San Antonio, August 19, 2025

News Summary

Severe flash flooding in San Antonio has resulted in at least 11 confirmed fatalities and ongoing search operations for missing individuals. The flooding, triggered by heavy rainfall, peaked with over 5.6 inches in just three hours. Local authorities are conducting rescues and monitoring river conditions. Emergency declarations have been issued, urging residents to stay indoors as further storms are expected. Climate change is cited as a contributing factor to this rare weather event, reflecting increasing rainfall intensity across U.S. cities.

San Antonio

At least 11 people have been confirmed dead due to severe flash flooding in San Antonio, which was triggered by heavy rainfall early Thursday morning. Search operations are still ongoing for several individuals who remain missing, although reports indicate that the number of unaccounted persons is decreasing.

The extreme flooding began around 5:00 a.m. CDT, primarily affecting the northeastern area of the city near Perrin Beitel Road. The San Antonio Fire Department quickly began receiving emergency calls for water rescues, and over the course of the morning, they conducted more than 70 rescues, many of which involved individuals needing assistance from trees and bushes about a mile from where they entered the water.

Fifteen vehicles were swept away in the rising waters, and although the majority of rescues were not severe, some involved perilous conditions due to swift-moving floodwaters. The San Antonio River experienced a dramatic rise in water levels—from about 3 feet to over 25 feet in just two hours—following intense thunderstorms that produced two confirmed tornadoes in nearby areas. In a matter of three hours, San Antonio recorded an astonishing 5.6 inches of rain, with almost 4 inches falling within the first hour alone. This amount is significantly higher than the typical June rainfall, which averages just over 3 inches.

This year’s flooding represents a rare weather event, with only a 1 to 2% chance of occurrence in any given year. Thursday marked San Antonio’s second-wettest June day on record and the seventh-wettest single day since 1942. In nearby Victoria, Texas, similar flooding resulted in approximately 25 calls about stranded motorists, but thankfully no injuries were reported.

Although floodwaters have started to recede, concerns remain for river flooding, as several local rivers are currently at minor to moderate flood stages. Local officials have attributed the severity of these weather events to climate change, which has led to increased rainfall intensity since 1970 across 90% of large U.S. cities due to a warming atmosphere.

The bodies of three victims have been identified: Victor Manuel Macias Castro, age 28; Matthew Angel Tufono, age 51; and Martha De La Torre Rangel, age 55. In response to the disaster, local authorities are collaborating with Texas A&M Task Force 1 to enhance search and rescue efforts throughout the city.

Emergency declarations have been issued as flood warnings continue to remain active, particularly for the San Antonio River and Cibolo Creek. Mayor Ron Nirenberg has extended condolences to the families affected by the flooding and desires the safe return of the missing individuals. Friday’s forecast raises additional concerns, with expectations of isolated thundershowers and a high temperature of 107 degrees, prompting officials to urge residents to stay indoors due to the ongoing flood risks.

Summary of Key Facts

• Confirmed Deaths: 11
• Search Efforts: Ongoing for missing individuals
• Rescues Conducted: Over 70
• Vehicles Swept Away: 15
• Rainfall: 5.6 inches within 3 hours
• River Level Increase: From 3 feet to over 25 feet
• Emergency State: Active flood warnings

Weather Context

The severe flooding in San Antonio highlights a growing trend of unstable weather conditions. According to climatological data, rainfall rates have intensified significantly since 1970 across major cities in the U.S., leading to scenarios like the one currently facing San Antonio.

FAQ

• What caused the flash flooding in San Antonio?

  The flash flooding was caused by intense thunderstorms that brought record levels of rainfall, with San Antonio receiving over 5.6 inches in just three hours.

• How many people have died due to the flooding?

  At least 11 people have been confirmed dead as a result of the flooding.

• What are the current conditions of the rivers?

  Several rivers in the area are currently at minor to moderate flood stages, and flood warnings remain active.

• What measures are being taken for search and rescue?

  Local authorities are collaborating with Texas A&M Task Force 1 for ongoing search and rescue efforts.

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Additional Resources

• KENS5: San Antonio Weather Forecast
• Wikipedia: San Antonio Floods
• NBC News: San Antonio Flooding
• Google Search: San Antonio Flash Flooding
• CNN: San Antonio Flooding
• Google Scholar: Climate Impact on Flooding in San Antonio
• Weather.com: Deadly Flooding in San Antonio
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Flooding in San Antonio
• KSAT: Flood Watch in San Antonio
• Google News: San Antonio Floods 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.