SAN ANTONIO – One year after a deadly flood swept vehicles off the road near Perrin Beitel Road and Loop 410, families of the victims and city leaders say progress is underway, but the most visible safety upgrades remain difficult to see.
The flood waters killed 11 people in the Loop 410 and Perrin Beitel area when a wall of rain moved through, sending fast-moving water across the road. Tragically, another victim was located several miles north of the Perrin Beitel search area, with the 13th victim dying near U.S. Highway 90 in the Leon Creek area. Some victims were on the phone with their loved ones as they faced this life-threatening situation, underscoring the suddenness and brutality of the event.
In the aftermath, memorials have been placed near Briar Glen and Perrin Beitel, where family members and neighbors continue to stop and reflect on the lives lost. District 10 Councilman Marc Whyte emphasized the collective agreement on the urgency of improving infrastructure and flood mitigation across San Antonio, highlighting the challenge of translating that consensus into visible change. “City Council needs to demand from city management that we see the progress in those areas, and we will,” stated Whyte.
However, the path to improvement is hindered by funding issues, as city leaders must prioritize which projects to address and determine their financial backing. In November, a city investigation shed light on the factors contributing to the flood disaster, prompting ongoing discussions with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) about potential improvements in the area.
For families who lost loved ones, these discussions offer limited solace, particularly when they drive by and see little tangible change. Angel Richards, the widow of victim Stevie Richards, expressed her frustration, stating, “I feel like nothing was done to prevent something like this from happening. So it makes me angry at the same time. It’s just hard for me to steer away from what could have been done differently.” She further lamented the ongoing risk, saying, “To pass through the area and see that there’s still something like that can happen again, if it rains like that again — it’s disturbing.”
In response to the community’s needs, Whyte mentioned that there has been enhanced coordination to monitor low-water crossings and improve public safety messaging. He encouraged residents to remain vigilant during weather events and to avoid driving into high water. Additionally, Bexar County launched a public awareness campaign last month titled “Floods Don’t Care,” a direct response to the tragedy that claimed so many lives.
County officials announced a significant investment of $21 million in upgraded warning systems aimed at enhancing alerts and monitoring during heavy rain events. This proactive approach is part of a broader effort to improve safety and communication in a region vulnerable to flooding.
