A chain-link fence that separates Water Street in the center of Kerrville from the Guadalupe River just a few hundred feet away has become a makeshift memorial, with the flower-covered stretch serving as a focal point for a grieving community.

The reporter said that several families were angry because they felt that alerts for the flood did not go out in time.

Historic Texas flood leaves 161 missing and 96 dead. Rescuers battle harsh conditions, as communities grapple with heartache and aid reaches survivors.

Kerr County failed to secure a warning system, even as local officials remained aware of the risks and as billions of dollars were available for similar projects.

Experts suggested that more data and education are needed as Texas and the rest of the country build in known flood plains.

Twice, the Texas Division of Emergency Management turned down Kerr County's requests for money to improve flood warnings.

Former Kerr County Commissioner Tom Moser said in 2016 their flood warning system was "marginal at best." Still, the county couldn't get grants for sirens.

Federal forecasters issued their first flood warning at 1:14 a.m. on July 4. Local officials haven’t shed light on when they saw the warnings or whether they saw them in time to take action.