SAN ANTONIO – The aftermath of severe rainfall around San Antonio has resulted in the tragic loss of nearly a dozen lives, with local first responders reporting 11 fatalities. The region experienced significant downpours, amounting to as much as 8 inches within a short timeframe from Wednesday night to Thursday morning, leading to extensive flooding.
San Antonio Fire Department officials have cautioned that several individuals remain unaccounted for, indicating that the number of victims may increase. Mayor Ron Nirenberg expressed condolences, stating, “Our hearts are with the families of those we’ve lost to this week’s flash floods and the families who continue searching for their loved ones.”
In response to the floods, firefighters have conducted over 70 water rescues, demonstrating the urgency of the situation. The city has urged anyone concerned about a missing loved one possibly affected by the flooding to contact the San Antonio Police Department at 210-207-4817 for assistance.
The National Weather Service reported that officially, San Antonio received 6.67 inches of rain in the last two days, with over 6 inches falling on Thursday alone. This rainfall has broken records, marking Thursday as the wettest June day in the city’s history, nearly doubling the previous daily record of 3.26 inches from 1973. The rainfall has been so significant that Thursday is now ranked as the 10th-wettest day overall since records began in July 1885.
Other areas, such as New Braunfels, also faced severe rainfall, with more than 3 inches falling within just half an hour. In Santo, Texas, videos captured the dramatic flooding conditions, while other footage highlighted first responders actively rescuing residents from inundated roads.
In Bexar County, the National Weather Service reported the closure of 40 low-water crossings and noted that Leon Creek near Loop 410 surged dramatically, rising 13 feet in two hours.
The disaster has been amplified along the Texas coast, with Matagorda County issuing a disaster declaration in light of the extreme weather, allowing for immediate actions to safeguard residents. Photos from the area illustrated the seriousness of the flooding, with water dangerously close to homes.
In Victoria, officials have advised residents to remain at home due to hazardous weather and road conditions, though a shelter-in-place order has not been issued. The flooding also reached Houston, where high water levels were observed in various neighborhoods.
Additionally, strong storms accompanying the rainfall produced tornadoes, such as an EF-1 tornado that resulted in significant damage northeast of Wharton. Another preliminary EF-0 tornado impacted areas near Burr, demonstrating the widespread and severe nature of this weather system.
These recent events underscore the importance of preparedness and community support during natural disasters, as residents and local authorities work together to navigate the aftermath of substantial flooding and seek to recover from the devastation.