The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a flash flood watch for Bexar County, and local officials are preparing for an onslaught of rain, flood conditions and high water rescues. For up-to-the-minute weather reports visit www.weather.gov and type in your zip code.
The flash flood watch covers all of Bexar County and surrounding counties taking affect at 7 a.m. Friday and running through Sunday when forecasters are predicting the rain will wane.
Thunderstorms forecast for San Antonio could bring 4 to 8 inches of rain and are expected to continue through Sunday. Some isolated pockets could see as much as 10 to 12 inches of rain.
The heavy rainfall is due to a combination of deep, low-level moisture from the Gulf of Mexico, mid-level moisture from the Pacific, an upper level trough and a surface cold front, the NWS reported in its flash flood warning available on the agency’s website.
NWS is predicting the heaviest rainfall Friday night and Saturday for the eastern half of South Central Texas.
An upper disturbance moving through the area could cause flash flooding tonight north from Rocksprings to Kerrville to Burnet, the NWS said. As tropical moisture moves in from the southwest, the rains will shift to the eastern half of the area Friday and Saturday.
Friday’s high is expected to be 83 with a low of 72.
Bexar County officials are reminding drivers to stay safe and avoid low water crossings. As part of the county’s flood control program, some low water crossings are being identified using Highwater Alert Lifesaving Technology (HALT), which uses sensors to warn drivers when there is too much water over the road. The warning system uses flashing lights or a combination of lights and traffic gates, according to a Bexar County press release.
To report a malfunctioning HALT site or a flooded county roadway, call 210-335-5900.
For a list of road closures visit Bexar County’s website at www.bexar.org.
