SAN ANTONIO, Texas — A flash flood warning for San Antonio and surrounding areas expired Thursday evening after heavy rain flooded roads and low-water crossings, while a flood watch remains in effect through Friday evening.
The National Weather Service issued the flood watch for San Antonio, parts of the Hill Country and much of South Central Texas through 7 p.m. Friday. Forecasters expect another 1 to 4 inches of rain across much of the region, with locally higher amounts possible.
The additional rainfall could cause life-threatening flooding along rivers, creeks and streams, as well as in urban areas and at low-water crossings.
San Antonio could receive 1 to 2 inches of rain overnight, followed by another half-inch to three-quarters of an inch Friday. Showers and thunderstorms could continue through the weekend before drier weather arrives early next week.
The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning Thursday afternoon for Bexar, northern Atascosa and western Wilson counties as thunderstorms produced heavy rain. Flooding forced closures at several roads and low-water crossings in the San Antonio area.
Earlier Thursday, flash flood warnings covered parts of Bandera, Gillespie, Kerr and Real counties as the remnants of Hurricane Polo interacted with a cold front moving across Texas. Some areas recorded rainfall rates of several inches per hour.
Kerr County officials closed several low-water crossings and streets as heavy rain moved through the area. Most reopened by midday.
Forecasters expect another half-inch to three-quarters of an inch of rain in Kerrville overnight and another quarter to half-inch Friday. Showers and thunderstorms could continue Friday night and Saturday.
Flooding also forced officials to close U.S. 377 south of Junction early Thursday.
A flood warning remains in effect for the Llano River at Llano from late Thursday night through Friday evening, with moderate flooding forecast. Other rivers, creeks and tributaries could also rise after receiving heavy rain Thursday.
San Antonio police and public works crews remain prepared to barricade flooded roads. Officials urged motorists not to drive around barricades or attempt to cross flooded roads.
Residents can check flooded road closures at bexarflood.org and report downed tree limbs and malfunctioning traffic signals to 311.
City officials said homeless outreach teams began contacting people earlier this week to encourage residents in low-lying areas to move to safer locations following flooding deaths earlier this summer.
The cold front will also bring cooler temperatures, with Friday’s high expected to reach about 81 degrees in San Antonio and 80 degrees in Kerrville.