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Tornado Hits NW San Antonio, Disaster Declared Amid Flood Threat

7/15/2026

50 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The National Weather Service confirmed a tornado touched down in northwest San Antonio, causing no injuries.
Governor Greg Abbott declared a disaster for dozens of counties and deployed rescue teams, high-water vehicles, and helicopters.
A Flood Watch runs through Thursday as rain gauges logged 15-16 inches in 36 hours and forecasts call for 2-6 inches regionwide, with isolated 10-20-inch totals west of the city.

History

Historical Context

On May 3 1999 the National Weather Service issued the first tornado-emergency as an F5 Bridge Creek–Moore tornado ripped through Oklahoma City, killing 36 and causing about $1 billion in damage; President Bill Clinton declared a disaster the next day, prompting massive federal and state response. That coordination model underlies Governor Greg Abbott’s 2024 San Antonio disaster declaration.

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Story summary

The National Weather Service confirmed a tornado touched down in northwest San Antonio, causing no injuries.
Governor Greg Abbott declared a disaster for dozens of counties and deployed rescue teams, high-water vehicles, and helicopters.
A Flood Watch runs through Thursday as rain gauges logged 15-16 inches in 36 hours and forecasts call for 2-6 inches regionwide, with isolated 10-20-inch totals west of the city.

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