Slow-moving storms drenched a large swath of South Texas on Wednesday, spawning a tornado in San Antonio as heavy rains were expected to continue through Thursday evening with some areas potentially receiving 10 to 20 inches of rainfall.
The National Weather Service reported that a tornado touched down in the northwestern part of San Antonio near Interstate 10. Videos posted on social media showed what appeared to be a small twister. There were no immediate reports of injuries from the tornado.
Flash flood warnings were posted Wednesday morning for several counties near the Mexico border, including parts of Kerr County, where catastrophic flooding along the Guadalupe River last year killed more than 100 people. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued disaster declarations for dozens of counties ahead of the storm system.
The highest rainfall totals so far have been reported in Uvalde County, reaching up to 16 inches in some areas, according to the weather service. Officials in Uvalde said there had been at least two dozen water rescues, and a local event center was opened for anyone displaced by flooding.
What the Left Is Saying
Democratic lawmakers from affected districts called for swift federal assistance as communities assessed damage from the storm system. State Rep. Tracye Horvath of San Antonio urged residents in flood-prone areas to heed evacuation warnings and emphasized the importance of coordinated emergency response at all government levels.
"Our communities need resources deployed quickly," Horvath said in a statement. "We should be working together to make sure every family has access to shelters and emergency services without bureaucratic delays."
Progressive advocacy groups noted that Kerr County's history of catastrophic flooding underscores the need for long-term infrastructure investments to protect vulnerable communities. Climate advocates pointed to Gulf Coast weather patterns, arguing that warmer ocean temperatures increase the intensity of tropical moisture systems.
"When you see this kind of rainfall in a short period, it's a reminder that we need to invest in flood control and drainage systems," said Elena Ramos, Texas director for Environment Texas.
What the Right Is Saying
Republican officials praised local first responders and emergency management personnel for their rapid response to water rescues and storm damage. Gov. Abbott's disaster declarations received support from conservative commentators who highlighted the importance of pre-positioning resources before severe weather events.
"Our game wardens, sheriff's deputies, and emergency crews have been working around the clock," said a spokesperson for the Texas Department of Public Safety. "These are exactly the kinds of situations our disaster preparedness protocols were designed to handle."
Conservative voices emphasized local control in disaster response, with commentators on talk radio programs praising the quick action by county officials in Kerr County who contacted summer camps and retreat centers ahead of potential flooding. Some Republican strategists noted that Texas communities have extensive experience responding to tropical weather events.
"Texans know how to handle this," said conservative commentator Chad McIntyre. "The local coordination has been strong, and the governor acted quickly with disaster declarations."
What the Numbers Show
According to National Weather Service data, rainfall totals in Uvalde County reached up to 16 inches as of Wednesday morning. The weather service warned that some areas could receive an additional 10 to 20 inches before the storm system moves out Thursday evening.
At least two dozen water rescues were conducted in Uvalde city alone. The Texas Game Warden Search and Rescue Team rescued five people, while four others were rescued by a local game warden, according to Maggie Berger, a Texas Parks and Wildlife spokesperson.
The tornado near Interstate 10 in northwestern San Antonio was classified as a weak system with no reported injuries or significant structural damage as of Wednesday afternoon. Kerr County, placed under flash flood warning, experienced catastrophic flooding last year that resulted in more than 100 deaths along the Guadalupe River.
Meteorologist Monte Oaks described the weather pattern as a typical mid-summer tropical setup occurring approximately once every five years, characterized by slow-moving low-pressure systems drawing tropical moisture primarily from the Gulf of Mexico and some from the Pacific Ocean.
The Bottom Line
Communities across South Texas will continue monitoring rising water levels through Thursday as the storm system slowly moves out of the region. Officials are urging residents in flash flood warning areas to avoid flooded roads, which can be deceptively dangerous even in shallow water.
The immediate focus remains on search and rescue operations and opening shelters for displaced residents. Emergency management officials will begin preliminary damage assessments once the severe weather subsides, a process that typically precedes requests for federal disaster assistance.
Looking ahead, the National Weather Service forecasts gradual improvement beginning Friday as the low-pressure system weakens and moves northeast. However, saturated ground conditions may persist, creating potential for additional flooding from runoff even after rainfall diminishes.