SAN ANTONIO-Rains like we had yesterday can cause big problems around town, especially in low lying areas where drivers can get in trouble quickly. But there are signs that is steadily changing.
There are places that even just a modest rainfall can cause some major problems. Low areas that can collect runoff rains in a hurry. One place for years that was like was Los Patios. A popular eating and shopping spot since the late 60s. It was plagued by the high waters of Salado Creek almost any time it rained.
Yesterday, while other spots were flooded, Los Patios was safe from Salado Creek. Long-time customers eating here today know in the past, rain used to make it almost impossible to get in here-not anymore.
Los Patios customer Maxine Kelley told us, "it's been nice--and we've had plenty of rain this weekend and everything looks real good out there."
Los Patios manager and director John Mcclung says the change has brought in more customers even on rainy days. "Our buildings are no longer in the 100-year flood plain. And because of that we no longer are required to carry flood insurance. We can if we want, but we've elected not to."
One of the biggest reasons for the improvement is McAllister dam. What it does is retain the flood waters on one side and then it slowly releases them on the other side toward Salado Creek.
It was finished several years ago by the San Antonio River Authority with support from the city and the county. So instead of the place being flooded...It has customers even after flooding rainfall. Flood control in the city is not perfect, but it shows there are efforts to remove some of the deadliest spots for flash flooding.
