City Urges Residents to Prepare for Storms and Potential Flooding
Published on September 30, 2026
SAN ANTONIO (September 30, 2026) — The City of San Antonio is prepared for storms expected to move through South Central Texas tonight through Friday morning and urges residents to be prepared, too. Heavy rainfall could produce flash flooding across San Antonio beginning tomorrow morning.
A Flood Watch is in effect through 7 p.m. Friday, and San Antonio and Bexar County are under a Moderate Risk (Level 3 of 4) for excessive rainfall. Currently the primary period of concern is Thursday evening going into Friday morning
Residents should prepare now, stay weather aware and avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rain.
All City services and facilities including Libraries, Senior Centers, and Community Centers will continue to operate during normal operating hours tomorrow Thursday. The City will make a determination tomorrow if overnight shelter will be available at the City’s resiliency hubs.
What to Expect
According to the National Weather Service, two primary rounds of storms are possible:
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Thursday morning: Storms could reach the San Antonio area as early as 5 a.m. Thursday, with the primary window for heavy rainfall approximately 7 a.m. to noon.
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Thursday night into Friday morning: A second round of heavier storms may redevelop overnight, although there is less certainty about the timing and intensity of this second round.
Rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches are expected around San Antonio, with isolated areas potentially receiving 6 to 8 inches.
The strongest storms could produce rainfall rates of 2 to 4 inches per hour, which could result in rapid flash flooding where the heaviest rainfall develops.
While flooding is the primary concern, some storms could also produce isolated damaging straight-line winds and small hail.
Prepare Before the Storm
Residents should take these steps now:
- Clear leaves and debris from gutters, storm drains and areas where water needs to flow.
- Secure outdoor items, including Halloween inflatables, decorations and patio furniture.
- Bring pets indoors and make sure they have a safe place during the storm.
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Charge phones and devices and turn on emergency alerts. Learn more at
SA.gov/Alerts.
Stay Away from Flooded Areas
Flash flooding is possible where heavier rainfall develops. Low-water crossings, roadways, parks, greenways and drainage channels may flood rapidly.
Residents should:
City Crews Are Prepared
The City remains at an increased readiness level and is coordinating across departments and regional partners. Conditions will be monitored throughout the night and Thursday, with additional resources available if conditions worsen.
Homeless Services and Strategy staff and community partners have been conducting outreach since Monday to unsheltered neighbors, particularly those in drainage channels, low-lying areas and other locations vulnerable to flooding. Staff have encouraged people in areas at risk of flooding to seek shelter or move to higher ground and have placed warning signs in dangerous flood areas. Outreach will continue throughout the severe weather event.
Public Works is preparing for 24-hour operations and monitoring low-water crossings, dams, road conditions, debris and traffic signals. Crews are staging barricades and will close roadways where water creates unsafe conditions.
San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) officers are prepared to support road closures, traffic control, outreach in flood-prone areas and other public safety needs.
San Antonio Fire Department (SAFD) personnel are prepared to respond to water rescues and other weather-related emergencies.
Emergency Help or to Report Problems
For life-threatening emergencies, water rescues or anyone trapped by rising water, call 911.
Residents can report non-emergency storm-related issues (trees down, lights flashing, etc.) to 311 by calling 3-1-1 or 210-207-6000. Extended 311 hours during this weather event are:
Stay Informed
Conditions can change rapidly. Residents should monitor official weather information and City updates throughout the event.