City officials close access to Comal River due to debris from thunderstorms

Oct. 15, 2021

The Comal River remains closed due to debris from the recent thunderstorms.

TOM REEL/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

Think twice before heading to the river this weekend.

City of New Braunfels officials closed recreational river access to the Comal due to debris from the recent thunderstorms. According to a Friday, October 15 news release, the city has been working throughout the day to clean up tree branches, mud, rocks, and other items that washed downstream.

River access to Comal will resume once crews have completed the cleanup. The city noted the water flow was at approximately 400cfs with water clarity remaining poor as of 3:30 p.m. on Friday. Officials added the National Weather Service is predicting more rainfall over the next 24 hours, which will play a role in future decisions from the city.

Meanwhile, access at the Guadalupe River in New Braunfels re-opened effective immediately. The water was flowing at approximately 475cfs at 3:30 p.m. on Friday. However, the city warned anyone wishing to use the river to be aware that water clarity remains somewhat poor and should remain cautious about the debris that may not be visible.

In San Antonio, floodwaters swept a woman and a 5-year-old girl to their deaths early Thursday morning in a Far East Side creek, according to the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office.

Officials reminded others to turn around, don’t drown whenever drivers may see water over a roadway.