Weather Data Source: forecast for Austin

Severe Flash Flooding in Austin Claims Lives and Displaces Residents

Severe flooding in Austin area showing submerged buildings and rescue efforts.

News Summary

Austin, Texas is grappling with severe flash flooding that has led to four confirmed fatalities and left at least 12 missing. The situation has prompted emergency declarations and evacuations, especially in Williamson County. Rescue efforts are ongoing, with heavy rainfall causing significant infrastructure damage. With additional rain forecasted, local agencies prioritize safety and recovery operations amidst a growing death toll statewide.

Austin, Texas

Severe flash flooding in the Austin area has resulted in four confirmed fatalities and left at least 12 individuals missing. The aftermath of the flooding prompted emergency declarations and evacuation orders across several counties, particularly in Williamson County.

In a devastating turn of events, Travis County Emergency Services District has reported the deaths, while Williamson County Judge Steven Snell issued a local disaster declaration to address the crisis. Emergency services are currently focused on rescue efforts, which have so far led to approximately 25 individuals being saved from their homes, primarily in affected areas.

Heavy rainfall, with some regions receiving up to 15 inches, has contributed significantly to the worsening conditions. Particularly hard-hit areas include western Williamson County and regions along the South Fork of the San Gabriel River near Georgetown, where evacuations are ongoing, focusing on at-risk locations such as mobile home parks. Sixteen people were evacuated from Hope House in Liberty Hill, highlighting the scale of these rescue operations.

Rescue efforts continue to be urgent as flooding has caused severe infrastructure damage. For instance, floodwaters have washed out FM 963 between FM 1174 and Burnet County, stranding many residents. Authorities managed to conduct overnight rescues in Burnet County, saving dozens amidst the rising waters. Drone footage and reports from various locations, including Blue Hole Park in Georgetown, depict extensive flooding that has led to multiple RVs being submerged and evacuation advisories for residents of three apartment complexes along the San Gabriel River.

The flooding has also caused a water main break in Georgetown, leading officials to advise residents to boil water. Ongoing communication efforts include updates on closed roads, with residents encouraged to check platforms for real-time information.

As of now, search and rescue operations are being bolstered by aerial, boating, and ground teams to locate the missing individuals, including children from Camp Mystic. The search efforts have expanded due to rising concerns, especially as initial forecasts suggest additional rainfall is expected, which could exacerbate the situation. In response to these events, a total of 850 people have been evacuated from Kerr County alone, with eight injuries reported in connection to the rescue operations following the catastrophic flooding.

The statewide death toll in Texas has tragically risen to 51, with fatalities reported across Kerr, Burnet, Kendall, Travis, and Tom Green counties. Kerr County has experienced the highest toll, with 43 deaths, of which 15 are children. Authorities are diligently working on identification efforts for the deceased and will continue to monitor the situation closely as new storms develop over the Texas coast.

In summary, the situation remains fluid as emergency services tackle ongoing challenges presented by the flooding. With more rain predicted and concerns about infrastructure damage, efforts to maintain safety and recover lost individuals are at the forefront of local agencies’ priorities. Community support and awareness of emergency communication resources are encouraged as conditions continue to evolve.

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Additional Resources

STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
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.

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