Guide
Flash flooding in San Antonio
Heavy rain here can turn dry creeks into fast water within a short time. Here is what the City and the National Weather Service say about staying safe, and what to do if water gets inside.
Flash Flood Alley
The National Weather Service office that covers San Antonio puts it plainly: South Central Texas is commonly referred to as Flash Flood Alley, and flash flooding kills more people in the region than any other kind of weather (NWS Austin/San Antonio).
The City's numbers are just as blunt. Six inches of moving water can knock an adult down, and 12 to 18 inches can carry away most vehicles, SUVs and pickups included (City of San Antonio).
City of San Antonio, May 2026
Ten most dangerous low-water crossings
| Crossing | ZIP | Rescues 2015–2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Old Seguin at Salado Creek | 78219 | 46 |
| Old O'Connor, north of Lookout Road | 78233 | 31 |
| Hollyhock, 600 feet west of Babcock | 78240 | 20 |
| Pinn Road, 1,320 feet south of West Commerce | 78227 | 14 |
| Spencer Lane, east of Balcones | 78201 | 13 |
| Ira Lee, north of Austin Highway | 78218 | 12 |
| Sleepy Hollow at Sunburst | 78230 | 10 |
| Gibbs Sprawl at Rosillo Creek | 78219 | 10 |
| West Commerce, Pinn Road to Military | 78227 | 9 |
| North Loop, 150 feet southeast of West North Loop | 78216 | 8 |
High-water rescues by the San Antonio Fire Department. Source: Flood Awareness Week release, May 18, 2026.
Before you drive
Where to check
SA.gov/Floods
Barricaded low-water crossings, updated in real time by the City.
BexarFlood.org
Street closures in the City and County from water over roadways.
SA.gov/Alerts
Official emergency updates and how to sign up for them.
weather.gov/ewx
Watches and warnings from the National Weather Service office for the area.
When water gets into the house
Return only when officials say it is safe. The City advises heavy gloves, protective clothing and sturdy boots, keeping children out of the cleanup, staying away from wet electrical equipment and running generators outdoors only (City flood guidance).
Floodwater is treated as contaminated. Expect a restoration contractor to remove wet carpet, pad and the lower drywall, clean and disinfect the slab and framing, and then dry the structure. Read more on flooded home cleanup.
Floodwater inside?
Talk it through with a San Antonio restoration contractor
Say where the water came from, which rooms it reached and roughly when it started. The contractor on the line can tell you what an inspection would look at and what they charge for it.
Water where it shouldn't be? Make one call.
The call goes to an independent restoration contractor that takes work in your part of Bexar County or the nearby suburbs.
Call (210) 750-1322Calls may be recorded for quality. How the line is paid: referral disclosure. What is kept: privacy.