City of Austin
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASERelease Date:
Contact: Watershed Protection Department Media Line 512-974-1450
Stay safe - Prepare for potential severe weather and flash flooding.
The City of Austin urges residents to be prepared for possible flooding following heavy rainfall. The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for Travis and the surrounding counties beginning at 3 p.m. Wednesday through 7 a.m. Thursday. Severe weather impacts with large hail and damaging winds are the primary concerns. Strong storms are possible over portions of the area on Friday as well.
Flash flooding can occur very quickly and without warning. It is important to be prepared in advance of a possible emergency.
Flooding on the Roads
Keep in mind the roads near your home may flood before your home does. To report current flooding issues, traffic signals out, or debris in the roadway, report the issue on the Austin 3-1-1 mobile app, or call 3-1-1 or 512-974-2000.
- Check ATXFloods.com for road closures or follow @ATXFloods on Twitter (X).
- If you must travel, stay away from creeks, trails, culverts, ponds, and other drainage infrastructure.
- Never drive around barricades at low water crossings. Anytime you see water flowing over a road, find another route – Turn Around, Don’t Drown!
- Slow down on wet roads. At night, it can be difficult to see if water is covering the road.
Preparing Your Home
If you know you live in a floodplain or if your house has flooded in the past, consider taking the following precautions. Be sure to avoid contact with floodwater due to potential health risks, including exposure to hazardous materials and bacteria. If water is rising, get to higher ground.
- Clean out drains and gutters. Keep drainage easements clear of debris, and do not dump brush into creeks or open channels.
- Make a plan for your family and pets. Consider whether you want to stay at home or find shelter with friends or family. If you decide to leave, turn off your electricity and gas, if it is safe to do so.
- Prepare a to-go kit of emergency supplies, like non-perishable foods, water, medications, important documents, first aid and cleaning supplies, pet food, and infant formula and diapers in case utility service is interrupted in your area.
- Keep important documents in a waterproof container and create password-protected digital copies. Move valuables to higher levels.
Emergency Alerts
Keep a charged cell phone or battery-powered radio close by to monitor local weather conditions.
- Monitor the National Weather Service and local media for updates on the weather forecast.
- Sign up for regional emergency notifications from WarnCentralTexas.org to receive alerts.
- If you need emergency assistance, call 9-1-1.
- Visit ReadyCentralTexas.org for more detailed emergency preparedness planning and safety information.