Officials in Kerr County made several attempts over the past decade to get funds for a flood warning system, but those applications were rejected. Christopher Flavelle, a reporter for The New York Times, breaks down what went wrong.

Kerr County failed to secure a warning system, even as local officials remained aware of the risks and as billions of dollars were available for similar projects.

Some experts say staff shortages might have complicated forecasters’ ability to coordinate responses with local emergency management officials.

Two ex-presidents and a rock star thanked the outgoing workers of a doomed agency.