Kerrville, Texas was hit especially hard by flash flooding after heavy rain swelled two forks of the Guadalupe River, according to officials. Residents told CNN affiliate KSAT how the flood caught them by surprise and destroyed their homes.

At least 27 people have died and more than 20 children are missing after a catastrophic flash flood in Texas. The Guadalupe River that runs through Hill Country in central south Texas rose by 26ft (8 metres) in just 45 minutes in the early hours of Friday,

The flooding brought the Guadalupe to its second-highest point in history, according to the National Weather Service, which urged people in the affected area to move to higher ground.

Heavy rainfall has overwhelmed multiple low water crossings and areas along the Guadalupe River, local authorities reported.

The National Weather Service said a flash flood emergency is ongoing in south-central Kerr County, including the Guadalupe River.