San Antonio Faces Catastrophic Flooding After Record Rainfall

A devastating flash flood swept through San Antonio late last week, claiming the lives of 13 individuals and leaving emergency responders scrambling to save dozens more. What began as a seemingly normal summer storm turned catastrophic as over 6 inches of rain poured down in a matter of hours, overwhelming the city’s infrastructure and catching residents off guard.

According to official reports, nearly 4 inches of rain fell within a single hour early Thursday morning, marking one of the heaviest downpours the region has seen in recent years. The San Antonio Fire Department confirmed it had carried out more than 70 water rescues amid rising waters, submerged vehicles, and panicked distress calls from across the city.

Meteorologists noted the stark contrast between the recent deluge and the persistent drought conditions San Antonio has faced over the past few years. "We haven’t had flooding on this scale in three to five years," said one local expert, reflecting the unexpected and destructive nature of the event.

Names of the Victims Released as City Mourns

By Saturday, the identities of most of the victims had been released to the public. The loss of life has stunned the community, as residents now begin the difficult process of mourning, rebuilding, and grappling with the trauma of the sudden flood.

The city remains on high alert as more rain is forecast for the coming days, raising concerns about additional flooding and complicating recovery efforts.

West Virginia Also Hit Hard by Deadly Storms

While San Antonio bore the brunt of the storm’s fury in Texas, severe weather also tore through parts of Appalachia, particularly in West Virginia, where at least three people have died due to flash flooding.

The city of Wheeling and surrounding towns like Triadelphia and Valley Grove faced intense downpours—3 to 4 inches of rain in under an hour—leading to flooded streets, damaged homes, and reports of multiple missing persons.

A state of emergency was swiftly declared in Ohio County by Governor Patrick Morrisey. On Sunday evening, worsening conditions led to a partial collapse of an apartment building in Marion County, prompting yet another emergency declaration.

The governor urged residents to stay off the roads and avoid flood-prone areas. “Do not underestimate the speed and strength of these waters,” he said in a public message. “This is a time to stay safe and support one another.”

More Severe Weather Expected Across the United States

Unfortunately, the threat of severe weather is not yet over. The National Weather Service has issued warnings for several states across the Plains, Mountain West, and East Coast.

Montana, Wyoming, and the Dakotas could experience severe thunderstorms with large hail and wind gusts exceeding 75 miles per hour. Meanwhile, states such as Virginia, North Carolina, and others throughout the central and southern Plains are bracing for more intense storms and potential flash floods.

The mid-Atlantic region is expected to receive excessive rainfall through Monday, increasing the risk of localized flooding and dangerous travel conditions.

Urgent Call for Preparedness and Caution

As communities from Texas to West Virginia reel from the impact of these powerful weather systems, local authorities and emergency management teams are urging all residents in affected and at-risk areas to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary travel, and monitor weather alerts closely.

The recent events serve as a stark reminder of the unpredictable power of nature. What may seem like a passing storm can quickly escalate into a life-threatening situation. Preparedness, awareness, and swift action are essential to staying safe as the summer storm season continues.

Stay Informed. Stay Safe.

For those in flood-prone or storm-affected areas, it's crucial to follow official guidance, prepare emergency kits, and never attempt to drive or walk through flooded roads. The safety of you and your loved ones depends on it.