As monstrous floodwaters surged across central Texas late last week, officials at the Federal Emergency Management Agency leapt into action, preparing to deploy critical search and rescue teams and life-saving resources,

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

Here's what to know about the deadly flooding, the colossal weather system that drove it and ongoing efforts to identify victims.

Flash floods surged through in the middle of the night, but many local officials appeared unaware of the unfolding catastrophe, initially leaving people near the river on their own.

More than 111 people have died across six counties after flash flooding from heavy rain began affecting the state last week.

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

There are reports some cloud seeding occurred a few days before the Texas flash flood. But it’s important to understand that cloud seeding has a relatively short-term effect in that a certain cloud is seeded and perhaps turns into one individual rain cloud or even a thunderstorm. The increased rainfall would not last for days.

Texas police described some of the harrowing rescues they conducted after flash floods engulfed camps and homes in the state's Hill Country.