ЁЯЪиЁЯФеWatch Karoline Leavitt Asked Why Texas Flood Warnings Were Sent Out 'While People Were Likely Sleeping'
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| Photo credit: Gage Skidmore/CC BY-SA 2.0, via Flickr |
White House Defends Timing of Texas Flood Warnings Amid Criticism They Were Sent While Residents Slept
Washington, D.C. — During a White House press briefing, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt responded to growing questions about whether Texas flood warnings were issued late — at a time when many residents were likely asleep and unaware of the danger.
A reporter asked why key alerts were sent out during the “wee hours” when people were least likely to see them, prompting concerns about the effectiveness of the National Weather Service’s (NWS) communications during the deadly natural disaster.
“The alerts were sent before the flood, but yes, they went out while people were sleeping — because the flood hit in the very early hours of the morning,” Leavitt responded. “That was an act of God. It’s not the administration’s fault that the flood happened at that time.”
Leavitt emphasized that federal weather agencies did their job, offering a timeline of alerts issued leading up to the devastating event:
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July 2: Initial notices were issued about potential weather and flood risks.
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July 3, 1:18 p.m.: A formal flood watch was issued.
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6:10 p.m.: The Weather Prediction Center warned of excessive rainfall and a high likelihood of flash flooding.
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6:22 p.m.: A hydrologic warning was issued, with specific reference to Caraveille County and other vulnerable areas.
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11:41 p.m., 1:14 a.m., and 4:03 a.m.: A series of flash flood alerts and emergency warnings were sent out in succession — the last one just before the worst of the flooding began.
Leavitt rejected criticism that the alerts came too late, reiterating that the NWS acted with urgency and accuracy.
“These were timely warnings. This isn’t about when we wanted them to go out — it’s when the storm struck,” she said. “The system worked as intended, and the National Weather Service deserves credit, not blame.”
Critics, including local officials and emergency response advocates, have argued that while meteorologists acted within standard protocol, more proactive outreach could have potentially saved lives — especially in rural areas where phone reception and alert systems may not be reliable overnight.
Leavitt acknowledged the devastation caused by the flooding but blasted political figures who, she says, have sought to weaponize the tragedy for partisan gain.
“This is a national tragedy. Turning it into a political game is depraved,” she added.
Federal and state officials continue to coordinate relief efforts, and the White House has tentatively planned a visit to the affected regions, with a travel announcement expected soon. Meanwhile, the conversation around emergency alert modernization is likely to continue in the wake of this disaster.
ЁЯМК Top FAQs – White House Response to Texas Flood Warnings Issued While Residents Slept
1. Why were the flood warnings in Texas sent while people were likely asleep?
Answer: According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, the flood occurred during the early morning hours, when most residents were naturally asleep. The alerts were issued before the flood, not after, but due to the timing of the natural event, they were received overnight.
2. Were the alerts sent out in a timely manner?
Answer: Yes. Leavitt provided a detailed timeline showing a series of escalating warnings from July 2 onward. This included a flood watch on July 3 at 1:18 p.m., additional warnings at 6:10 p.m. and 6:22 p.m., and flash flood alerts at 11:41 p.m., 1:14 a.m., and 4:03 a.m. — all prior to the peak flooding.
3. Is the National Weather Service (NWS) being blamed for the fatalities?
Answer: Leavitt defended the NWS, saying they “did their job” and provided early and consistent warnings. She criticized those politicizing the tragedy and blamed the timing of the storm itself rather than agency failure.
4. Could the administration have acted sooner to improve public awareness?
Answer: The administration argues that multiple warnings were issued well ahead of the flooding, and that the disaster's timing was outside of human control. However, the discussion has opened debate about whether overnight alert systems and outreach in at-risk areas need improvement.
5. What is being done now to help those affected?
Answer: The White House is coordinating with state and local officials on recovery efforts. A presidential visit is being planned — likely on Friday, though the final schedule will depend on minimizing disruption to ongoing emergency operations.
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