In a rare moment of hope, Leonardo's son from a previous marriage, Leonardo Romero Jr., survived the flooding after floating for hours before being rescued. His mother, Rosa Chavez, said he is recovering well and could be released from the hospital soon.

When storms roll in, water rushes downhill fast, gaining speed and force as it moves — often with deadly results.

Five people died in Central Texas floods in October, and then the rain kept coming for the next two months. Catastrophic flooding devastated the Hill Country, and statewide at least 180 Texans died because of the countless overflowing rivers and creeks.