Months after deadly Texas floods, a congressman is still looking for answers

Nearly two months after the tragic July 4 floods in Texas that killed more than 130 people, Rep.

Nearly two months after the tragic July 4 floods in Texas that killed more than 130 people, Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Texas, said he’s still seeking answers to some of the most basic questions about the federal government’s response.

Which emergency officials did the National Weather Service call on the night of the flooding? How exactly did the agency staff up for the storm event? How did vacancies in key positions at the local National Weather Service office, such as the warning coordination meteorologist, affect the outcome?

In four letters to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and in a fifth to the Department of Commerce, the Austin congressman has demanded records that would help tell the story of July 4.

“I’ve never received a written response,” said Doggett, who is accusing the agencies of stonewalling his inquiries.

The congressman’s push for records highlights gaps in the public accounting of what happened that day. In the immediate aftermath of the flooding, independent meteorologists said the National Weather Service issued timely warnings and that its forecasts were solid, given the limits of modern forecasting technology during flash flood events.