The torrential downpours of the past 12 hours have brought as many inches of rains to parts of Austin. The rain is expected to continue through the night, with forecasts anticipating potential flood risks to continue into tonight and tomorrow morning. Below, we've got a list of all the closures in the Austin area.
2:13 p.m.: The Texas Department of Transportation says I-35 at the Blanco River is partially open, though traffic is moving slowly.
Hays County had previously said that it had been closed. The county has warned drivers against getting on the road:
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO TRAVEL ON I-35 IN SAN MARCOS. Closed with major backups.
— Hays County Texas (@hayscountygov) October 30, 2015
1:58 p.m.: North and southboundlanes of I-35 have been closedat the Blanco River in San Marcos.
Austin ISD says parents of Blazier and Palm Elementary students can pick up students early. All after-school events and activities are canceled, including football games. Varsity games will be played tomorrow afternoon at 2.
Update (12:42 p.m.): Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is in the process of reopening flood-affected sections of the airfield.
In a statement, the FAA said the air traffic control tower and radar were flooded by six inches of water, and the Houston Air Route Traffic Control Center assumed airspace responsibility:
The FAA is assessing the damage to the facility. We expect to begin providing control tower services as soon as possible today. Meanwhile, FAA technicians will assess any water damage to wiring and other equipment. In the interim, Houston Center will provide radar separation services for aircraft. For safety reasons, the FAA will increase spacing between aircraft using Austin Bergstrom International Airport, which could result in delays during busy periods. Passengers should contact their airlines for information about specific flights.
Several school districts have closed or sheltered students as a result of this morning's downpours across Central Texas. Austin ISD hasn't canceled classes, but is sheltering students at four campuses — Crockett High School, Menchaca Elementary, Sunset Valley Elementary and Rodriguez Elementary. Perez and Palm elementaries have been evacuated to the Burger Center. After-school activities have been canceled, but evening athletics have not as of yet.
Hays County ISD is advising students that aren't at school to stay at home. The district says students at schools are safe, but parents are urged not to attempt to come pick up their children. Buda Elementary students have been moved to an upper campus because of Onion Creek flooding.
Manor ISD has canceled bus service and afternoon pre-K classes have been canceled. Students at the morning pre-K classes are being sheltered and all the district's schools are under tornado warning protocols.
All #ManorISD campuses have implemented tornado protection procedures due to the current tornado warning covering the district.
— Manor ISD (@ManorISD) October 30, 2015
Austin Community College has canceled classes because of the rain and advised students to stay put if they're already on campus.
UT Austin hasn't canceled classes, but is urging students to stay home or check their route before heading to campus.
CapMetro has suspended MetroRail and some bus lines today because of the rains.
More bus routes affected/detoured due to flooding & street closures: #20, 21, 22, 214, 237, 271, 320, 670
— Capital Metro (@CapMetroATX) October 30, 2015
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport has suspended flights because of the weather, as well.
The airfield of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is currently closed due to weather.
— Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (@AUStinAirport) October 30, 2015
Further updates forthcoming.
There are nearly 200 low water crossings closed currently in the Austin area. For a map of all low water crossing closures, go to ATXFloods.com.
Additionally, the Travis County Clerk's office announced a closure of its Dove Springs mobile voting location at the Dove Springs Rec Center. The location was set to open at noon. All other early voting locations are operating, and you can find one near you online.