Austin, Texas, October 25, 2025
News Summary
Central Texas, particularly Austin, is preparing for significant rainfall and potential flooding as a flood watch is in effect until Saturday afternoon. With estimates of 3 to 5 inches of rain expected, authorities have heightened preparedness levels. Meteorologists warn of the risks of flash floods, hail, and strong winds, advising residents to take precautions. Burn bans remain active despite the incoming rain, emphasizing the ongoing drought conditions. Community members in flood-prone areas are urged to move to higher ground and stay updated on conditions.
Austin, Texas is bracing for heavy rain and potential flooding as a flood watch has been issued for the majority of Central Texas until Saturday at 1:00 PM. The National Weather Service announced this watch ahead of the first rainfall in more than 40 days in some areas, presenting both a welcome relief from the ongoing drought and a threat of flash flooding and severe weather.
Lead meteorologist Emily Heller indicated that heavy rainfall is expected, with forecasts suggesting four to five inches in certain regions. Governor Greg Abbott has heightened the readiness level of state operations in anticipation of the storms, underscoring the seriousness of the situation.
The Texas A&M Forest Service stated that while the upcoming rain will temporarily reduce fire danger, more sustained rainfall is necessary to significantly improve fire conditions. Despite the anticipated rainfall, burn bans currently remain in effect across Central Texas due to prolonged drought conditions. After the arrival of the cold front, drier winds are predicted, which may extract moisture from existing fuels and continue to pose a fire risk.
Kiley Moran from the Texas A&M Forest Service has advised homeowners to engage in “spring cleaning” around their properties to minimize potential fire hazards.
Residents in areas prone to flooding have been cautioned to move to higher ground and avoid driving through flooded roadways, particularly during nighttime when water depth can be difficult to assess. A slow-moving upper-level storm system is expected to bring multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms beginning Thursday and continuing through Saturday.
Forecasts indicate that some areas in Texas may receive between three to five inches of rain, heightening the risk of localized flash flooding across the eastern half of the state. Storms could also produce hail as large as golf balls, wind gusts reaching up to 70 mph, and frequent lightning. While the tornado threat remains low, it cannot be entirely dismissed.
Localized rainfall rates may reach 2–3 inches per hour in certain areas, potentially causing rapid rises in creeks and streams. The Weather Prediction Center predicts a total of 1–3 inches across western and central Texas and 3–5 inches or more east of I-35 through Sunday morning. While this rainfall is expected to be beneficial, it could also lead to localized flooding where storms stall or train.
Storm chances are anticipated to decrease by Sunday, with a potential cold front early next week bringing cooler conditions. A Level 2 out of 5 severe weather risk has been issued for regions ranging from Big Bend National Park to the Texas-Oklahoma border, including the Austin metro area and Texas Hill Country. Residents are advised to prepare for strong storms, as damaging winds, hail, and possible tornadoes are expected to surge from West Texas into Austin Friday night.
Heavy rain is projected to persist until 8 AM on Saturday, with forecasts for Austin estimating up to 3 inches of rain from the first round of storms. A second round of storms is predicted Saturday afternoon, though with a lower severe weather risk (Level 1 out of 5). Drivers are urged to avoid crossing flooded roads, with real-time updates on road conditions available through the ATX Floods website.
Forecast Summary
Location: Central Texas
Flood Watch: Until Saturday at 1:00 PM
Expected Rainfall: 3–5 inches in certain areas
Severe Weather Risk: Level 2 (with localized areas at Level 1)
Wind Gusts: Up to 70 mph
Hail: Up to golf-ball size
FAQs
What is the flood watch for Central Texas?
A flood watch has been issued for the majority of Central Texas until Saturday at 1:00 PM.
What are the expected rainfall amounts?
Heavy rainfall is expected, with forecasts suggesting four to five inches in certain areas.
What should residents do in flood-prone areas?
Residents in flood-prone areas have been advised to move to higher ground and avoid driving through flooded roads, especially overnight when water depth is hard to discern.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Flood Watch | Majority of Central Texas until Saturday at 1:00 PM |
| Expected Rainfall | 3–5 inches, with localized areas possibly receiving more |
| Storm Risks | Level 2 out of 5 severe weather risk |
| Fire Safety | Burn bans remain in effect despite incoming rain |
| Advisory Actions | Stay tuned for local updates and avoid flooded roads |
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Additional Resources
- CBS Austin
- Wikipedia: Central Texas
- Dallas News
- Google Search: Austin Weather
- Austin American-Statesman
- Google Scholar: Flash Flooding Texas
- Texas Storm Chasers
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas Weather Patterns
- Fox 7 Austin
- Google News: Texas Flood Watch
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.
