New Braunfels closes Comal River amid flash flooding
PUBLISHED Jul 15, 2026, 5:20 PM ET
Read, Watch or Listen
New Braunfels, Texas, has ordered an immediate shutdown of all recreational access to the Comal River after heavy, continuous rainfall triggered dangerous flash flooding conditions on Wednesday, July 15, 2026. The U.S. National Weather Service issued a Flash Flood Warning as fast-rising waters produced near-zero visibility, strong currents, and debris-laden flows, making swimming, tubing, and kayaking unsafe. The city fully activated its Emergency Operations Center, placed swift water rescue teams on high alert, and converted fire department squads into high‑water vehicles. Public works crews deployed barricades in flood-prone areas, and authorities urged motorists to follow the “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” guidance.
By Lauren Mitchell | JQJO News
Timeline of Events
- Earlier this week, intense storms saturate river basins
- July 15, 2026, National Weather Service issues Flash Flood Warning
- July 15, 2026, Comal River levels rise rapidly
- Today, New Braunfels enacts emergency river closure
- Today, Emergency Operations Center fully activated citywide
- Today, swift water rescue teams placed on alert
- Today, fire units converted to high-water vehicles
- Today, barricades deployed in known flood-prone areas
News Intelligence
- Your safety is at risk if you're in New Braunfels. Flash floods can turn calm rivers into deadly torrents in minutes. Avoid the Comal River area and heed the "Turn Around, Don’t Drown" advice. Check local news for updates.
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