A deadly flash flood swept through San Antonio on June 13, 2025, claiming 13 lives and sparking urgent questions about the city’s infrastructure. While nature played its role, aging systems, overwhelmed drainage, and insufficient preparedness heightened the disaster. As mourning begins, the focus must shift toward lasting solutions, safety education, and flood preparedness for every citizen.
Record Rainfall, Real Loss: What Happened in San Antonio?
On Thursday, June 13, San Antonio experienced one of its most destructive flash floods in decades. More than 7 inches of rain fell in just a few hours—enough to cause sudden, violent flooding that swept away more than a dozen vehicles and claimed 13 lives. The San Antonio Fire Department performed over 70 water rescues, with most fatalities centered around the Perrin Beitel Creek area.
Those who survived spoke of climbing trees, abandoning their cars, and relying on the bravery of first responders. The event has left many families in mourning—and the entire city in shock.
San Antonio International Airport reported 6.37 inches of rainfall in just 24 hours—the highest June rainfall in decades. Though the storm was fierce, experts and city leaders agree that the devastation was made worse by outdated drainage systems and aging infrastructure.
Could This Have Been Prevented?
District 10 Councilman Marc Whyte acknowledged the pain and urgency of the moment, telling reporters, “It looked like a big wall of water… We can do better.”
Loop 410’s frontage road, near Beitel Creek, was a particularly tragic site where 15 vehicles were swept away. Though the flooding was fueled by weather extremes, questions quickly arose about the city’s readiness—particularly in high-risk areas with known infrastructure weaknesses.
The city has tools like the Bexar Flood Information System, which tracks real-time flood risks and street closures. However, these tools are only helpful if the public knows how to use them. Some residents reported receiving no alerts before the water arrived.
While Councilman Whyte has long advocated for focusing on “basics” like roads and drainage, this flood has reignited calls to fast-track improvements—especially in underserved or aging neighborhoods.
Prevention Measures: What’s Working, What’s Missing
San Antonio has already invested in floodplain remapping, rainwater management systems, and the Ready South Texas emergency preparedness app. The system helped some avoid disaster—but others were unaware or didn’t receive notifications.
Shortcomings include:
Limited alert reach in high-risk zones
Under-capacity drainage systems in older neighborhoods
Lack of physical road barriers at low crossings
The city will likely need a multi-layered response going forward: modernizing infrastructure, improving emergency communications, and increasing public flood education.
Moving Forward: How You Can Prepare
This tragedy is a heartbreaking reminder that while we cannot control extreme weather, we can prepare for it. Here are practical, life-saving steps you can take today:
Download the Bexar Flood Map and Ready South Texas app to receive emergency alerts and check flood conditions before driving.
Study flood safety driving rules—remember: Turn Around, Don’t Drown.
Prepare an emergency flood kit with solar-powered lights, non-perishable food, waterproof storage, and critical medications.
Invest in alternative power sources such as solar generators to keep communication tools running.
Practice water purification techniques, including tablets or hand-pump filters, in case of water system damage.
Create a family emergency plan and designate communication points if cell service is lost.
Inspect your property drainage systems and consider elevating critical utilities above flood levels.
Preparedness isn’t paranoia—it’s wisdom. A pound of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure, especially when lives are at stake.
A City United in Grief and Resilience
Thirteen lives have been lost, but countless others have been touched by the bravery of San Antonio’s emergency responders, neighbors, and volunteers. Mourning continues, but so does the resolve to protect each other better next time.
Let the memory of this flood serve as a guide—not just a sorrow.
Watch and Learn More:
Stay alert. Stay safe. Stay prepared.