Call Center Company in New Braunfels, TX

Comal River still closed due to flooding

San Antonio officials say the number of deaths from flash flooding has risen to 11, and that could go up as some people are still missing. The Comal River in New Braunfels was closed again for tubing

The Brief

NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas - River access to the Comal River is still closed as of Friday following heavy rains this week.

Comal River closed June 13

What we know:

The city of New Braunfels says that increased river flow, water clarity issues and hidden submerged debris have prompted the continued closure.

Conditions will be re-evaluated again on Saturday morning (June 14) to determine if recreation activities can resume.

At one point following the rains, the Comal River was flowing at more than 1800 cubic feet per second. For reference, one cubic foot per second is about 7.48 gallons per second, or 448.8 gallons per minute.

Guadalupe River access

What we know:

The city says that normal recreation activities can resume on the Guadalupe River.

Anyone choosing to do so is encouraged to wear a life vest.

Road closures in New Braunfels on June 13

Dig deeper:

According to the city's road closures map, there are currently three road blocks in place due to flooding as of 1 p.m. June 13:

These are full closures, according to the map.

More rain on the way?

What's next:

According to the National Weather Service, there is a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms this afternoon (June 13), with that increasing to 30 percent for Saturday, June 14 after 1 p.m.

Sunday, June 15, will also see a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. and then a break until Juneteenth.

Manmade objects can be beautiful. They can also be unwanted eyesores. At least the folks working in New Braunfels, TX, are attempting to hide this, which would traditionally fall into the latter category.

Cell phone towers are necessary in today's life. Love them or hate them, we need them to communicate. Since there are so many people who hate these towers, cell phone companies have come up with unique ways to hide them from view.

This tree is actually a cell phone tower!

Posted by The New Braunfels Life on Saturday, May 17, 2025

So, yes, it is a cell phone tower. As you would expect many of the comments and responses online are great. Let's run down a few of the highlights.

Robert P.: "That's the most pathetic Norfolk pine I have ever seen."Christina M.: "And the area still has the worst WiFi coverage in all of New Braunfels!!!!!"Dana D.: "It’s a tower, I was watching them build it since I worked facing it. Looks ridiculous lol but at least they attempted to make it look like a tree I guess."Lisa L.: "I love it! Looks much better than a regular cell tower."Jami T.: "But it looks so real (eye roll emoji)"Traci K.: "My granddaughters call it the giant mascara brush!"

But pine trees aren't the only common disguises for cell phone towers. They may be hidden in plain sight as flagpoles, cacti, and even church crosses. Other stealth options include faux water towers, rock formations, and even windmills.

Below is a video of a disguised cell tower in Washington state.

It's sad, really. You can't even trust a windmill to be a windmill anymore.

The Comal River roared as rushing waters cascaded downstream on Thursday, June 12, reflecting the aftermath of the deadly, torrential downpour that struck Central Texas overnight.

The downpour comes as Central Texas waterways, including the Guadalupe River, Comal River and Canyon Lake, are experiencing historic low water levels. More than three inches of rain fell within 30 minutes in the New Braunfels area, resulting in the reported flooding.

The Comal River levels have surged to nearly 14 feet, a drastic increase from the four feet recorded just 24 hours earlier, according to USGS water data of the Comal River. In response, the City of New Braunfels announced a temporary closure of access to the river and said it will reevaluate river conditions on Friday, June 13, to determine when Comal River recreation can safely resume.

Additionally, the city’s Spring Fed Pool at the Landa Park Aquatic Complex will be temporarily closed for the day.

San Marcos River levels

While the Comal River now gushes with water, the San Marcos River experienced a dramatic rise due to the torrential downpour. Just before 1 a.m., the river was recorded at 3.43 feet, but by 2:15 a.m., it had surged past 5 feet, according to USGS water data of the San Marcos River. The storm also caused significant power outages in areas just outside Austin.

The City of San Marcos posted on Facebook that utility crews have been working to restore power after the storm impacted more than 2,000 meters. As of 11 a.m. Thursday, only five meters remain without power across the service area.

