Overview
- Engineers told council the June 12 flooding produced depths over two feet and velocities up to eight feet per second near Loop 410 and Austin Highway, where most deaths occurred.
- Kleinfelder found dense vegetation and creek geometry created deep pooled segments that intensified flooding, and identified a 1979 Loop 410 low point as vulnerable to overtopping that left vehicles trapped.
- Recommendations include staff gauges, flashing warning signs with safe detours, relocating flood gauges to downstream faces, expanding sensor networks, and automated closures and alerts through coordinated protocols.
- City officials said initial steps are underway, including installing gauges and flashing lights at Austin Highway and the Loop 410 sag point, and planning to close the low-water crossing at Vicar Road and Perrin Beitel within a year.
- Coordination with TxDOT, Public Works, SAPD, SAFD and TransGuide remains to be finalized, families are calling for concrete deadlines, and the mayor flagged significant funding needs alongside a state flood plan estimating $411 million for San Antonio projects.