Devastating San Antonio Floods Kill at Least 8, Several Still Unaccounted For

Heavy rains in South Texas triggered devastating flash floods in San Antonio, submerging vehicles and sweeping away everything in their path. At least eight people have died, and several others remain missing, according to authorities.

The flooding began in the early hours of Thursday in the northeastern part of the city. What was expected to be a sunny weekend quickly turned into chaos as several inches of rain fell across the area. According to the National Weather Service, more than 7 inches of rain fell in some parts of San Antonio.

The rainfall quickly inundated roads, with the San Antonio Fire Department reporting that several vehicles were swept off roadways as early as 5 a.m. When firefighters arrived, they found people clinging to trees on an island formed by the rising water, Fire Chief Valarie Frausto said, as reported by Texas Public Radio.

Initially, The Associated Press reported five fatalities, but the death toll climbed throughout the day. By Friday, SAFD said at least eight people had died, and six others were still missing.

Joe Arrington, a spokesperson for the City of San Antonio, said on June 13 that the fire department had requested "urban search and rescue assistance" from Texas A&M Task Force 1, as well as help from at least 40 highly trained search specialists.

Fire officials said floodwaters pushed 19 people and 15 vehicles into the water, prompting roughly 70 water rescues citywide. SAFD said most involved stranded drivers, but several required crews to enter swift-moving water.

"These are low-water crossings where the depth and speed of the water are very hard to judge," San Antonio Police Chief William McManus told reporters. "If you venture into it when the water's deep and moving fast, you're taking your life into your own hands."

The National Weather Service warned in a post on X that floodwaters from the heavy rain were moving downstream along the San Antonio River and Cibolo Creek, potentially causing minor to moderate flooding. The agency urged residents of Wilson and Karnes County to remain alert and heed safety warnings: "Remember to turn around, don't drown!"