Tragic Downpour: At Least 10 Lives Lost in Austin as Flood Watches Extend Until 10 PM

At least ten people have lost their lives, and several others remain missing after flash floods hit Travis, Williamson, and Burnet counties in Texas over the weekend.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a flood watch for Central Texas, lasting until 10 p.m. Sunday. This warning includes Travis, Williamson, Hays, Burnet, Bastrop, and Caldwell counties. A flood watch indicates that while flooding hasn’t yet occurred, it could start at any moment. The NWS will upgrade this to a flood warning if necessary.

Emergency responders are actively searching for the missing individuals, particularly along Sandy Creek and Cow Creek. Numerous roads remain closed in Northwest Austin, Georgetown, Cedar Park, and Marble Falls due to the flooding.

Travis County

Travis County has confirmed six fatalities linked to the flooding. County Judge Andy Brown reported that several others are unaccounted for. Emergency services have saved 25 people from the northwestern part of the county. The volume of calls for flood-related incidents surged from 49 at 1 a.m. to 112 by 3 a.m.

Sheriff Sally Hernandez emphasized that as daylight revealed the extent of the damage, rescue efforts intensified. Local officials praised the NWS for timely alerts before and during the crisis. However, they acknowledged it’s too early to determine whether the deaths could have been prevented.

Residents affected by the floods needing immediate assistance should contact the Red Cross. Judge Brown also cautioned against any recreational activities on local lakes in the coming days as recovery efforts continue.

Williamson County

In Williamson County, one fatality has been reported, with two more people missing. Sheriff Matthew Lindeman shared that early calls began around 2 a.m. Saturday about rising water on roadways. By 7 a.m., one individual had been swept away while trying to escape a vehicle caught in high water.

Search teams have been working hard, and most residents evacuated to higher ground when advised. However, one individual had to be rescued later in the day. A boil water notice was issued for parts of Georgetown due to flooding-related line breaks.

Burnet County

Burnet County is facing three confirmed deaths and five individuals reported missing. Emergency services have conducted 93 rescues, with people in cars, trees, and on rooftops. Major General Thomas M. Suelzer of the Texas National Guard stated that agencies are transitioning from rescue to recovery efforts. Unfortunately, there’s concern that some missing individuals may never be found.

Expert Insights

Recent data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) indicates that extreme weather events, like the floods seen this past weekend, have doubled in frequency over the last 50 years. Experts note that climate change may be a significant factor behind these increasingly severe weather patterns.

Community Response

Social media platforms have been buzzing with reactions from the community. Many residents are expressing support and solidarity with those affected. Local organizations are rallying volunteers to help in recovery efforts, showing how a crisis can bring people together.

Resources

For ongoing updates on flooding and recovery efforts, residents can check local news outlets and the NWS website for real-time information. Staying informed during such events is crucial for safety and preparedness. You can visit the NWS for more details.

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