Heavy, slow-moving storms moved across South Texas on Wednesday, producing widespread flooding, at least one tornado touchdown in San Antonio and scores of high-water rescues as officials warned more dangerous conditions remained possible.
Rescues and evacuations
Texas Game Wardens and other responders have rescued more than 40 people from floodwaters, with the greatest concentration of rescues reported in Uvalde County. County officials reported 25 rescues there as of 9 a.m. Wednesday and said additional people still needed help as river levels continued to rise.
- Highest measured rainfall: up to 16 inches in Uvalde County.
- Forecast additional rainfall: as much as 10 to 20 inches possible in some areas before the system moves out.
- Flood watches: in effect for dozens of counties, including parts of the Texas Hill Country.
Tornado and property damage
The National Weather Service reported a tornado touched down in the northwestern part of San Antonio near Interstate 10. Social media videos showed what appeared to be a small twister. Local officials said apartment buildings and other properties sustained damage. Officials had not reported any deaths or injuries tied to the tornado or the flooding as of the latest updates.
"Despite a 'little lull,' the rainfall wasn't done and waterways could become more dangerous,"
State Rep. Don McLaughlin offered the warning on Wednesday as forecasters cautioned that conditions could worsen in some hard-hit communities.
Rising rivers and road closures
Highways and local roads across the region were closed because of high water. In Uvalde County, where the annual average rainfall is about 23 inches, officials said a dam in the northern part of the county remained intact, but the Leona River was expected to rise another roughly 15 feet, prompting warnings for residents along the river to seek higher ground.
| Location | Reported/Forecast |
|---|---|
| Uvalde County | Up to 16 inches reported; 25 rescues |
| Some counties | 10–20 inches possible additional rainfall |
| Leona River | Expected to rise about 15 feet |
Forecasters said some flood watches were likely to remain in effect through Friday evening. The storm system has renewed concerns in parts of the Texas Hill Country, where deadly floods struck last summer.
Emergency and public safety officials urged residents in threatened areas to follow evacuation orders, avoid driving through flooded roadways and move to higher ground when advised. State and local responders continued search-and-rescue operations as waterways rose and conditions evolved.
The unfolding situation carries implications for public safety and infrastructure across South Texas; continued heavy rain can quickly exacerbate river flooding, strain local resources and complicate recovery efforts in communities still wary after last summer's deadly flooding in the Hill Country.
