News Summary
Austin is remembering the 10-year anniversary of the floods that impacted the region in 2015, which resulted in tragic loss of life and significant property damage. Mayor Kirk Watson has proclaimed May 25 as ‘2015 Austin Flood Remembrance Day.’ The city has implemented improvements in flood response infrastructure and initiated programs to support residents’ flood insurance costs. Community events, such as the Wimberley Strong Memorial Concert, will take place to honor those affected and promote resilience against future flooding.
Austin is set to commemorate the 10-year anniversary of the devastating floods that struck the region in 2015, with activities scheduled for May 25, designated as “2015 Austin Flood Remembrance Day” by Mayor Kirk Watson. This proclamation pays tribute to the lives lost and recognizes the emergency personnel who bravely responded to the crisis.
The floods, which occurred on Memorial Day 2015, resulted in the tragic deaths of at least 13 individuals, while more than 2,000 homes were affected in Hays County alone. In Travis County, around 150 properties suffered damage, and nearly 500 roads became submerged due to the rains that accumulated to nearly five inches in a short span. The widespread destruction and chaos during that time left a lasting impact on the community.
In the aftermath of the floods, the City of Austin has undertaken significant steps to enhance flood response infrastructure and preparedness. The city has invested in constructing improvements in flood-prone areas and has made upgrades to the Flood Early Warning System (FEWS) to better equip residents for future water-related emergencies. A new pilot program has also been initiated to assist residents with flood insurance costs, aiming to alleviate some financial burdens in such events.
The significance of community preparedness was emphasized by officials, underlining that being equipped for potential flooding is crucial for safety and resilience. This focus on readiness aims to strengthen the ability of residents to respond effectively if faced with similar circumstances in the future.
As part of the commemoration, Wimberley will hold a special event—the Wimberley Strong Memorial Concert—on May 24, 2025. This concert will celebrate community resilience and remembrance with various performances, speeches, and a raffle designed to raise funds for Texas Search and Rescue and Hays County Emergency Medical Services. Through this gathering, participants will honor those who were lost during the floods while also reinforcing the community’s unity and spirit in the face of adversity.
The destruction seen in Wimberley was particularly challenging, with reports of significant property losses including the bridge over the Blanco River. The floods caused the destruction of around 400 homes in Wimberley, showcasing the enormity of the disaster’s toll on the area. Despite the devastation, Wimberley has seen recent growth, largely due to improved infrastructure, which has led to mixed opinions among residents regarding future development and land use in the area.
As the 10-year anniversary approaches, the efforts from both Austin and Wimberley highlight the importance of remembrance, community effort, and preparedness against the backdrop of natural disasters. Through gatherings and programs aimed at honoring those impacted by the floods, leaders and residents alike are reminded of the collective strength that emerges in the wake of tragedy.
The upcoming remembrance activities will not only serve as memorials but also as platforms to address ongoing conversations regarding flood management, infrastructure improvements, and community development. With each step taken since the floods, the aim is to create a safer, more resilient community that can face the challenges posed by future natural disasters.
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Additional Resources
- KXAN: Wall of Water, A Look Back at Catastrophic Memorial Day Floods in Austin
- Wikipedia: 2015 Texas–Oklahoma Flood and Storms
- KVUE: Austin Flood Remembrance Day Video
- Google Search: Austin Flood Remembrance Day
- Texas Monthly: The Central Texas Memorial Day Flood 2015
- Google Scholar: Central Texas Memorial Day Flood 2015
- KXAN: Austin’s Warning System after 1981 Memorial Day Flood
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Austin Flood Preparedness
- Statesman: Wimberley 10-Year Memorial Day Flood Anniversary Concert
- Google News: Wimberley Flood Anniversary
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.
