According to the SAFD, just 6 inches of moving water can knock an adult off their feet, while 12 to 18 inches of moving water can sweep away vehicles.
SAN ANTONIO — As San Antonio enters another stretch of stormy weather, firefighters are reminding residents about the dangers of flash flooding during Flood Awareness Week.
San Antonio firefighters say the city remains one of the most flash flood-prone areas in the country, with low water crossings posing serious dangers during heavy rain events.
One of the most hazardous areas is along Old O’Connor Road, where firefighters say crews have responded to 31 water rescues between 2015 and 2025, making it the third most dangerous low water crossing in San Antonio.
The area saw significant flooding damage last June, with parts of the roadway washed away after heavy rain. Since then, officials say improvement projects have been underway to repair and strengthen the crossing.
Firefighters say San Antonio’s geography contributes to the flooding risk. The city acts like a “catch basin,” where rainfall collects and drains slowly.
According to the San Antonio Fire Department, just 6 inches of moving water can knock an adult off their feet, while 12 to 18 inches of moving water can sweep away vehicles, including SUVs and 18-wheelers.
Officials are urging drivers to obey barricades and warning gates at low water crossings. Firefighters say ignoring those warnings not only puts drivers at risk, but also endangers first responders conducting rescues.
“Unfortunately, a lot of injuries and even fatalities for firefighters do occur involving water rescues,” said Joe Arrington with the San Antonio Fire Department. “It’s what we train for and what we’re prepared to do, but if we don’t have to do it, it makes everyone safer.”
Arrington added that many high water rescues happen at night, making it difficult for crews to see road conditions or locate people trapped in floodwaters. He encourage residents who live in flood-prone areas to plan alternate routes home and remember the message: “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”
As part of Flood Awareness Week, SAFD shared its list of 10 dangerous low water crossings in the city, basing it off the number of water rescues over the last decade.