Austin Texas News

AUSTIN, Texas (FOX 7 Austin) – More than 100 million people around the world have downloaded the popular phone app FaceApp, and it is now the top-ranked app in the iOS App Store in 121 countries. The app, created in 2017 by Russian startup Wireless Labs, allows users to digitally make themselves look older through uploaded photos. It’s picked up more popularity thanks to the new FaceApp Challenge on social media sites like Instagram, Facebook…

Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Deputy Harry Guillot is pictured with “Crash,” a 4-week-old kitten who was found July 11 in a crashed car in Louisiana. (Photo credit: Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office) Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Deputy Harry Guillot is pictured with “Crash,” a 4-week-old kitten who was found July 11 in a crashed car in Louisiana. (Photo credit: Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office) CUT OFF, La. – A deputy in Louisiana rescued a tiny kitten in the midst…

AUSTIN, Texas — Barry was upgraded to a category one hurricane as it moves toward Louisiana near Avery Island on Saturday morning. The latest update from the National Hurricane Center has the storm with 75 mph sustained winds. The storms main threats come from storm surge along coastal areas and heavy rain that will lead to serious flooding situations. Hurricane Barry KVUE Flooding from both the storm surge and torrential inland rains continue to be…

AUSTIN, Texas — Storms along the gulf coast stir up memories for people here in Austin, who left the region after Hurricane Katrina. It’s been 13 years since Lynzay Moran moved to Austin, her family is still in Louisiana and are prepared for what happens, but she knows this is a part of living in her home state. She now owns Baton Creole, a food truck in East Austin that she opened in 2013. “Yea…

AUSTIN, Texas — Tropical Storm Barry is continuing to gain strength as it churns over the northern Gulf of Mexico. At the 4:00 PM update, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) has Barry situated 70 miles to the south southeast of Morgan City, Louisiana and moving to the west northwest at 6 MPH. The NHC anticipates that Barry will continue to intensify into a weak category 1 hurricane just before it makes landfall on the central…

TEXAS, USA — Governor Greg Abbott announced on Friday that Texas would be deploying resources to Louisiana to assist with disaster response as Tropical Storm Barry approaches the Louisiana coastline. Texas will be deploying Texas Task Force 1’s Type III Urban Search and Rescue team with additional water rescue groups to assist in response efforts and prevent loss of life. “Texans remember how the state of Louisiana came to our aid during Hurricane Harvey and…

AUSTIN, Texas — Tropical Storm Barry is continuing to gain strength as it churns over the northern Gulf of Mexico. At the 4:00 PM update, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) has Barry situated 70 miles to the south southeast of Morgan City, Louisiana and moving to the west northwest at 6 MPH. The NHC anticipates that Barry will continue to intensify into a weak category 1 hurricane just before it makes landfall on the central…

AUSTIN, Texas — Tropical Storm Barry remains disorganized Thursday night as it sits in the north-central Gulf of Mexico. The latest forecast track now has Barry making landfall as a strong tropical storm on Saturday morning along the Louisiana coast. KVUE Although wind and surge will be a concern, flash flooding and river flooding are the main threats with this storm. Rainfall amounts of 5 to 15 inches are expected over much of the state…

AUSTIN, Texas — Tropical Storm Barry remains disorganized Thursday afternoon as it sits in the north-central Gulf of Mexico. The latest forecast track now has Barry making landfall as a strong tropical storm on Saturday along the Louisiana coast. kvue Although wind and surge will be a concern, flash flooding and river flooding are the main threats with this storm. Rainfall amounts of 5 to 15 inches are expected over much of the state of…

90° × News Local Texas US & World Politics FOX 7 Care Force Featured Videos Tropical Storm Barry forms in Gulf of Mexico, could bring ‘catastrophic’ flooding to Louisiana Body found in hotel room believed to be missing woman, APD says Lightning strikes blamed for house fires in Flower Mound, Irving Shelter for displaced immigrants in need of space for more families Most Recent Stories Tropical Storm Barry forms in Gulf of Mexico, could bring…

AUSTIN, Texas — The tropical disturbance that we have been monitoring in the Gulf of Mexico for the past several days was upgraded to Tropical Storm Barry this morning. This means the storm is strengthening with maximum sustained winds at 40 mph, and bands of rain beginning to spiral out from the center of circulation, 95 miles south/southeast of the mouth of the Mississippi River.  Most forecast models are trending for this system to move…

AUSTIN, Texas — We continue to monitor a disturbance in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico. The most recent update from the National Hurricane Center forecasts this disturbance to strengthen into a Tropical Depression Barry by Thursday afternoon and eventually a Category 1 hurricane by Saturday morning with landfall expectancy along the Louisiana coastline. kvue Most forecast models are trending for this system to move westward toward the Louisiana coast by late Friday and early Saturday….

HGAC Releases “Together Against the Weather” Campaign Ahead of Hurricane Season HGAC has released its “Together Against the Weather” campaign, created to help residents of the 13-county region (Austin County being one of them) to better plan and prepare for hurricanes this 2019 season. Together Against the Weather focuses on helping various special needs populations in our 13-county region, as well as provide strategies and tool kits of materials to help the general population overcome challenges…

AUSTIN, Texas (FOX 7 Austin) – Video monitors at the state emergency operations center Wednesday morning were filled with images of a storm heading toward the Texas and Louisiana state line.  The threat prompted Gov. Greg Abbott to call a meeting at DPS Headquarters in North Austin.  “We are in it for one single reason, and that is for the people of this state,” Abbott said. As Abbott directed officials from several state agencies to…

AUSTIN, Texas — We continue to monitor a disturbance in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico. The most recent update from the National Hurricane Center forecasts this disturbance to strengthen into a Tropical Storm Barry by Friday morning and Category 1 Hurricane Barry by Saturday morning before making landfall somewhere along the Texas/Louisiana border. KVUE Most forecast models are trending for this system to move westward toward the Louisiana coast by late this week or weekend….

