Slow-moving storms are continuing to drench South Texas, causing widespread flooding and leading to dozens of high-water rescues. A tornado was reported in San Antonio on Wednesday, a day after significant rainfall washed out roads and farmland across the region.
The National Weather Service confirmed a tornado touched down in the northwestern part of San Antonio near Interstate 10. Videos circulating on social media appeared to show a small twister. No injuries were immediately reported.
Warnings for potentially dangerous flash flooding are in effect for some areas, with projections of 10 to 20 inches (25 to 50 centimeters) of rain possible by Thursday evening. To date, no deaths or injuries have been attributed to the flooding.
Flash flood warnings were issued Wednesday morning for several counties bordering Mexico, including parts of Kerr County. Last year, catastrophic flooding along the Guadalupe River in Kerr County resulted in more than 100 fatalities. Local officials have been in communication with summer camps and retreat centers in the area about potential river flooding.
Uvalde County has experienced the highest rainfall totals, with some areas receiving up to 16 inches (40 centimeters) of rain, according to the weather service.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has issued disaster declarations for numerous counties in response to the ongoing severe weather.
On Tuesday, authorities shared videos depicting a rescue crew navigating submerged streets in a boat and a vehicle being swept away by swift-moving water. A Texas Parks and Wildlife spokeswoman confirmed that five individuals were rescued by the Texas Game Warden Search and Rescue Team and four others were rescued by a local game warden.
The city of Uvalde has been identified as the hardest-hit area. Officials there reported at least two dozen water rescues and opened a local event center to accommodate displaced residents. In Sabinal, officials were also preparing to open a shelter.
Meteorologists describe the current weather pattern as typical for mid-summer in Texas, driven by tropical moisture from the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific Ocean. Such prolonged, heavy rainfall events occur approximately once every five years, often associated with slow-moving low-pressure systems.
The areas west of San Antonio and north of Route 90 were identified as having the highest concern for dangerous flooding on Wednesday.