Their statements to state legislators marked the first time county officials have spoken publicly about what they were doing the morning of the disaster that killed more than 100 people in the county.

William "Dub" Thomas, the Kerr County Emergency Management Director since 2015, detailed his whereabouts during the crisis.

State lawmakers are in the Hill Country community most impacted by the July 4 flooding gathering testimony for legislation to address disaster preparedness and response efforts.