Heavy downpours in San Antonio result in flooding, causing the deaths of at least 5 individuals.
In the heart of Texas, San Antonio saw a tragic aftermath of a flash flood that left at least five lives extinguished, as stated by local authorities on Thursday. The incident occurred in the northeast region, particularly in the Loop 410 area, where fifteen vehicles were swept away in the torrential downpour.
According to San Antonio Police Chief, William McManus, nineteen people plunged into the raging waters. First responders valiantly rescued ten of them, while two managed to escape on their own. Unfortunately, four individuals sustained minor injuries and were hospitalized.
As search operations continued, five bodies were recovered, leaving two individuals still unaccounted for. The chief warned against the perils of navigating flooded roads, advising that the water depth and speed are hard to gauge, potentially endangering lives.
A flash flood warning was issued for San Antonio, with the region forecasted to face life-threatening conditions into Thursday afternoon. Excessive rainfall from the Gulf had already deluged the area, accumulating between 2 to 7 inches, some of which fell at an alarming rate of 2 inches in just 30 minutes.
The San Antonio Fire Department cautioned motorists about numerous roads blocked by water. Furthermore, a flood watch was issued for an extensive area encompassing much of eastern Texas, as well as northwest Louisiana, southwest Arkansas, and southeast Oklahoma. The southeastern Texas region, spanning from Houston to Victoria, faced a significant risk of flash flooding due to unrelenting rainfall.
In such situations, it's essential to prioritize safety. Key precautions include staying informed, avoiding travel, staying away from floodwaters, having an emergency plan, utilizing shelters and sandbags, and employing post-flood safety measures. By adhering to these guidelines, one can significantly minimize risks during a flash flood.
Kenton Gewecke contributed to this report
Tips for surviving a flash flood:
- Keep Informed: Check local news stations and official weather websites regularly for updates on flood watches and warnings.
- Avoid Travel: Only travel when necessary during a flood warning. Avoid driving through flooded roads as it only takes less than 2 feet of water to move a vehicle.
- Stay Away from Flood Waters: Never enter floodwaters as they can hide debris, chemicals, and downed power lines, posing significant risks.
- Prepare an Emergency Plan: Have a family emergency plan in place, including knowing evacuation routes and having a safe place to go.
- Use Shelters and Sandbags: Utilize emergency shelters or sandbag distribution sites provided by local authorities during floods.
- Post-Flood Safety: Wait for the "all clear" before re-entering a flood-damaged property. Be cautious of lingering dangers such as weakened infrastructure and remaining floodwaters.
- In light of the recent car accidents during the San Antonio flash flood, it is crucial to stay updated with general news and heed warnings about flood-prone areas to minimize risks.
- To avoid car-accidents like those caused by the San Antonio flash flood, it's essential to avoid travel during severe weather conditions and stay away from floodwaters when possible.
