San Antonio, Texas — Tragedy struck this city as flash flooding claimed the lives of at least five individuals, with two others still unaccounted for following a night of torrential downpours. The severe weather led to vehicles being swept away and prompted emergency responses from local authorities early Thursday.
Heavy rainfall began in the early hours, overwhelming drainage systems and causing swift, rising water levels in some areas of the city. The San Antonio Police and Fire Departments reported numerous distress calls around 4:15 a.m., as residents found themselves stranded on roadways, trapped by the sudden floodwaters.
Fire department officials accounted for fifteen vehicles that were carried away by the deluge in the northeast sector of the city. Among the deceased were two men and three women, local news sources reported. The police chief indicated that some victims were discovered still inside their cars.
Emergency responders conducted multiple rescues, retrieving ten people who had clung to trees and bushes after being swept away. While two individuals managed to reach safety by themselves, four others required hospital treatment for minor injuries.
Joe Arrington, a spokesperson for the fire department, explained that the unpredictable surge of water caught many off guard. Eyewitness accounts described dramatic scenes of vehicles being overtaken by fast-moving water. “People were taken by surprise,” he said, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
Flood warnings were issued by the National Weather Service, which cautioned that additional storms were forecasted for the area. Residents were urged to remain vigilant, as many roadways remained closed and hazardous due to flooding.
Angela Richards, who was searching for her missing husband, recounted the last moment she heard from him. She described the panic of hearing the sounds of flooding as his vehicle succumbed to the rising waters. “I could hear whatever the car hit and then the water taking over,” she said, highlighting the human toll of this disaster.
As recovery efforts continue, local authorities remain focused on providing support to those affected and searching for the missing. The community is left grappling with the devastating impact of the flooding, underscoring the need for preparedness in the face of unpredictable weather patterns.