Austin, October 26, 2025

News Summary

Central Texas faces a flood watch as investigations continue into a deceased individual found in Downtown Austin. Heavy rainfall of up to five inches is expected, raising concerns for flash flooding and severe weather. Authorities urge residents in flood-prone areas to seek higher ground and minimize fire risks amid the first significant rain in over 40 days. Governor Abbott has raised state operations readiness levels as storm risks increase across the region.

Austin

A flood watch has been issued for Central Texas amidst an ongoing investigation into the discovery of a deceased individual in Downtown Austin. The body was recovered from Lady Bird Lake at approximately 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, near the intersection of San Antonio and Cesar Chavez Streets. The identity of the deceased has not yet been confirmed, and authorities are currently examining whether this incident is connected to a prior water rescue in the same vicinity. While no press briefing will be held, further details will be released as they become available.

The National Weather Service has warned that the flood watch will remain in effect until Saturday at 1:00 PM, marking the first significant rainfall in some areas in over 40 days. Meteorologist Emily Heller has indicated that while the rain is generally beneficial, there are alarming indications of potential flash flooding and severe weather conditions. Areas can expect heavy rainfall of four to five inches, which raises serious concerns about flooding.

In light of the anticipated severe storms, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has increased the readiness level of state operations. Kiley Moran from the Texas A&M Forest Service noted that although the incoming rain might temporarily reduce the fire threat, sustained rainfall is required to make a significant impact on fire conditions. However, burn bans will continue to be enforced throughout Central Texas even with the forecasted precipitation.

Residents are advised to clear away leaf litter and other debris around their properties to minimize fire risks. Those living in areas prone to flooding should seek higher ground and avoid traveling on flooded roads. In addition to the flood watch for Central Texas, another wave of severe weather is expected to hit West Texas and the southern Plains over the weekend, with predictions of hail and tornadoes, leading to a heightened risk level of 2 out of 5 for severe storms in major cities like Austin and Houston.

Approximately 1-3 inches of rainfall is anticipated through Sunday across parts of Texas and Louisiana, with localized areas potentially experiencing even more due to repeated storms. In North Texas, there have been reports of house fires caused by lightning amid the severe weather. A Weather Impact Alert remains in effect for flood risks across Central Texas throughout the Labor Day weekend, warning residents of the possibility of excessive runoff and flooding.

Flood Watch Details

• Location: Central Texas
• End Time: Saturday at 1:00 PM
• Expected Rainfall: 1-5 inches
• Severe Storm Risk: Level 2 out of 5

Safety Recommendations

• Clear yard clutter and leaf litter to reduce fire risks.
• Move to higher ground in flood-prone areas.
• Avoid driving through flooded roadways.

Background Context

This incident takes place against the backdrop of a lengthy dry spell for many areas, with just over a month since the last significant rainfall event. The authorities emphasize the need for preparedness, particularly in light of the heat and dry conditions that have contributed to high fire risks in the region.

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Additional Resources

• Fox Weather
• Wikipedia: Flood
• KVUE
• Google Search: Austin Weather
• Weather Channel
• Google Scholar: Central Texas Flood
• CBS Austin
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Weather
• Austin American-Statesman
• Google News: Texas Flood Warning

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.