News Summary
Central Texas is facing substantial flooding following heavy rainfall and tropical moisture over the past two weeks, alleviating drought conditions. Authorities report that major lakes are nearing full capacity, resulting in safety warnings and mandatory evacuations. With significant rainfall amounts, around 50 rescues have been conducted, highlighting the urgent need for coordinated response efforts. The Texas government is deploying resources to assist affected communities, while infrastructure repairs and community support initiatives are underway to address the crisis.
Central Texas is experiencing significant flooding due to the effects of tropical moisture and heavy rainfall over the past two weeks, which have alleviated drought conditions across the region. Authorities reported that Highland Lakes, including Lake Travis and Lake Buchanan, are nearing their full capacity, leading to important safety warnings and mandatory evacuations in certain areas.
As of July 15, Lake Travis was reported to be 86% full, an increase from less than half full at the beginning of the rain event. Lake Buchanan has reached full capacity at 99%, prompting the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) to open four floodgates for the first time since May 2019. In addition, Lake Travis is currently about 8 feet from its maximum level of 681 feet, with the Mansfield Dam having the capability to contain water levels up to 754 feet.
Rainfall totals throughout the Central Texas Hill Country have varied markedly, ranging between 7 to over 24 inches since early July, contributing to the region’s ranking as one of the top 10 wettest Julys on record, based on statistics from the National Weather Service. Flood watches and river flood warnings have been issued for several counties, with the San Saba River and Llano River experiencing specific warnings.
In response to rapidly rising water levels, a mandatory evacuation has been enacted for Maverick County. Additionally, as flood conditions worsen, the LCRA has advised residents to avoid the Highland Lakes due to swift water flows, debris, and increased bacteria levels. Reports indicate that approximately 50 individuals have been rescued in Travis County alone, and rescue operations continue across various counties impacted by the flooding, which has led to 10 counties being placed under President’s Disaster Declaration.
The Texas government is mobilizing significant resources to assist local governments, deploying over 2,300 state employees and coordinating efforts with more than 13,000 volunteers for relief initiatives. Recent evaluations confirmed at least 131 fatalities linked to the flooding, with Travis County reporting 9 deaths and 3 individuals missing, while Burnet County has reported 5 fatalities and 1 missing person.
In light of the devastating impact of flooding, flood management operations are being implemented, which include careful water flow regulation from dams to prevent overflow and ensure the safety of surrounding communities. The Austin Fire Department has come under scrutiny for not deploying swift water rescue teams in a timely manner, which has raised concerns regarding the number of fatalities during the crisis.
Infrastructure repairs are underway to address the damage caused by the flooding, particularly bridge replacements in Kerr County. A disaster recovery center has been established in Kerr County, with plans for additional centers in Travis and Williamson counties to better serve affected residents. Although mandatory evacuation orders in San Saba County were initially enacted, they have since been lifted despite the continued presence of flooding conditions.
Community organizations and local businesses are mobilizing efforts to provide support and resources to individuals affected by the extreme flooding. The situation continues to evolve, with ongoing rescue missions being executed by Texas Game Wardens and emergency services, highlighting the urgent need for coordinated response efforts during this crisis.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 7 Austin
- Wikipedia: Central Texas Floods 2025
- KXAN Central Texas
- Google Search: Central Texas flood
- Fire Engineering
- Google Scholar: Texas flood response
- The Guardian
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas floods
- Eater Austin
- Google News: Central Texas Floods
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.
