Storms soak San Antonio on Tuesday, leading to flash flooding, high water rescues

Some showers dumped rain at nearly 3 inches per hour earlier Tuesday morning

A flooded Helotes Creek has closed Scenic Loop at Tower View Road in Northwest Bexar County. (KSAT)

SAN ANTONIO – Heavy rain that struck San Antonio Tuesday morning created a messy commute for drivers, triggered flood warnings and prompted high water rescues in a matter of hours.

KSAT crews were out on the roadways capturing videos and photos of flooded streets, swollen creeks and wrecks due to the showers, which dumped rain at the rate of nearly 3 inches per hour.

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A Flash Flood Warning for western and northwestern Bexar County expired at noon, but flooding remains a concern in the area.

At least one person reportedly remains missing after high water swept three people away on the North Side. SAFD Spokesman Woody Woodward said the incident happened around 9:30 a.m. near Loop 410 and Vance Jackson Road.

If necessary, avoid areas and streets that are prone to flooding.

The map below shows the latest road conditions at low water crossings in Bexar County.

The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for Leon Creek until Wednesday morning.

As of 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, the stage was 6.9 feet at the creek’s intersection with Interstate 35 on the Southwest Side. The flood gauge is 15 feet. The river is expected to rise above the flood stage this afternoon.

The forecasted flood levels will reach the highest levels since 1991.

Flooding at U.S. Highway 90 and Leon Creek on Tuesday, July 6, 2021. (KSAT)
Leon Creek is flooding due to heavy rain on Tuesday, July 6, 2021. (KSAT)

According to KSAT meteorologist Justin Horne, radar estimates show that more than 6 inches of rain have dropped across west and northwest Bexar County since Monday.

There are also indications that nearly 9 inches of rain fell in the past 24 hours along Bandera Road at Leon Creek.

In some spots, more than 7 inches of rain has fallen Tuesday morning. (Copyright 2021 by KSAT - All rights reserved.)

Additional scattered downpours and heavy rain are possible throughout Tuesday, and then rain chances will return on Wednesday. Keep up with the latest updates here or on the KSAT 12 Weather app.

Weather Safety

You’ve probably heard the KSAT Weather Authority Team say, “When thunder roars, go indoors!” With storms in the forecast over the next few days, you’ll need to be ready to move your summer outdoors plan indoors for a period of time. Remember: if you can hear thunder, you’re close enough to be struck by lightning.

Download the KSAT 12 Weather app on your smartphone for the latest weather updates.

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Want to share what you’re seeing with KSAT12′s meteorologists? Submit photos and videos here, and your submission may get featured on KSAT.com or on air.

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About the Author

Rebecca Salinas is an award-winning digital journalist who joined KSAT in 2019. She reports on a variety of topics for KSAT 12 News.

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