News Summary
San Antonio experienced a devastating night as strong storms unleashed destruction across the region. Tennis ball-sized hail and powerful winds damaged homes and vehicles, turning social media into a platform to share the chaos. While some areas faced severe damage, power outages were reported but flooding remained minimal. Despite the intense storm, the drought crisis continues in the region, with rainfall unlikely to provide lasting relief. Residents are reminded of the importance of weather awareness as they begin to clean up from the aftermath.
Severe Storms Cause Havoc in San Antonio and Hill Country
San Antonio experienced a wild night on Sunday as strong storms rolled through, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. From shattered car windows to damaged homes, it was one of those evenings that residents won’t soon forget.
A Stormy Forecast
As the clock ticked towards 6:30 p.m., the National Weather Service issued a severe storm watch for counties along the I-35 corridor, stretching north of Bexar County. The forecast was clear: strong winds and large hail were on the way. Just an hour later, reports of tennis ball-sized hail near Kerrville confirmed the warning was no idle chatter. The urgency was palpable as folks in the area were advised to take cover immediately. Thankfully, the storm system moved east and the severe storm watch was canceled shortly after midnight.
Aftermath on Social Media
Once the storm passed, residents took to social media to share their experiences and document the aftermath. A woman from San Antonio posted several photos her brother sent from Kerrville, showcasing a soaked outdoor deck blanketed in hail and a back window of his car that had been completely shattered. It was a harrowing reminder of nature’s fury.
A landlord in Texas got in on the action too, sharing images of tenants displaying large hailstones and revealing property damage like a shredded outdoor patio canopy and smashed windows in both homes and vehicles. It was a scene straight out of a disaster movie!
The Hail Hits San Antonio
San Antonio itself didn’t escape unscathed. One keen resident captured video footage of enormous hailstones tumbling from the sky amid impressive flashes of lightning. The combination of elements made for a dramatic spectacle, though not ideal for anyone outside!
Power Outages and Flooding
The storm’s impact wasn’t just limited to hail and wind; it also knocked out power for several hundred customers serviced by CPS Energy. Thankfully, while the storm was fierce, flooding was not a significant concern. The quick movement of the storm system meant that although rain fell, it didn’t linger long enough to prompt flooding issues.
Hill Country’s Heavy Toll
Residents in the Hill Country faced some of the worst damage, with reports coming in of hail measuring as large as baseballs. That’s certainly not your everyday storm event! Even amidst the chaos, it’s crucial to note that the rainfall, which totaled 0.31 inches in San Antonio, is unlikely to resolve the ongoing extreme drought. By early March, San Antonio had only received a mere 0.06 inches of rain, making this Sunday’s deluge the third-wettest day of the year. This was especially notable given that typically, the area would see around 3.7 inches during the first two months.
Drought Outlook
With just 1.71 inches of rain recorded as of Sunday night, it’s apparent that while the storms brought a temporary reprieve, the drought status isn’t likely to change significantly. Rain may be essential, but sometimes a storm can bring too much of a hard thing.
Reflecting on a Stormy Night
Overall, Sunday night was a showcase of nature’s power in San Antonio and the Hill Country. As residents clean up and assess the damage, it serves as a potent reminder of how swiftly conditions can change—and how important it is to heed weather warnings. With challenges still ahead regarding drought recovery, the community can expect to continue monitoring local weather conditions and preparing for whatever comes next.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
San Antonio Faces Severe Drought as Rain Forecasts Fall Short
Severe Thunderstorms Bring Rain and Hail to San Antonio
San Antonio Faces Extreme Drought, Rain Chances Improve
Chilly Mornings and Dusty Skies Hit San Antonio
San Antonio Residents Experience Hazy Skies from West Texas Dust
Severe Storm System Causes Widespread Destruction Across States
Tornado Outbreak Causes Heartache and Havoc
Devastating Tornadoes Cause Tragedy and Destruction Across Six States
High Winds and Fire Risks Escalate Across Texas
Massive Storm System Threatens Over 100 Million Americans
Additional Resources
- Express News: Kerrville Hail
- Wikipedia: Hail
- KENS 5: Scattered Storms
- Google Search: Severe Weather San Antonio
- KSAT: Photos and Videos of Hail
- Google Scholar: Storm Impact Texas
- Express News: Winter Storm Watch
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Severe Weather
- News 4 San Antonio: Cold Soaking Rain
- Google News: San Antonio Storms
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.
