UVALDE, Texas (AP) — On Wednesday, intense and slow-moving storms unleashed torrents of rain across vast areas of South Texas. In the aftermath, a tornado emerged in San Antonio, trailing the heavy downpours that had previously submerged roads and farmlands, prompting numerous high-water rescues throughout the region.
According to the National Weather Service, a tornado made landfall in the northwestern section of San Antonio, near Interstate 10. Social media platforms buzzed with videos capturing what looked like a compact twister in action. Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of injuries from this weather event.
Amid ongoing severe weather warnings, forecasters issued alerts for possible life-threatening flash flooding as the rain showed no signs of letting up, expected to persist until Thursday evening. The weather service projected that total rainfall could reach between 10 and 20 inches (25 to 50 centimeters) in certain locations by the time these storms finally dissipate.
Thankfully, the region has been spared fatalities and injuries from the current deluge.
On Wednesday morning, flash flood warnings were activated for numerous counties adjacent to the Mexican border, including parts of Kerr County. Last year, this area suffered catastrophic flooding along the Guadalupe River, claiming over 100 lives. Kerr County authorities are proactively liaising with summer camps and retreat centers situated along the river, which could be at risk of flooding once more.
The highest rainfall totals so far have been in Uvalde County — up to 16 inches (40 centimeters) in some areas, the weather service said.
“This is called a typical mid-summer tropical weather pattern that happens in Texas,” said Monte Oaks, a meteorologist with the weather service. “About once every five years, we’ll get socked in with a daily recurrence of heavy rain chances that’s generally produced by a stagnant kind of a pattern with a low-pressure center that’s just not moving very fast.”
Oaks said the rain is being fueled with tropical moisture, mostly from the Gulf of Mexico and some from the Pacific Ocean.
The highest level of concern for potentially dangerous flooding Wednesday was for areas west of San Antonio and north of Route 90, he said.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued disaster declarations for dozens of counties.
Authorities posted videos on Tuesday showing a rescue crew in a boat navigating flooded streets and a vehicle being swept away by fast-moving waters. Five people were rescued by the Texas Game Warden Search and Rescue Team and four were rescued by a local game warden, said Maggie Berger, a Texas Parks and Wildlife spokeswoman.
The weather service said the city of Uvalde has been hardest hit. Officials there said there had been at least two dozen water rescues, and a local event center was open for anyone displaced by flooding. In Sabinal, officials were also making plans for a shelter.
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