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Updated 3 p.m. July 17
The Comal River has reopened for recreational use after closing July 15 due to heavy rainfall.
City staff have removed debris and the water clarity is improving daily, according to a weather and river alert from the city. Although the river has reopened, debris may not be visible under the water's surface, so individuals entering the water should be cautious.
River Acres Park has also reopened for public access, according to the update.
Updated 4:30 p.m. July 15
Landa Park Golf Course, Landa Park Aquatic Complex, River Acres Park, the city's recycling center and athletic fields are closed due to continued rainfall.
The Guadalupe River is flowing at 1,000 cubic feet per second, which means tubing and entering the river within New Braunfels city limits is prohibited until river levels decrease, according to a weather and river alert from the city. Continued rainfall has also caused multiple road closures, which include:
Individuals can visit www.newbraunfels.gov/roadclosures to see the most up-to-date road closures in the city. Individuals may also visit www.comalcounty.gov/269/road-department to see an updated list of road closures and rainfall totals throughout Comal County.
Posted 12:15 p.m. July 15
The city of New Braunfels has temporarily closed recreational access to the Comal River due to continued rainfall and rising water levels, according to a news release.
What’s happening
The U.S. National Weather Service issued a Flash Flood Warning for the New Braunfels area until 3 p.m. July 15. Current conditions of the Comal River include poor water clarity and fast-moving water, the release states.
Reopening the river for recreational use depends on river conditions as sometimes debris is collected along the river banks and at the dam, which may take time for crews to clear. Jenna Vinson, New Braunfels’ director of communications and community engagement, said city staff will reevaluate river conditions tomorrow morning and determine when it may be safe to reopen.
Vinson said they will post on social media when the river reopens for recreational use.
The New Braunfels Fire Department’s swift water rescue teams are prepared to respond if needed and squad units have been converted to high-water vehicles to enhance emergency response. City crews have also pre-positioned barricades in flood-prone areas to facilitate road closures should conditions warrant it, the release states.
The city is encouraging individuals to monitor weather conditions and avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rainfall.
