Flash Flood in Comal County, Texas

A storm survey along the Guadalupe River from River Road down into the city of New Braunfels showed devastation along the banks of the river. The river rose some 20+ feet in less than 2 hours sweeping campers, cars, trailers, tubes, and other debris down the river toward New Braunfels and Seguin. Campsites downstream of the 3rd River Road crossing where demolished and swept clean due to the power of water. The campsites along the stretch of River Road near Camp Hueco Springs were especially hit hard as Elm creek flooded and brought tremendous water into the Guadalupe. A death occurred at this location as a man was swept downstream. Other campers were rescued down in New Braunfels after being swept miles downstream. Tubing businesses along the Guadalupe suffered major losses along with homes from Gruene down into Seguin. Thirty vehicles and 14 RVs were removed from the River in Comal County. One hundred twenty-one homes and businesses suffered damage. Damage estimate does not include other insured losses.

Thunderstorms produced heavy rain that led to flash flooding in Comal County. People were evacuated along River Road in New Braunfels, and near Spring Branch, Elm Creek was running 40 to 50 feet wide where it is normally about four feet. The 24 hour rainfall in the River Rd. area ranged from 3.81 to 6.58 inches while in the Spring Branch area there was between 10.40 and 11.75 inches. A man fell into the Guadalupe River near the horseshoe just down from Canyon Dam. The man was trying to retrieve some equipment while the river was quickly rising. The 26 year old drown and his body was recovered a few days later. Portions of River Road just west of New Braunfels became flooded between 1 and 2 am in the morning.

From 1 to 2 inches of rain fell across western Comal County, with up to 5 inches from Spring Branch to Fischer. Widespread flash flooding developed and two cars were washed off FM306. Just before 9 pm CST, a woman and her husband were attempting to cross a low area along FM306 when their vehicle stalled in high water and was carried into Rebecca Creek. As the couple attempted to leave the vehicle, the woman was washed away and drowned. Her body was found the following day.