Comal River closed for recreation after heavy rain and flooding

New Braunfels officials temporarily closed the Comal River to recreation on Monday, June 15, after heavy rain and flooding left the waterway too hazardous for tubers and swimmers.

City officials said river flow rose above 500 cubic feet per second, while debris in the river and reduced water visibility created safety concerns. The New Braunfels police chief ordered the closure.

Officials said they would reevaluate conditions on Tuesday, June 16.

Why the river closed

The closure came as storms moved across South-Central Texas and the Hill Country, bringing widespread heavy rain and flood risks. In New Braunfels, the Comal River’s fast-moving water, debris along the banks and poor visibility near the Tube Chute dam made recreation unsafe.

The Comal River is one of the city’s most popular recreation spots, and officials regularly restrict access when conditions become dangerous.

Broader weather impacts

The National Weather Service had flood alerts in effect for the region, including a flood watch through Tuesday evening. Local reporting also described active flood concerns across nearby communities as crews responded to flood-related hazards elsewhere in the Hill Country.

Officials said the Guadalupe River through New Braunfels city limits remained open for recreation, but they urged caution and the use of life jackets.

What happens next

The key question is whether the Comal River can reopen on Tuesday, June 16, or whether additional rain will extend the closure.

For now, the public safety message is straightforward: avoid recreational use of the Comal River until city officials say conditions have improved.