At least 11 dead, several people missing after heavy rains flood San Antonio
At least 11 people were killed and several remain missing in flooding that swept vehicles off the road and led to dozens of high-water rescues, authorities in San Antonio said Friday.
The San Antonio area experienced "widespread flash flooding" following storms Wednesday into Thursday, with flooding still a concern, city officials said Friday.
Several fatalities were reported in northeast San Antonio in the Loop 410 area near Salado Creek, where 15 vehicles were swept off the road, according to San Antonio Police Chief William McManus.
Nineteen people were swept into the water at one point, officer Nick Soliz told San Antonio ABC affiliate KSAT. First responders rescued 10 people from the high water, while two were able to get out on their own, he said. Four people were taken to the hospital with minor injuries, he said.
Search and rescue efforts remain focused on that area, as well as on Leon Creek near Highway 90 and Callaghan Road, authorities said Friday.
Since the start of the flooding event, the San Antonio Fire Department has responded to more than 70 water rescues, officials said.
“Our hearts are with the families of those we’ve lost to this week’s flash floods and the families who continue searching for their loved ones,” San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg said in a statement. “I want to personally thank our San Antonio first responders and their families for their sacrifices toward the recovery efforts."
Flooding remains a "serious concern" along the Medina River through Friday and the San Antonio River south of the city through the weekend, officials said.
McManus warned of the dangers of attempting to drive on flooded roads.
"The depth of the water and the speed at which it's traveling are very hard to gauge. And if you venture into it when the water's deep and the water's moving real fast, you're taking your life into your own hands," the chief told KSAT.
A flash flood warning was issued for the San Antonio region into Thursday afternoon, as abundant moisture flowing in from the Gulf is creating a life-threatening flash flood risk.
Between 2 and 7 inches of rain had fallen in the San Antonio area as of Thursday morning, some falling as fast as 2 inches in 30 minutes.
ABC News' Kenton Gewecke contributed to this report.
