Wildflowers blooming may be an indicator Spring is in the air, but they should also serve as a reminder of that Spring in Central Texas is also severe weather season. Severe weather includes thunderstorms, high winds, hail, tornadoes, and heavy rain that can lead to flash flooding. March 25 starts Flooding Preparedness Week and we are sharing guidance for ways people can get prepared in Central Texas.

In recent years, Austin and Travis County have seen severe weather and flooding events cause significant damage to homes and businesses. Therefore, the City encourages all Central Texans to prepare for severe weather and flooding.

“In Central Texas severe weather can happen quickly,” said Austin HSEM Director Ken Snipes. “Having a plan in place to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your property for each type of severe weather event is very important this time of year.”

In the event of a flood or significant rain, avoid driving through roadways or bridges covered by water. It takes only 6 inches of moving water to cause a driver to lose control of their vehicle. Turn Around, Don’t Drown!

“Flooding can happen anywhere it rains, putting everyone at risk,” said Jorge Morales, Watershed Protection Department Director. “Staying informed and following safety guidelines are key to protecting ourselves and our neighbors.”

If you decide to leave your home or are ordered to evacuate, turn off electricity and gas to your home. Be sure to account for all people and pets from your home before leaving, and check out more life safety guidance from departments.

Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM)
Making a plan is the first step of emergency preparedness and can be catered to one’s specific home or neighborhood. The next step to preparedness is to build an emergency supplies kit. Kits should include essentials like food, water, medications, important documents, and first aid supplies.

Resources to assist with the steps of emergency preparedness are available online at ReadyCentralTexas.org. This digital preparedness hub includes guides, tips, training and more to understand how to make a plan, build a kit, know your neighbor, and stay informed.

Residents can stay informed during a severe weather event in several ways:

• Bookmark the Alerts webpage at austintexas.gov/alerts to get real-time emergency information in 14 languages.
• Sign up to receive emergency notifications at WarnCentralTexas.org.
• Sign up for Accessible Hazard Alert System to get emergency alerts in American Sign Language or text AHAS to 737-241-3710.
• Download the free Ready Central Texas app on your mobile device.
• Follow @AustinHSEM on Facebook and X.

Watershed Protection Department
The Flood Early Warning System (FEWS) team monitors hundreds of low water crossings in Austin. They provide updates on road closures and conditions of low water crossings at ATXFloods.com and on X at @ATXFloods.

Actions to take:

• Keep drains, gutters, and drainage easements clear of debris. Do not dump brush into creeks and report any debris or drainage concerns to Austin 3-1-1.
• Avoid travel if possible. If you must travel, check ATXFloods.com for road closures before driving. Slow down on wet roads, especially at night. Do not drive through high water or around barricades.
• Stay away from creeks, trails, culverts, ponds, and other drainage infrastructure. If water is rising, get to higher ground.
• Avoid contact with floodwater due to potential health risks, including exposure to hazardous materials and bacteria.

Austin-Travis County EMS
First and foremost, Austin-Travis County EMS Medics encourage you to Turn around, Don’t Drown! Be weather aware as severe weather season approaches here in Austin and Travis County. Keep up with local weather forecasts and if rain begins check ATXFloods.com for road closures.

Safety Tips:

• Stay away from moving water. As little as 6 inches of swiftly moving water can sweep an adult off their feet.
• Most flood related deaths occur in vehicles. Just 12 inches of water can sweep a vehicle off the roadway.
• If you must get on the road when flooding is occurring, carefully plan a safe route.
• Keep your phone with you and fully charged in case you need to call 9-1-1.
• Keep others informed about your time of departure, route of travel and expected time of arrival.
• If you do find yourself stranded by flood waters, stay calm and follow the directions of the 9-1-1 call takers as well as the rescue team upon their arrival.
• All thunderstorms contain lightning and lightning can strike up to 10 miles away from the actual storm. “If you hear it roar, don’t ignore!”

Austin Fire Department
The Austin Fire Department encourages everyone to remain as safe as possible during severe weather and flooding events. Please take note and follow all the safety tips provided by all city departments. Most importantly, AFD would like to reiterate the message to not cross or go around any barricades or road closures. This puts you, and the first responders coming in to rescue you, in danger. Please remember, Turn around, Don’t Drown!

Austin Police Department
Empowering our community with resources that are available to them is important anytime we face a significant weather event in our City. Always have a plan in place, stay aware of the situation by receiving proper notifications, and check on your loved ones and neighbors.

If you find yourself on the road during bad weather, APD asks that you follow these safety tips:

• Do not ignore barricades or officers blocking the street.
• Treat flashing or non-working lights as a four-way stop.
• Drive with patience and leave with enough travel time.
• Check for road closures before driving.
• Have a safety kit in your car in case of an emergency.
• If you are on a roadway that is flooded, turn around if you can or stay put and call 9-1-1.

Homeless Strategy Office
The City is aware that people experiencing homelessness may establish encampments near creeks and drainage channels at high risk of flooding.

The Homeless Strategy Office (HSO) has established a direct connection with thousands of vulnerable community members via a text message notification system. Crucial preparedness guidance is sent via text message to those experiencing homelessness during a variety of circumstances including flood events.

HSO, along with, outreach partners in the community provide outreach to encampments regularly, stressing safety and well-being, and encouraging people to seek higher ground away from low water crossings, creeks, and channels. During high and low rainfall, many of these areas can become dangerous.

During periods of heavy rain and flash flooding:

• Monitor local media and @ATXfloods on Twitter/X.
• Move to higher ground.
• Stay away from creeks, pipes, and drainage infrastructure.
• Do not cross flooded roadways. Turn around don’t drown.
• Avoid contact with floodwater due to potential health risks.
• Call 9-1-1 for emergencies. 
• Visit www.atxfloodsafety.com for more information.

The City encourages all community members – regardless of housing status – to sign up for Warn Central Texas emergency notifications.