San Antonio faced dangerous overnight weather conditions Tuesday after severe thunderstorms triggered flash flooding, widespread power outages and emergency water rescues across parts of the city.
The storms moved into South-Central Texas late on May 26, bringing intense rainfall, lightning strikes, damaging winds and a temporary tornado threat. As conditions worsened across Bexar County, emergency crews responded to flooded roadways and stranded vehicles while residents shared dramatic videos of submerged streets across social media.
According to CPS Energy, nearly 25,000 customers lost electricity during the height of the storms. Heavy rain quickly overwhelmed drainage systems in several areas of San Antonio, especially near downtown and on the South Side.
Vehicles submerged as flash flooding spreads across San Antonio
Television crews captured vehicles partially underwater on Ninth Street near downtown San Antonio after floodwaters rapidly covered roads Tuesday night. Emergency responders were also dispatched to multiple high-water rescue situations as dangerous driving conditions developed across the metro area.
The National Weather Service issued a Flash Flood Warning for most of Bexar County after 1 to 2 inches of rain fell within a short period. Forecasters warned that some northern areas could receive an additional inch of rainfall before midnight.
Officials said life-threatening flooding was possible near creeks, streams, underpasses, highways and low-lying urban streets. Residents were strongly advised not to drive through flooded roads as visibility remained poor overnight.
The flooding risk continued into early Wednesday morning, raising concerns for commuters dealing with standing water on several major roadways.
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Lightning strikes and tornado warnings increase storm danger
Along with flooding, the storms produced intense lightning activity across South Texas. KSAT meteorologist Justin Horne captured footage of a lightning strike east of Pearsall that reportedly ignited a tank battery fire during Tuesday afternoonâs storms.
The National Weather Service also briefly issued a tornado warning for parts of the San Antonio metro area, including Kirby, China Grove, Windcrest, Converse, Universal City, Live Oak and Schertz. The warning was later canceled after the storm system weakened.
Weather officials earlier warned that the strongest thunderstorms could produce hail, damaging wind gusts and rainfall rates reaching up to 2 inches per hour.
Additional updates and safety guidance are available through the National Weather Service Austin/San Antonio office.
There are many flood incidents in Texas which has affected transportation involving a Waymo robotaxi recall after an autonomous vehicle entered a flooded Texas roadway, highlighting growing concerns about travel safety during severe weather events.
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