Multiple parts of Central Texas, including Kerr County, were shocked by flash floods Friday when the Guadalupe River and others rose rapidly.

Follow for live updates in the Texas flooding as more than 173 are missing as rescuers continue a desperate search

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.

In what experts call "Flash Flood Alley," the terrain reacts quickly to rainfall steep slopes, rocky ground, and narrow riverbeds leave little time for warning.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick signaled that he plans to push for the state to pay for sirens erected alongside the Guadalupe River in the wake of the devastating flash floods that led to the deaths of over 100 people.

Texas lawmakers failed to pass a bill in the regular legislative session that would have improved local governments’ emergency communications infrastructure.

Small streams and tributaries along the Missouri have experienced flash flooding, but generally, the Garrison Dam prevents rising water levels that could be much worse.

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

The Guadalupe River flooded early July 4 as heavy rains prompted all in the area to evacuate. Additionally, emergency responders are frantically searching