Torrential Rain Triggers Chaos in Tom Green County
San Angelo Faces Historic Flooding After 14 Inches of Rain
In the early hours of July 4th, San Angelo faced historic flooding as 14 inches of relentless rain pounded the city and Tom Green County. As a result, hundreds of residents were forced to flee their homes in search of safety. Torrents quickly inundated entire neighborhoods on the north and northeast sides of the city, leaving streets impassable and homes submerged.
Meanwhile, local emergency crews sprang into action, working tirelessly to rescue those stranded by the rising waters. Throughout the morning, rescue teams battled dangerous conditions to reach affected residents. Ultimately, the flash flood damaged over 12,100 structures and more than 6,100 parcels. Consequently, city and county officials declared the area a disaster zone, triggering a wave of emergency response and support services.
Timeline of the Crisis: How the Flood Unfolded
The disaster began in the early hours of Saturday morning. At 2 a.m., heavy showers blanketed the city. By 4 a.m., the rainfall intensified rapidly, and by the time the National Weather Service issued its first emergency alert at 4:26 a.m., an estimated 6 to 10 inches had already fallen.
Another 3 to 4 inches followed shortly after. Between 5 and 6 a.m., residents flooded the city’s emergency lines with over 100 calls for water rescues. Firefighters and police officers launched rescue operations with both official and civilian watercraft, saving dozens in the worst-hit zones near FM Road 2105 and U.S. Highway 87.
Loss of Life and the Ongoing Toll
San Angelo Police Chief Travis Griffith reported five people missing by Friday afternoon. Thankfully, four were found safe. Tragically, Tanya Burwick, 62, of Blackwell, was confirmed dead the next morning after being swept away by the raging floodwaters. Officials described the other reported injuries as minor.
Widespread Damage Across the Region
The north side of San Angelo was especially hard-hit. From Loop 306 to FM Road 2105, streets and homes sat under water as deep as 15 feet. The deluge flowed into the San Angelo east draw, submerging Bell Street and Pulliam Street. Floodwaters engulfed the highway below the Bell Street overpass, sweeping away cars, homes, and even a fire truck.
Floodwaters surged as far as North Pope Street to Goodfellow Air Force Base, with damage extending south to the South Concho River near the Texas Bank Sports Complex. Officials noted that drainage was especially slow in the region, prolonging the danger.
Emergency Declarations and Government Response
By Saturday evening, Governor Greg Abbott issued a state disaster declaration for 15 counties, including Tom Green County. Temporary shelters were established, including one at the Texas A&M AgriLife Center, located north of Highway 87. Local and state emergency services are coordinating efforts, but officials expect full recovery to take weeks or even months.
Assistance and Resources for Affected Residents
San Angelo officials are urging residents to complete the iSTAT (Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool) survey. This tool helps determine the scope of damage and is critical in securing federal relief through FEMA.
According to Shawn Baxter, Chief of District 10 with the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM), “The sooner we meet those thresholds, the quicker we can get those applications to the Governor’s Office.”
Local nonprofits are already stepping in. The United Way of the Concho Valley and the San Angelo Area Foundation (SAAF) are leading fundraising and direct aid efforts. As of Saturday noon, SAAF raised $35,000 to support affected individuals.
“Because of this catastrophe, this emergency, we can directly write checks… to the affected,” said SAAF Vice President Mason Brooks.
What’s Next for San Angelo?
San Angelo faces historic challenges as road closures persist across much of the north side of the city, particularly near Chadbourne Street, Grape Creek Road, and East 41st Street. City officials urge residents to avoid these closed roads and remain vigilant, especially with more rainfall expected over the weekend.
Meanwhile, the community continues to rally together in the face of adversity. Volunteers, first responders, and nonprofit leaders work tirelessly to distribute relief swiftly and equitably. Though the road to recovery may be long and difficult, San Angelo’s resilience shines through with every act of service and solidarity.