The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood warning for eastern and northern San Antonio, where 2-3 inches of rain have already fallen. An additional 1-2 inches could fall this afternoon as thunderstorms producing heavy rain move into the area.
Much of the San Antonio metro area is at risk of flash flooding, including parts of downtown, extending to outlying areas like Schertz and New Braunfels. The flash flood warning will be in effect until 9 p.m.
The NWS is advising residents to turn around when encountering flooded roadways. Phone alerts on Monday afternoon advised residents to avoid travel in the affected areas, unless fleeing a flooded area or if you’re under an evacuation order.
So far, at least 22 roads have been closed today due to flooding, all of them in the northern half of San Antonio, according to the city’s road closure dashboard.
Highway flooding and traffic delays have also been reported on Loop 1604 at Hardy Oak Boulevard near Stone Oak.
Officials canceled several downtown Fiesta events Monday afternoon due to the flooding risk, including the Texas Cavaliers River Parade and the Fiesta De Los Reyes at Market Square.
“The city appreciates the cooperation of the Fiesta Commission, Consejos and Texas Cavaliers and understands the disappointment of our residents, but safety is a prime concern to avoid loss of life,” the city said in a news release. The city urged residents to stay off of the roads.
Rain is expected through Tuesday with a 40% percent chance of showers Wednesday.
Earlier this month, Bexar County commissioners approved a state grant to begin installing flood warning sirens in high-risk areas — a step officials say will add to the county’s flood safety system, but won’t fully address its most dangerous flooding risks.
The funding, provided through the Texas Water Development Board under Senate Bill 3, allocates $1 million to Bexar County and allows for up to $1.25 million with additional approval.
The money is specifically designated for flood warning sirens in areas identified by the state as prone to flash flooding — a requirement that comes in response to last summer’s deadly floods across Texas.
Last June, 15 cars were swept off a Loop 410 and Perrin Beitel access road into the creek below on the city’s Northeast Side during flash flooding, resulting in 13 deaths.
