaders.

“5-12” of rain has occurred, an additional 2-5” possible,” NWS said. “This is a Particularly Dangerous Situation with life-threatening flash flooding. Seek higher ground if near a flooded creek or stream. Otherwise, avoid travel.”

Jeffrey Beri, the founder of animal rescue organisation No Dogs Left Behind, is on the ground with 10 of his trained dogs, some of whom he says specialise in explosive detection, to help the rescue effort. He says he was looking for a mother and father who were reported to have washed away in Hunt, Kerr County.

KERRVILLE, Texas (AP) — Authorities leading the search for victims of the devastating flooding in Texas deflected intensifying questions Tuesday about who was responsible for monitoring the weather that killed more than 100 people and warning that flash floods were barreling toward camps and homes.