San antonio Faces Deadliest Flood Year in Over Two Decades
San Antonio, TX – Flash floods have claimed at least 13 lives in and around San Antonio this year, marking the city’s deadliest flood season since the devastating “Great Flood” of 1998. Recent torrential rainfall, coupled with storms striking during peak commuting hours, has created a particularly hazardous habitat for drivers, contributing to the high number of fatalities.
The surge in flood-related deaths underscores the ongoing vulnerability of San Antonio despite decades of flood-control infrastructure investments. While the city continues to grapple with the immediate aftermath of recent storms, state lawmakers are considering measures to bolster flood warning systems and improve safety equipment across Texas, including a potential $50 million allocation earmarked for affected areas like Bexar County.
Recent storms in May and September brought record rainfall, exacerbating the risk. Eleven of the victims died while in vehicles, a statistic mirroring national flash flood fatality data, according to city officials.the timing of the storms – early morning and late night - substantially reduced visibility and increased the likelihood of drivers encountering high water unexpectedly.
“Turn Around,Don’t Drown” remains a critical message,officials emphasize,as even seemingly shallow water can quickly become deadly. The losses highlight the persistent threat of flash flooding in the region, even with existing flood-control projects.
Texas Senate Bill 5, recently passed during a special legislative session, is awaiting Governor Abbott’s signature. The bill proposes utilizing $50 million from the state’s Economic Stabilization Fund to install flood warning sirens, expand weather gauge networks, and procure other safety equipment statewide. The two-year fund would be accessible to local governments, including those in Bexar County, with the goal of preventing future tragedies. San Antonio is already experiencing its most lethal flood year in 27 years, prompting urgent calls for increased preparedness and preventative measures.