Major flooding at Leon Creek; flood warning issued for Medina River

Creek could crest to levels not seen since 2002, river since 1936

SAN ANTONIO – The National Weather Service on Tuesday issued a flood warning for the Leon Creek and the Medina River.

At around 5:30 p.m., Leon Creek at Interstate 35 crested at 25.79 feet -- the fourth-highest crest on record, NWS officials said. The water should continually recede through the night.

NWS officials reported major flooding occurring Tuesday afternoon in Leon Creek on the city’s West Side. A Transguide camera showed major flooding occurring at Highway 90.

Leon Creek flooding map (KSAT)

The creek is forecast to rise to 26.5 feet on Tuesday evening, which NWS officials said could create “disastrous flooding.” The creek is expected to fall below fall stage later Tuesday night and then rise again Wednesday morning.

NWS officials said that residents on low-lying areas near New Laredo Highway may need to be evacuated. Flooding may also flood secondary and primary roads and bridges, making it dangerous for motorists from Highway 90 to Interstate 35. The jet engine test facility at Kelly USA may also be seriously impacted.

The last time Leon Creek crested this high was at 27.2 feet in July 2002.

Major flooding is also forecast for the Medina River at Highway 281.

At 3:15 pm, the river stage was 12.1 feet, about 8 feet from flood stage.

The river is expected to rise to 31.6 feet late Tuesday and then fall below flood stage Wednesday evening.

This crest compares to a previous crest of 32.2 feet in July 1936.

Medina River flooding map (KSAT)

WATCH: Leon Creek Valley flooding causing construction problems

Read more:

Flash Flooding ongoing in parts of Bexar County

Map: Emergency road closures at low water crossings in San Antonio, Bexar County

Avoid these notorious roadways prone to flooding during heavy rain in San Antonio


About the Authors

David Ibañez has been managing editor of KSAT.com since the website's launch in October 2000.

Jessie Degollado has been with KSAT since 1984. She is a general assignments reporter who covers a wide variety of stories. Raised in Laredo and as an anchor/reporter at KRGV in the Rio Grande Valley, Jessie is especially familiar with border and immigration issues. In 2007, Jessie also was inducted into the San Antonio Women's Hall of Fame.

Recommended Videos