Canyon Lake water levels

However, despite the heavy downpour, historically low Canyon Lake levels continue to persist. Over several hours, the storm caused only a minor increase in water levels for Canyon Lake, according to Water Data for Texas. As of 10:15 a.m., the lake’s level was reported at 877.79 feet (45.7% full), a slight rise from 877.18 feet (45.4%) the previous day.

New Braunfels road closures

The City of New Braunfels followed up the Comal River closure with the closing of six roads in connection to the heavy rainfall and flooding. They are as follows:

Travelers are told to check the City of New Braunfels website for up to date info on road closures.

The quaint town of New Braunfels, Texas, dates back to 1845, when Prince Carl of Solms-Braunfels, from Germany, sought to create a version of “new Germany” in Texas. He purchased more than 1,000 acres of land to call his own. Today, this spot remains a unique and historic destination. Dive into a world filled with museums, cultural attractions, and outdoor activities like fly fishing, music, and tasty, authentic regional cuisine in a setting that pays homage to its German heritage.

The Gruene Historic District

Start the trip with a stroll down memory lane at the Gruene (pronounced "green") Historic District. This neighborhood was established by Henry D. Gruene in 1872 and was originally populated by German cotton farmers prior to the Civil War. This neighborhood encompasses 15 walkable acres and is designated a National Historic District. It’s located upstream of New Braunfels on the Guadalupe River, boasting a bustling Historic area featuring traditional German-Texas architecture and fun shops. It’s also known as a world-famous destination for country and Americana music.

Stop by the Gruene General Store, which dates back to 1925 and is now a popular tourist attraction, selling souvenirs, handmade fudge, honey butter, salsa, and other goodies. Dine at the Gristmill Restaurant, built in 1977 as a replication of the original Gruene cotton gin destroyed by fire in 1922. It’s known for its gorgeous patio along the Guadalupe River as well as its tasty food. Watch a live music show at The Grapevine in Gruene, and keep the grooves going with a visit to Gruene Hall (the longest continuously operating dance hall in Texas).

Outside of the historic district, no trip to New Braunfels is complete without spending some time where the two rivers meet. Enjoy a paddleboard or kayaking session. Or, if organized water park areas are more of interest, this town is also home to the “World's Best Waterpark," Schlitterbahn Waterpark and Resort. Boasting “Texas-sized” rides like excellent water slides, wave pools, (not-so) lazy rivers, and even swim-up bars—it’s perfect for families, groups of friends, or a couples’ day out.

Dining and Drinking

Visit Alpine Haus Restaurant for some traditional, made-from-scratch German cuisine in an upscale setting. This spot also has an on-site wine and beer garden. Or, check out Krause's Cafe, a nostalgic destination for home cooking and iconic Stammtisch (“locals’ get-togethers). The menu at this popular spot features a mix of German and American fare crafted with fresh and local ingredients in a setting that’s recently renovated but historically preserved. Be sure to note the names of the founding families on the banners in the Biergarten.

Where to Stay

Spend the night at the Gruene Mansion Inn, which feels like a historic German mansion in the middle of the Historic Gruene District. This authentic Victorian home is on the National Register of Historic Places and stands as a recognized Texas Historic Landmark. There’s also the Historic Schmitz Bed & Breakfast, located in the center of town and within walking distance to attractions such as the Comal River and numerous boutiques, shops, and restaurants.

Bonus Activities

Those who enjoy outdoor adventure activities in Texas should also check out Natural Bridge Caverns—one of the largest explorable caverns in the state, featuring rock formations formed over hundreds of thousands of years. Or, visit the incredibly blue waters of Cypress Bend Park, which looks like something out of a dreamy movie.

New Braunfels is a Superb Summer Destination Alternative to Europe

Whether you're seeking a historic adventure, a culturally enriching trip, or simply a fun destination to spend time, New Braunfels can be an excellent alternative to a European vacation. This German-feeling Texas town offers authentic options to explore as an alternative to a lengthy international trip. Visit the tasty restaurants and unique shops, and admire the traditional architecture for a memorable experience. We think you'll love it here!