SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS — At least 11 people have died and several remain missing following catastrophic flash flooding in San Antonio triggered by a powerful storm system that swept through the area early Thursday.
Between midnight and 4 a.m., more than 8 inches of rain fell, overwhelming low-water crossings, submerging roads, and sweeping away vehicles. The National Weather Service also confirmed two EF0 tornadoes touched down nearby in Hays County, bringing winds up to 85 mph.
“The water rose rapidly and left very little time for escape,”
— San Antonio Police Chief William McManus
🚨 Dozens of Water Rescues
The San Antonio Fire Department said more than 70 rescues had been completed by Friday night. Victims were pulled from trees, bushes, and submerged vehicles in scenes described by officials as harrowing.
Among the missing is 42-year-old Stevie Richards, whose wife Angela was on the phone with him when his vehicle was overtaken.
“He said, ‘Oh, the car’s floating’… and then I heard him screaming. That’s the last I heard,”
— Angela Richards, to the San Antonio Express-News
⚰️ Casualties and Damage
The Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office reported that the 11 confirmed fatalities ranged in age from 28 to 55. Bodies have been recovered from within the city and downstream from the original flood zones.
Mayor Ron Nirenberg expressed condolences, calling the loss “agonizing.”
“Our hearts are with the families of those we’ve lost… and those still searching for loved ones.”
— Mayor Ron Nirenberg
🚧 Roads Still Closed, More Flooding Ahead
As of Friday evening:
- 18 roads remain closed across San Antonio
- 15 of 141 low-water crossings were damaged
- Flood warnings continue for communities south of the city
Rivers such as the San Antonio River and Cibolo Creek are forecast to overflow through Saturday due to continued downstream flow.
Officials urged residents to stay clear of flood-prone areas and to never drive through high water.
