NBC Correspondent’s Mom Escaped Deadly Texas Floods, Now He Details Covering ‘Worst Tragedy in My Lifetime’ (Exclusive)

NBC Correspondent Morgan Chesky Reports on Tragic Floods in Hometown

NBC News correspondent Morgan Chesky has been on the ground in Kerrville, Texas, covering the devastating floods in his hometown. Chesky, who has spent his career reporting on disasters, describes this event as the “worst tragedy” he has witnessed in his lifetime.

Chesky’s mother and stepfather were forced to evacuate their home during the flooding, only to return and discover a body in the trees. The reporter, who rushed back to Kerrville upon hearing about the disaster, shared his emotional experience of witnessing a tragedy of this scale in his own hometown.

Describing the flooding of the Guadalupe River as “essentially the worst tragedy in my lifetime in my hometown,” Chesky reflects on the personal impact of reporting on a disaster that has directly affected his community. He emphasises the resilience of the people in Kerrville and their strength in the face of such devastation.

Having grown up near the Guadalupe River, Chesky speaks of the river’s power and the awareness among locals of its potential for flooding. He recounts childhood memories of observing the river and the sudden, destructive force it can unleash during extreme weather events.

Chesky’s mother, Karen, and stepfather, Michael, shared their experience of the flood, which saw the river rise rapidly in the early hours of the morning. The couple acted quickly to warn neighbours and evacuate, as the water levels continued to surge, demonstrating the sudden and dangerous nature of the disaster.

Returning to their home after the floodwaters receded, Chesky’s family was fortunate to have escaped with minimal damage. However, the discovery of a young girl’s body wrapped around a tree nearby served as a stark reminder of the tragic consequences of the flooding for others in the community.

As a father himself, with a 2-year-old daughter, Eleanor, Chesky admits that covering such heartbreaking stories has become even more challenging. The emotional toll of witnessing the loss and suffering of others, particularly children and families, has had a profound impact on him.

In addition to his coverage on NBC, Chesky has shared his experience of the floods on his podcast, Here’s the Scoop, where he interviewed his mother to offer listeners a deeper insight into the ongoing crisis. Through his reporting, Chesky aims to prioritise the human stories behind the tragedy and highlight the resilience and courage of those affected.

As efforts continue to support the victims and aid in the recovery from the Texas floods, Chesky remains committed to telling the stories of the people of Kerrville and amplifying their voices during this challenging time.