A monstrous storm system early today drenched the city with badly needed rain, but also prompted widespread power outages and high water rescues on area freeways, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
CPS Energy was scrambling to deal with more than 15,000 power outages as the storm passed through between 2AM and 5AM.
The Fire Department answered nine calls to rescue people who had become stuck in high water, and a house fire on the city's southwest side was blamed on a lightning strike. Earlier, a home on the north side off Bulverde Rd. was badly damaged by a fire caused by a lightning strike.
A dozen surface streets were barricaded due to high water, and police reported several cases of motorists attempting to move the barricades, which can lead to a major fine for every adult in the car.
The weather is also blamed for a jacknifed 18-wheeler at I-35 northbound at Thousand Oaks, which led to a massive delay in the morning commute.
As the storm system rumbled to the northeast, a tornado warning was issued briefly for the area near Luling
.The National Weather Service says more rain is in the forecast for the rest of the day:
Threats & Impacts:
Winds: Isolated severe storms capable of producing straight-line winds up to 60 mph.
Hail: Isolated severe storms capable of producing quarter to golf ball sized hail.
Rainfall: Up to 1.5 inches expected along and east of the I-35 corridor, with isolated totals of 3 inches. Lesser amounts westward along the Rio Grande Plains.
Timing and Overview:
A cold front is pushing across the area and extends from the southern Edwards Plateau northeast into central Texas. The frontal boundary is forecast to push to the southeast throughout the day. This feature in addition to an upper level disturbance moving across the four corners region this morning and expected to push to the east-northeast this afternoon will aid for shower and thunderstorm development for much of today and especially along and east of Interstate 35. Heavy rain is expected ahead and along the frontal boundary as it pushes to the southeast. Also, there is a slight chance for strong to severe storms today along and east of Interstate 35. Main severe weather threats will be large hail and damaging winds. In addition, localized heavy rain could result in flash flooding. A Flash Flood Watch is in effect through 7 PM this evening. Shower and storm activity significantly diminishes this evening as the cold front moves into the coastal waters.