Austin Faces Major Flooding Risk This Labor Day Weekend

Austin, September 1, 2025

News Summary

Austin is under a Flood Watch this Labor Day weekend due to significant rainfall expected from a slow-moving cold front. Residents could see between 2 to 8 inches of rain, particularly over Sunday into Monday. Authorities advise preparation for potential flooding by securing outdoor items and ensuring emergency kits are ready. The local geography, which includes numerous creeks, makes flooding a serious concern, with key areas like Barton Springs Road being particularly vulnerable. Residents are urged to stay informed and be cautious of moving water during this weather event.

Austin braces for a significant flooding risk this Labor Day weekend as a Flood Watch is in effect from noon on Sunday through noon on Monday. The warning covers the Austin metropolitan area and the surrounding Hill Country due to heavy rainfall predicted to occur during that timeframe.

Conditions will worsen as a slow-moving cold front meets moisture-rich air from the Gulf, leading to sustained rainfall and thunderstorms. Rainfall totals for the weekend are anticipated to reach between 2 to 4 inches, with some isolated areas potentially experiencing up to 8 inches. The precipitation chances are forecasted to peak at 80 percent on Sunday, particularly between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., a time when many residents typically engage in outdoor activities.

In the immediate Austin area, up to 1 inch of rain is expected on Sunday alone, with continued rainfall anticipated into Sunday night and Monday. There is a 60 percent chance of an additional half-inch of rain on Monday as well, meaning that elevated risks for flooding associated with saturated ground conditions will persist through Labor Day. Austin’s diverse geography, which includes numerous creeks and low-water crossings, renders it especially vulnerable to rapid increases in water levels during storms.

Specific areas like Barton Springs Road are likely to face significant impacts, as this location has a historical precedent of flooding during heavy rainfall events. Residents are urged to stay informed about changing weather conditions and prepare for potential evacuation routes to higher ground should flooding become severe.

As a public safety reminder, authorities encourage residents to follow the motto “turn around, don’t drown,” highlighting the danger of moving water; just six inches can knock down an adult, while 12 inches can sweep away vehicles. Local emergency management officials are particularly concerned about visitors who may be unfamiliar with the region’s propensity for flash flooding.

In light of these risks, residents should secure outdoor furniture and decorations to prevent them from becoming dangerous projectiles in strong winds. Additionally, it is advised that families prepare emergency supply kits, which should ideally include items such as flashlights, batteries, first aid supplies, and enough non-perishable food and water for several days. Battery-powered or hand-crank weather radios are also recommended for keeping updated on crucial weather information, especially if other communication methods fail.

Austin has a long history of flooding, most notably from severe flood events in 2015 and 2018, which resulted in extensive damage to property and numerous water rescues. The city’s rapid growth has led to an increase in impervious surfaces, further aggravating flooding issues during heavy rains. Monitoring of broader weather patterns will continue, though there remains uncertainty regarding when conditions will improve.

Key Flooding Information

• Flood Watch: In effect from noon Sunday to noon Monday.
• Predicted Rainfall: 2 to 4 inches, isolated areas may see up to 8 inches.
• Peak Precipitation Chances: 80% between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Sunday.
• Additional Rain: 60% chance of half-inch on Monday.

Preparedness Recommendations

• Monitor conditions closely and prepare for evacuation.
• Secure outdoor items that can become projectiles.
• Have emergency kits ready with essential supplies.
• Use weather radios for official updates.

Flood Risks in Austin

Austin’s topography, characterized by its many creeks, low-water crossings, and faulty drainage systems, makes it particularly vulnerable to extreme water level shifts during storms. Previous flooding has highlighted the destructive potential of such weather events, prompting ongoing public awareness and preparedness campaigns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Remembering Hurricane Katrina: Resilience in New Orleans
Kerrville Flooding Update: Impact and Recovery Efforts
Austin City Council Enhances Flood Alert System After Tragedy
Austin Eases Watering Restrictions After Heavy Rainfall
Dauphin Island Faces Existential Crisis After Katrina
University of Texas at Austin Partners with Humann for Sponsorship
Austin Braces for Cooler Temperatures and Rain
Three Bodies Found in South Austin Home, Investigation Underway
Texas Lawmakers Pass Senate Bill 3 to Enhance Flood Warnings
North Carolina’s Outer Banks Faces Hurricane Erin Evacuations

Additional Resources

• KXAN Weather Forecast
• Wikipedia: Flood
• KVUE Weather Impact Alert
• Google Search: Austin Flood Watch
• Austin American-Statesman Weather Forecast
• Google Scholar: Austin Flooding
• Rolling Out Austin Floods
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Flooding
• FOX 7 Austin Flood Advisory
• Google News: Austin Flood Threat

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.