San Antonio and Bexar County prepare for flood threat

San Antonio city officials issued a warning over the weekend for strong Mother’s Day Weekend weather. With the possibility of a prolonged flooding event, an abundance of caution has been exercised across the city, including the closure of Orsinger Park until Monday. Tom Peine, the spokesperson for Bexar County emphasizes that “there’s trees, there are the gazebos that people would be in,” further strengthening the need to keep the park gates closed when inclement weather is expected.

City officials have taken preemptive measures to prepare for the impending flooding, installing barricades in low water crossings as a preventative measure. The Director of the San Antonio Public Works Department, Razi Hosseini, underscored that their “crew goes over then and barricades the roadway and closes the roadway” when rain begins. People who may plan on heading out despite the warning have been advised to check road conditions online, as some sections may be closed due to the rain.

New Braunfels will also have to cope with the heavy rain since the recycling center on Butcher Street will be closed, with access to the Comal River and City Tube Chute preemptively closed until the flooding subsides. All recreation activities on the Comal will be closed if the river does rise over the dam. In preparation, city street crews have started to install barricades at low water crossings.

The SAFD (San Antonio Fire Department) has urged people to avoid going out unless necessary. “The last thing we want is (for you to) put yourself in any kind of danger where we may need to come rescue you,” said Joe Arrington, spokesperson for the SAFD. Those caught disregarding safety protocols and driving through high water barricades will be fined $2,000 and/or a 180-day jail term. Furthermore, should a rescue become imperative, each occupant of the vehicle could be charged $650.

It is crucial to note that the SAFD spokesperson advises “that you stay home if you can” during severe storms and heavy rains. Therefore, if you are planning to make any outdoor plans, it is better to stay aware of the situation and only venture out if necessary. For continuing updates on the Mother’s Day Weekend weather, stay tuned to Public Works’ website or other reliable sources that give accurate and comprehensive reports on this matter.