News Summary
A flash flood in San Antonio has led to the tragic loss of 13 lives and left many missing. The heavy rains began impacting the city early Thursday morning, prompting extensive rescue operations. With an unprecedented 6.11 inches of rainfall recorded, the floods have caused widespread damage, power outages, and road closures. Local authorities are emphasizing the need for improved warning systems to prevent future tragedies, while rescue operations continue in the search for missing individuals.
San Antonio, Texas – A devastating flash flood swept through the city early Thursday morning, claiming the lives of 13 individuals and leaving hundreds missing. The heavy rain and rising waters began impacting the area just after 5 a.m., prompting numerous rescue operations by local authorities.
San Antonio’s Public Information Officer, Joe Arrington, reported that at least 15 vehicles were swept into a creek area near NE Loop 410 and Perrin Beitel Road. Rescuers successfully extricated at least 10 people who had become stranded in trees and bushes approximately a mile from where their cars entered the floodwaters. Two additional individuals managed to escape independently, while four others received treatment for minor injuries at local hospitals.
The region experienced unprecedented rainfall, with over 6.11 inches recorded since midnight Wednesday. This amount exceeds the average rainfall for June and July combined. The event marked the second wettest day on record for San Antonio during the month of June, exacerbating the already dangerous conditions across the city. Early estimates indicated that the San Antonio Fire Department received approximately 70 requests for high water rescues.
As the flooding escalated, more than two dozen roads were closed, and authorities advised residents against driving through flooded streets. The nightmare extended beyond San Antonio; the National Weather Service confirmed that 40 low water crossings were closed in Bexar County, along with numerous closures in Comal and Hays counties. The intense storms resulted in widespread power outages affecting over 57,000 customers in Texas. Fire crews also managed three structure fires and four transformer fires linked to the flooding.
Statewide, reports have indicated that catastrophic flooding has claimed over 100 lives, with Kerr County suffering the most. As of Wednesday, 95 deaths have been reported in that region, including 36 children. Particularly heartbreaking was the news that 27 young campers, all attending Camp Mystic, died as a result of the flooding, which struck suddenly during the busy holiday weekend. Among the victims were 8-year-old twin sisters Hanna and Rebecca Lawrence from Dallas and Sarah Marsh, also 8, from Alabama.
In the wake of this tragic event, officials have underscored the urgent need for enhanced warning systems for flash floods to prevent future disasters of this magnitude. The Guadalupe River, which has a history of flooding, surged beyond its previous records this time, necessitating significant evacuations in the surrounding areas. Local officials have even designated Kerr County as “Flash Flood Alley,” based on its repeated experiences with severe flooding.
In response to the calamity, President Trump declared a disaster in Texas, allowing federal resources to be allocated for relief efforts. Rescue operations have involved more than 1,750 personnel, helicopters, and various emergency services deployed across the affected area. Search and rescue operations are expected to continue until every missing individual is located, as officials warn that the death toll may rise as recovery efforts progress.
The community has rallied in response to the disaster, establishing numerous shelters and providing immediate assistance to those displaced by the floods. Local officials, including Texas Governor Greg Abbott, have emphasized their commitment to ongoing search and rescue operations to ensure that all missing people are found.
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Additional Resources
- Al Jazeera
- Wikipedia: Texas Floods July 2025
- KSAT
- Google Search: San Antonio Floods June 2025
- USA Today
- Google Scholar: Texas Flooding July 2025
- NBC News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas Flooding 2025
- News 4 San Antonio
- Google News: Kerr County Flood July 2025
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
