Afternoon Storms Bring Flash Flooding, Knock Out Power To San Antonio

Central Bexar County is under a flash flood warning as thunderstorms dump heavy rains on San Antonio, according to the National Weather Service.

Storms that hit Monday afternoon also caused power outages stretching from the North Side to the Northwest Side. Approximately 22,000 people were without power as of shortly before 4 p.m., according to CPS Energy’s outage map.

“Our crews will work until everyone affected has their power restored,” said Rudy Garza, senior vice president of distribution services and operations, in a prepared statement. “I want our community to know that we have crews that take pride in what they do and their goal right now is to get the lights back on for those impacted.”

Downed trees and flooding are slowing crews in their efforts to restore power, CPS Energy officials said.

Weather stations recorded 2 inches of rainfall in parts of the city by shortly before 4 p.m., according to the National Weather Service. Forecasters are predicting an additional 1 to 2 inches by around 6 p.m.

Flooding closed 22 of 178 low water crossings, according to real-time flood information site BexarFlood.org. City staff have also closed five streets because of flooding.

Public safety officials often urge drivers to “Turn Around, Don’t Drown,” rather than attempt to drive through flooded roads. San Antonio is part of a region known as Flash Flood Alley, and Bexar County has historically led the state in the number of flood deaths.