National Flood Awareness Week: Building a Safer, Better-Informed Region

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San Antonio Mission Road flooded after rain event

March 8–14, 2026, is National Flood Awareness Week, a time dedicated to helping communities understand their flood risks and prepare before severe weather strikes. Flood awareness is essential in South Central Texas, one of the most flood-prone areas in the nation. In 2025, our region experienced devastating floods. San Antonio saw nearly seven inches of rainfall in three hours, and weeks later the Guadalupe River rose more than 26 feet in under an hour. These events serve as powerful reminders of how quickly flash floods can develop and how critical timely information truly is.

The San Antonio River Authority remains committed to protecting the communities of Bexar, Wilson, Karnes, and Goliad counties by expanding flood-monitoring tools and making real-time data more accessible than ever.

A Growing Regional Flood Monitoring Network

The River Authority has expanded its HALT (High Water Alert Lifesaving Technology) network across all four counties, strengthening roadway flood monitoring throughout the San Antonio River Basin. Each HALT sensor provides real-time data using color indicators: green for safe, yellow for rising water, and red for closed. With new pilot gauges already added in Karnes and Goliad counties and more in development, this growing system increases visibility and safety throughout the region.

You can access roadway conditions through county-specific sites — BexarFlood.org, WilsonFlood.org, KarnesFlood.org, and GoliadFlood.org — all linked to the same regional map and alert system under SARiverFlood.org. These sites allow residents to check conditions quickly and stay informed as weather changes.

A person holds a cellphone in one hand and an umbrella in another

Get Alerts for the Crossings You Care About

Residents across the River Authority’s jurisdiction can sign up for text or email alerts through each county’s flood website. By selecting specific low-water crossings, you’ll receive notifications when water levels change, helping you make safer travel decisions before you head out.

With more than 200 HALT systems operating across the region, monitored 24/7 through partnerships with local jurisdictions, this growing network ensures that communities have timely, reliable information. As the system continues to expand, additional counties within the basin may be added to the network.

Spotlight: The “When Rivers Rise Fast” Blog Series

Last fall, we published our “When Rivers Rise Fast” blog series to better equip residents of Bexar, Karnes, Wilson, and Goliad counties with the knowledge they need to prepare for and respond to flash floods in the San Antonio River Basin.

This series takes a deep dive into how flash floods form, why they develop so quickly in our region, and how even familiar roadways can become dangerous in minutes. It also provides a closer look at the expanded flood warning system now being rolled out across the basin, explaining how gauges, sensors, alerts, and monitoring tools work together to protect the public.

In addition, the series highlights practical, easy-to-use resources available to the community. These include tools for checking real-time road conditions, ways to map safer routes during storms, and guidance for staying aware of conditions throughout the watershed. Whether you’re commuting, traveling, or simply planning your day, the information in this series empowers you to make informed, safe decisions when severe weather approaches.

By revisiting the “When Rivers Rise Fast” series, residents can deepen their understanding of local flood risks and learn how to use the expanding monitoring network effectively.

Click on the images below to read the “When Rivers Rise Fast” blog series so you can stay informed and prepared.

When Rivers Rise Fast - NextGen Flood Warning System: A Smarter, Safer Future

When Rivers Rise Fast Uncovered: How they happen and why they're dangerous

When Rivers Rise Fast: On the Front Lines - the River authority's role in flood response

When Rivers Rise Fast - Your Flood Toolkit: Resources to stay informed and prepared

When Rivers Rise Fast - Flood-Smart Living: Simple steps to protect your home

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Alerts

Stay Weather‑Aware This Weekend

Stay Weather‑Aware This Weekend

Rain is expected across the region this weekend, which may result in high water on roads and temporary closures at low water crossings.

Before heading out, residents are encouraged to check SARiverFlood.org or their local county flood website for real‑time roadway conditions:

These sites provide up‑to‑date information from flood‑monitoring sensors across the region. Real‑time updates are available 24/7 to help you stay informed as conditions change.

Please use caution when traveling and plan routes accordingly.

Restroom Closure Notice – Camino Coahuilteca (Acequia Park Trail)

 

Restroom Closure Notice – Camino Coahuilteca (Acequia Park Trail)

The restrooms at Camino Coahuilteca along the Acequia Park Trail will be temporarily closed on Thursday, April 16 due to parking lot improvements in the area.

We encourage visitors to plan accordingly and utilize nearby facilities during this time.

We appreciate your patience as we complete this work to enhance the park experience.

 

Museum Reach – Oxbow Trail Closure Notice

The Oxbow Trail along the Museum Reach will be temporarily closed beginning Monday, April 13 through May 1 to accommodate project-related work in the area.

For public safety, access to this section of the trail will be restricted during this time. Visitors are encouraged to plan accordingly and use alternate routes.

Wayfinding signage and trail closure notices will be posted at designated locations to help guide trail users around the closure.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we complete this work to help maintain safe and enjoyable trail conditions.

San Pedro Creek Culture Park

The east bank trail along San Pedro Creek will be temporarily closed between the upper trail at Cameron St. and the lower trail at two access points.

Closure details:

  • The first closure will impact the connector from the upper trail near West Houston St. to the south lower San Pedro Creek trail.
  • Once work at this location is complete and the trail reopens, construction will shift to the second closure area between the upper and lower trails on the opposite side of the green space.

Please follow posted signage and plan alternate routes. We appreciate your patience as this work is completed.

Closed areas around San Pedro Creek Culture Park

The Brackenridge Trail

Trail Lighting Notice – Brackenridge Park Trail

Due to an electrical issue, lighting is currently out along the north portion of the trail, from the Josephine Street inlet to just past Highway 281 within the Brackenridge Park Trail. Our team is actively working to correct the issue and expects repairs to be completed by the end of business tomorrow.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience as we work to restore lighting. Please use caution when traveling through this area, especially during evening hours.

Trail Closure Alert – Calder Alley, San Pedro Creek

Maintenance work will be done in Calder Alley starting Wednesday, September 18, 2025.

  • Trails will remain open during this work.
  • One bench at a time will be temporarily barricaded while improvements are completed.
  • There may be occasional contractor pickups in the area.

We appreciate your patience as we continue to maintain and improve San Pedro Creek for all to enjoy!

SASPAMCO Paddling Trail

The SASPAMCO paddling trail is open from River Crossing Park to Helton Nature Park.
*Please Note: Paddling Trail from Helton Nature Park to HWY 97 is still closed due to blockages. 

SASPAMCO Paddling Trail Temporarily Closed

Staff have removed two large log jams just downstream of Helton Nature Park, keeping the southern portion of the SASPAMCO Paddling Trail temporarily closed. Staff are working to contact adjacent landowners to support a land-based removal solution.

Goliad Paddling Trail Alert

NOTICE: HWY 59 Landing Site Closed

Due to TxDOT construction on the HWY 59 Bridge, the HWY 59 landing site is closed until further notice. However, the Goliad Paddling Trail remains open, and paddlers can still access the river at the Riverdale, Ferry Street, and Goliad State Park landings.

Please plan accordingly and check back for updates.

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