Loop 1604 is among the hardest-hit areas as the NWS warns of a life-threatening situation
Dangerous and fast-moving floodwaters swept across parts of San Antonio this afternoon, forcing road closures, prompting urgent warnings from authorities and sending a stark reminder of just how quickly conditions can turn deadly in South Texas.
The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning for the area, in effect until at least 5 p.m. today, covering northern and eastern portions of the San Antonio metro area as well as a stretch of the Interstate 35 corridor extending into Comal County. The warning carried a blunt message to residents: this is a dangerous and life-threatening situation, and travel in the affected area is strongly discouraged unless absolutely necessary.
Where the flooding is worst
High water was confirmed on both eastbound and westbound lanes of Loop 1604 at Hardy Oak Boulevard as of 1:30 p.m., according to the Texas Department of Transportation. Traffic camera footage captured water rising nearly to the windows of at least one vehicle attempting to pass through the flooded stretch of the two-lane highway, with traffic backing up as drivers slowed or attempted to navigate around the rising water.
A few miles away in Hollywood Park, the 200 block of Yosemite Drive was closed by police due to flooding, with barricades placed to block vehicles from entering the water. Law enforcement issued clear warnings that driving around or through those barricades is both dangerous and unlawful.
The 10 roads closed across San Antonio
As of this afternoon, 10 roads across the city had been officially closed due to high water, according to the city of San Antonio. The closures are: 1. Old Grissom Road from Timber Path to Culebra Road, 2. North Weidner Road near Old O’Connor Road, 3. Old O’Connor Road from Lookout Road to Command Post, 4. South Park Boulevard from Gaynor Street to West Baylor, 5. Hollyhock Road from Strathaven to Babcock Road, 6. UTSA Boulevard from Presidio Parkway to Oakview Cove,
7. George Road from Hunters Bow to Northwest Military Highway, 8. Danville Drive near Overbrook, 9. Sleepy Hollow from Sunburst Lane to Orsinger Lane. Barricades were in place at several of these locations, including Old Grissom, George, Danville, Sleepy Hollow and UTSA Boulevard.
Which communities are affected
The flash flood warning covers a wide swath of the region. Communities under the warning include Alamo Heights, Terrell Hills, Hollywood Park, Castle Hills, Windcrest, Kirby, Live Oak, Universal City and Schertz in Bexar County, as well as New Braunfels and surrounding areas in Comal County. A separate flash flood warning also encompasses portions of west central Guadalupe County, with Cibolo, Converse, McQueeney, Bulverde and Garden Ridge among the areas facing risk.
How much rain has fallen and what is still coming
Between one and three inches of rain had already fallen across the warned area by early this afternoon, with forecasters warning that an additional one to two inches remained possible over the coming hours. Radar showed a cluster of showers and thunderstorms positioned just north and east of downtown San Antonio, with weather models indicating the system was likely to remain in place well into the evening.
Areas to the south, including downtown San Antonio and southern and western Bexar County, were expected to see far lighter totals, with additional accumulation of less than half an inch anticipated.
Forecasters noted that the threat of severe thunderstorms, including large hail and damaging wind gusts, was not associated with this particular weather system, offering at least some relief amid an otherwise serious situation.
What drivers and residents should do right now
The National Weather Service and local authorities are urging all residents in the affected areas to avoid driving unless absolutely essential. The guidance is direct: turn around, do not drown. Most flood-related deaths occur inside vehicles, and even roads that appear passable can be dangerously deceptive. Drivers are asked to check the city of San Antonio’s website for the latest road closure updates before attempting to travel, particularly during the afternoon and evening commute hours when conditions remain most unpredictable.