Car Trapped by Flash Flood

Val Verde County Fire & Rescue reported to a partially submerged vehicle on Industrial Boulevard

A brief but intense rainfall hit Del Rio today, recording 0.17 inches in just three hours. The rain started around 5 PM. It was Del Rio’s first rainfall greater than .01 inches, since early January. The short-lived downpour caused substantial flash flooding, notably at the intersection of Industrial Boulevard and Cienegas Road, where a Toyota GR86 became trapped in the rising waters, requiring Val Verde County Fire & Rescue intervention.

Industrial Blvd & Cienegas Rd. intersection was flooded deep enough to drown the engine of a Toyota GR86 sports coupe. The car was partially submerged, water reaching up to its rear bumper and exhaust system. A sobering reminder of the power of nature. Flash floods can quickly turn roadways into traps. Val Verde County Fire & Rescue quickly reported to the scene, aiding the driver and blocking off traffic. The water floods badly in this part of town due to the elevation, with a large hill sloping down from 15th Street to the creek.

Del Rio has only received four rainfalls in 2025, totaling less than half an inch. This represents less than 20% of the average January-March rainfall, normally around 2.74 inches. Precipitation reported by Del Rio International Airport Weather observations on Weather.gov. According to Drought.gov, Del Rio has had its “12th driest February on record, over the past 131 years.” Currently, Del Rio is classified as a D3 “Extreme Drought,” but a portion of Val Verde County falls within D4 “Exceptional Drought.” The scale starts at D0 and there is no D5.

Construction zone at the Carranza Drainage Pond, filling with flood water runoff

The flood highlighted the city’s ongoing efforts to mitigate flood risks. The Carranza Detention Pond Drainage project, a million-dollar initiative designed to alleviate airport runoff, is strategically located in the affected area. The pond is being constructed near the Airport, Westlawn Cemetery, and Del Rio Community Dog Park at Carranza Park. The project's location proved effective today. The floodwaters followed a path directly through this area and the half-dug pond began to fill with water. The city has announced plans for additional drainage projects, including one slated for San Felipe.

Despite the severe drought, localized flash floods remain a significant threat. Local authorities urge residents to exercise extreme caution during rainfall, avoiding flooded areas and seeking alternative routes. Trying not to repeat history, Del Rio doesn’t take floods lightly. The city has and will continue to prioritize infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing flood resilience. Del Rio city ordinances require new developments to ensure proper water runoff management and install necessary drainage ponds at the developer's expense, however these ordinances have not always been enforced. The new Planning & Zoning Director was advised by the city council earlier in March, to ensure ordinances now be followed.