USA – Floods in South and Central Texas Leave Schools and Roads Closed, Dozens Rescued

by in News, USA

As much as 7 inches (177 mm) of rain from 25 September caused flash flooding in parts of Central and South Texas. Schools have been closed in San Marcos and flood rescues carried out in San Antonio.

Rainfall in South Texas. Image: NWS Austin / San Antonio
Rainfall in South Texas. Image: NWS Austin / San Antonio

The National Weather Service (NWS) said that heavy rain of up to 2 inches (50 mm) per hour was falling in San Marcos at around midday on 26 September, and issued a flash flood warning for the area.

Texas State University in San Marcos closed during the severe weather. The heavy rain caused more than 70 low water crossings to closed in Central Texas, according to ATXfloods.com.

In South Texas, over 7 inches (177 mm) of rain fell in parts of South Texas from Sunday 25 September. The NWS in San Antonio said that Edwards, Real and Kinney counties were hardest hit by the rain on Sunday evening. On Monday, Bexar county, including the San Antonio metro area, also saw heavy rain and some flooding. NWS said that 1.31 inches (33.3 mm) of rain fell at San Antonio International Airport in 27 minutes.

NWS issued flash flood warnings for the San Antonio area early on Monday, 26 September, warning people to move to higher ground.

Roads were deemed impassible and emergency teams were called on to rescue stranded drivers. The San Antonio Fire Department told local media they had carried out around 40 flood rescues since Sunday. The San Antonio city website listed more than 30 street closures, including parts of interstates 35 and 10. The National Weather Service urged drivers to avoid flood water.

Rivers

Levels of some rivers and creeks remain high and there are NWS flood warnings in place for Salado Creek in Bexar County, and the San Antonio River at Floresville and Elmendorf.

NWS say that the San Antonio River near Elmendorf crested mid Monday afternoon at 43.8 feet and levels will start to fall, but remain above flood stage until the afternoon of Tuesday 27 September, with potential to cause moderate flooding with possible damage to crops and farm land.

San Antonio river levels, September 2016. Image: NOAA
San Antonio river levels, September 2016. Image: NOAA

Social Media