Update: The flash flood watch for Travis and surrounding counties has been canceled. The National Weather Service says heavier storms have moved east of the region.
But Williamson County, which had closed several low-water crossings, reminds drivers that even if a road is open, people should use common sense.
“People do need to be cautious, slow down, and if they do see water flowing over the roadway, don’t cross the roadway,” county spokesperson Connie Watson says. “And if you feel there are road conditions that are dangerous for people to be crossing and driving on them - perhaps we haven’t gotten there to close the road yet - you can certainly call 911 to report a dangerous road condition.”
Update (9:34 a.m.): More road closures in Williamson County. The county says "As of 9:30 a.m., CR 272, CR 471 and CR 123 are also closed due to high water." CR 177 & 152 were previously listed as closed.
Update (9:10): Austin saw 1.63 inches of rain at Camp Mabry yesterday, according to the National Weather Service. KXAN News reports that that partial lane closure on southbound Mopac in North Austin has reopened. The city lists no road closures at this time.
Update (7:45 a.m.): No major power outages reported, but Austin Energy says it "will have 10 crews with fully loaded vehicles on standby should there be power outages this evening from stormy weather:"
All power outages should be called in to 322-9100. And every customer experiencing an outage should report the outage. The more addresses entered into the outage management system, the faster the system can identify the specific piece of equipment or section of power line with an issue -- allowing repair crews to get to the problem more quickly.
Update (7:26 a.m.): The inside lane of southbound Mopac, approximately between Steck Lane and RM 2222, is closed, according to Austin Police.
No other roads in Austin are closed due to flooding, but the city has a list of crossings prone to flooding. You can see the list here. You can also review a list of wet weather driving tips from AAA Texas.
Update (6:58 p.m.): Williamson County is reporting two road closures due to high water: CR 177 & CR 152.The county reminds drivers to "Never cross where water is covering a road."
As morning rush hour gets underway, more reports of traffic issues: Austin Police are reporting multiple accidents on southbound Mopac in North Austin, roughly between Steck Lane and RM 2222. Avoid the area if you can.
Original post (6:25 a.m.): Austin seems to be handling the region’s heavy overnight rains fairly well.
No low-water crossing street closures are occurring at this time. Austin Energy reports no major power outages. But Austin will remain under a flash flood watch until 6 p.m. this evening, along with most of the Central Texas region.
The National Weather Service says widespread showers and thunderstorms should continue through this afternoon, with Austin and Georgetown expecting some of the highest rainfall totals in the region – anywhere between two and six additional inches.
The showers should taper off this afternoon, leaving Austin with a high in the low 60s today.
The City of Austin is encouraging Twitter users discussing flooding and flood warnings to use the hashtag #atxfloods. Similarly, updated information about road closures can be found at atxfloods.com.
