News Summary
Severe storms hit Austin, causing extensive damage and power outages, with around 72,500 customers affected at the peak. Recovery efforts are ongoing, and there are warnings of potential additional storms. The storms resulted in flash flooding, broken power poles, and tragically, at least one death during a rescue operation.
Severe Storms Cause Extensive Damage in Austin, Leaving Thousands Without Power
Austin experienced severe storms on Wednesday evening that brought strong winds, hail, and flash flooding, resulting in extensive damage and significant power outages. At the peak of the storm, approximately 72,500 Austin Energy customers were left without electricity as winds reached up to 77 mph.
As of Thursday morning, power had been restored to around 60% of affected customers, but nearly 30,000 residents remained without electricity. Recovery efforts are underway involving Austin Energy crews, who have so far reported the discovery of 104 broken power poles, a number that may continue to rise as damage assessments proceed.
High winds resulted in broken glass at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, although no significant structural damage occurred there. This gust measured as the third strongest recorded at the airport since the 1940s.
The storm produced rainfall that led to flash flooding, with some areas receiving up to 3 inches of rain in just 45 minutes. This intense downpour led to flooding in low-water crossings, necessitating numerous rescues. The Austin-Travis County EMS conducted at least five water rescues, aiding individuals swept away in the rushing waters.
Casualties and Impact
Tragically, there was a confirmed death during the storm when an individual was swept away during a water rescue operation. The remnants of the storm left behind a scene of devastation, with reports of uprooted trees, collapsed structures, and dropped power lines.
Ongoing Recovery Efforts
Austin Energy is working continuously to restore power but has not provided an estimated timeline for complete restoration due to the extensive damage. City officials plan to hold a press conference to discuss the ongoing recovery efforts and preparations for possible severe weather in the future.
Weather Forecast
Meteorologists have indicated the potential for another round of severe storms moving into the area after midnight. Residents can expect additional rainfall, along with the possibility of hail and high winds. This warning comes on the heels of reports from residents in Cedar Park about hailstones reaching the size of baseballs.
Preparation and Safety Measures
In light of this severe weather, city officials are reminding residents to stay vigilant and prepared for potential future storm events. Continual assessments of the damage and an open line of communication on restoration efforts are fundamental to the community’s recovery process.
The situation remains dynamic as Austin moves forward from this weather event, with teams working diligently to restore normalcy in the affected areas.
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Additional Resources
- Spectrum Local News
- Wikipedia: Austin, Texas
- KXAN News
- Google Search: Austin Storm Damage 2025
- CBS Austin
- Google Scholar: Austin Severe Weather Impact
- KVUE News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Severe Weather Texas
- Austin American-Statesman
- Google News: Austin Power Outage 2025
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
