Flash Flood — Wilson, Texas

2001-08-30 · near Countywide, Wilson, Texas

Wider weather episode

Showers and thunderstorms began reforming across the I-35 corridor from San Antonio to New Braunfels near sunrise, and by mid-morning, had produced an additional rainfall averaging 1 to 2 inches from San Antonio and New Braunfels southeastward into the Seguin and Floresville areas. The highest totals reached near 11 inches from just east of San Antonio to Seguin and Kingsbury in Guadalupe County and across Wilson County from Floresville eastward. Wilson County Emergency Management Officials reported that severe flash flooding had cut SH123 which runs from south of Seguin into Stockdale. Water was reported to be six inches over the 500-year flood-plain mark along SH123, and the road remained closed for several hours. Over 100 homes in Stockdale were flooded, causing an estimated $2 million in damage. Many indicated that it was the worst flooding yet seen in the town. A very dramatic high water rescue of a motorist and his passenger in San Antonio was broadcast live by several San Antonio television station. The San Antonio Emergency Manager gave a live explanation of the operation and its hazards. Then the event took a terrifying turn as two of the firefighters were swept off their feet and into the rapidly moving water as they approached the vehicle. Fortunately, they were able to latch onto low tree limbs and pull themselves to safety. It was an extremely effective lesson in the dangers of flash flooding.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5260989. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.