Austin Weather: Heavy Rainfall Hits Central Texas

The city of Austin was hit by heavy rainfall on Friday morning, leading to significant disruptions across Central Texas. The potential for severe storms remains in the forecast, with main threats including localized flooding, hail, and gusty winds.

Threat of Severe Storms

The radar has calmed, but locals are warned not to let down their guard. Hays County, Caldwell County, and Bastrop County are under a Flood Advisory until 12:45 p.m. Between 1 to 2 inches of rain have already fallen, and the region could see even more by Friday evening.

Flood Advisory and Warnings

The National Weather Service forecasts minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas. Some roads in Austin and its surrounding areas have already been closed due to flooding conditions. Austin Emergency Management urges citizens to avoid driving through high water and is providing current condition updates on road conditions through the official website.

Power Outages

Storms have resulted in thousands of power outages across the Austin area. Austin Energy crews are out working to restore power, but there are safety precautions in place. Crews cannot go up in lifts if wind gusts exceed 30 mph or if there is lightning in the area. Residents can view the status of local power outages through an online map.

Weather Updates and Alerts

Emergency weather alerts and daily forecasts are available to help residents stay safe during storms. These alerts provide crucial information about potential hazards, temperature changes, and more. It is important to stay updated by checking these sources regularly.

Importance of Staying Prepared

As the region experiences severe weather, the importance of safety cannot be overstated. Locals are encouraged to stay indoors, keep vigilant of flood advisories and road closures, and ensure they have a disaster preparedness plan in place. As little as 6 inches of water can cause unsafe driving conditions, so locals are advised to avoid driving if possible.