News Summary
San Antonio is facing significant challenges due to severe flooding, having received over 5 inches of rain this week. Emergency services conducted multiple water rescues as motorists ignored barricades and drove into hazardous conditions. Traffic disruptions intensified, especially on Highway 281 South, where numerous vehicles were stranded. Outdoor recreational areas also experienced flooding, impacting access for enthusiasts. Despite the rainfall improving conditions in some regions, San Antonio remains below average for annual rainfall. Residents are urged to remain vigilant as severe weather conditions persist.
Severe Flooding in San Antonio Causes Multiple Water Rescues and Traffic Disruptions Amid Record Rainfall
San Antonio has experienced significant disruptions due to severe flooding after receiving over 5 inches of rain throughout the week, with a total of 5.51 inches recorded at San Antonio International Airport. The heaviest rainfall occurred on Friday, when 1.42 inches fell within a single day. Despite this deluge, the city still grapples with ongoing drought conditions, necessitating more rainfall to fully alleviate the moisture deficit.
From Thursday night into Friday morning, the San Antonio Fire Department received six high water rescue calls. Emergency crews responded promptly to rescue vehicles stranded in flooded areas. Notably, two individuals were saved from a northeast-side crossing, highlighting the danger posed by disregarding barricades. Observations indicated numerous drivers ignored these barriers, putting themselves at greater risk by navigating through hazardous floodwaters.
Traffic and Infrastructure Impacted
The recent rainfall caused extensive damage to traffic conditions within Bexar County. Of particular concern was Highway 281 South, where heavy flooding resulted in significant delays and multiple stranded vehicles on Wednesday morning. San Antonio Fire Department crews began rescue operations around 5:45 a.m. that day, responding to reports of numerous cars trapped at the intersection of U.S. Highway 281 South and Brook Hollow. The flooding led to a standstill during rush hour, making commuting treacherous for drivers.
Recent rain totals in the last 72 hours were particularly high in northwestern Bexar County, exacerbating the traffic disruptions. The National Weather Service reported that between 2 to 3 inches of rainfall was recorded within just one hour during the early morning flooding, contributing to the hazardous road conditions and increasing the urgency for rescue operations.
Outdoor Recreation Affected
In addition to traffic disruptions, outdoor enthusiasts are also feeling the impact of the heavy rains. Popular bike and hiking trails have become severely inundated with floodwaters, limiting access for recreational activities. The San Antonio Fire Department has taken the initiative to remind the public about safe practices during such events, reiterating the crucial advice to prioritize finding higher ground and avoiding flooded areas. This caution is particularly important given that the department charges $645 for high water rescues, placing an economic deterrent on disregard for safety measures.
Future Weather Considerations
Though the rainfall has improved conditions in certain areas—such as Bastrop and Lee counties—San Antonio remains approximately 4 inches below normal for its annual rainfall totals. The continuing severe weather risk encompasses the Interstate 35 corridor, with forecasts indicating potential for more storm activity across the South. Local officials are anticipating further weather developments and are urging residents to remain vigilant and prepared for changing conditions.
In summary, the recent severe flooding in San Antonio has prompted multiple water rescues, traffic disruptions, and concerns about outdoor safety amid severe weather warnings. As the city navigates these challenges, the community is reminded to stay informed and prioritize safety in the face of ongoing rain and flooding risks.
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Additional Resources
- Fox Weather
- Wikipedia: San Antonio Floods
- Kens5
- Google Search: San Antonio Flooding 2025
- News4SanAntonio
- Google Scholar: San Antonio Flooding Impacts
- KSAT
- Encyclopedia Britannica: San Antonio Floods
- AOL News
- Google News: San Antonio Flooding 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.