2020 Presidential hopefuls Kamala Harris, Donald Trump, and Pete Buttigieg. (Photos by Drew Angerer/Spencer Platt/Getty Images) 2020 Presidential hopefuls Kamala Harris, Donald Trump, and Pete Buttigieg. (Photos by Drew Angerer/Spencer Platt/Getty Images) LOS ANGELES – The field of 2020 presidential candidates is crowded, with 24 Democrats currently making a bid for the White House along with two Republicans — one of whom is President Donald Trump. As campaign season heats up, here’s a look at each candidate…

CEDAR PARK, Texas (FOX 7 Austin) – The Cedar Park Fire Department is reminding everyone that most fireworks are illegal in and around city limits. The department is also asking residents to not use fireworks, but instead attend the professional show the city is hosting at Milburn Park, located at 1901 Sun Chase Boulevard, beginning at approximately 9:15 p.m. “Fireworks cause thousands of injures and many fires each year,” Fire Chief James Mallinger said in…

SAN MARCOS, Texas (FOX 7 Austin) – The Kunze family went to the 5 Mile Dam Wednesday afternoon for a quick dip. Wyatt Kunze’s older sister Cheryl Patterson said she saw him swim out to deep waters and panic, she swam out to him, and then he began to pull her under. “The thing that hurts me still is I had to push him away to try and get air just to be able to…

AUSTIN, Texas (FOX 7 Austin) – Parks officials and Austin city leaders gathered at the Onion Creek Metropolitan Park Sunday morning for a ribbon-cutting ceremony unveiling the new Yarrabee Bend. The new part of the park features nearly 190 acres of natural parkland and recreational space for all to enjoy. On Saturday Tom Herrera joined dozens of people for the unveiling. Herrera has already utilized the park and says he looks forward to taking his…

AUSTIN, Texas (FOX 7 Austin) – “It’s just a little disappointing that they already had their minds made up today,” said Deanne Breedlove, a Lake Austin homeowner. Property owners addressed City Council Thursday morning: frustrated by their elected officials. “I find it egregious that we were informed of this decision less than 2 weeks ago in the paper and it was divisive and inflammatory as if we were stealing from the poor,” said one property…

96° × News Local Texas US & World Politics Featured Videos Body exhumed due to possible link to serial killer ‘Freedom city’ policies bring misdemeanor arrests down by more than 60 percent Today’s forecast from the FOX 7 Weather team Vet issues summer walk warning after treating dog with burned off paw pads Most Recent Stories Body exhumed due to possible link to serial killer ‘Freedom city’ policies bring misdemeanor arrests down by more than…

PFLUGERVILLE, Texas (FOX 7 Austin) – After a recent drowning, safety was the main concern of officials overseeing a triathlon at Lake Pflugerville over the weekend. Prior to the start of the race all contestants were warned of the underwater dangers. One triathlon athlete says he wasn’t sure if the event was going to happen after a dive team recovered a body from Lake Pflugerville where a kayaker went missing. Pflugerville police say severe weather…

AUSTIN, Texas (FOX 7 Austin) – You drink it, you swim in it, water is the key to life. “Austin has a history of protecting its water quality and making that water quality good for future generations,” said Spencer Cronk, Austin City Manager. With troubling floods that continue to plague the region, city officials are tasked with protecting the quality of our water each and every day. “Using the 2018 bond money that overwhelmingly passed…

AUSTIN, Texas (FOX 7 Austin) – State plumbing regulations will stay in place for now after Governor Greg Abbott issued an executive order to keep the Texas State Board of Plumbing from shutting down. Abbott cited the continuing recovery from Hurricane Harvey. The Texas State Board of Plumbing was on track to shut down by September of this year after lawmakers failed to renew it during the most recent session.  The board is responsible for…

71° × News Local Texas US & World Politics Featured Videos Austin considering citywide ban on cat declawing procedures EF2 tornado hit Copperas Cove Sunday Storm rips roof off home near Lockhart Parents speak out after shots fired at UT apartment complex Most Recent Stories Austin considering citywide ban on cat declawing procedures EF2 tornado hit Copperas Cove Sunday Storm rips roof off home near Lockhart Parents speak out after shots fired at UT apartment…

NOAA scientists are forecasting this year’s Gulf of Mexico “dead zone” – an area of low to no oxygen that can kill fish – to be roughly the size of Massachusetts. (Photo credit: NOAA)  NOAA scientists are forecasting this year’s Gulf of Mexico “dead zone” – an area of low to no oxygen that can kill fish – to be roughly the size of Massachusetts. (Photo credit: NOAA)  NEW ORLEANS – There’s a “dead zone”…

COPPERAS COVE, Texas (FOX 7 Austin) – The National Weather Service has confirmed an EF2 tornado hit Copperas Cove Sunday evening. The tornado damaged about 200 homes in the northwest part of town, but no injuries have been reported. It touched down around 5:30 p.m. June 9, leaving behind a trail of destruction more than a mile long.  “Our home took the brunt of this block,” said BJ Taylor, who lives on Colorado Drive.  Now, blue…

LOCKHART, Texas (FOX 7 Austin) – Many people in the Lockhart area are still recovering following last night’s storm. The winds were strong enough to rip the roof off of a home as well as knock over trees. “It hasn’t sunk in, I don’t know what I’m going to do,” said Veronique Matthews. She was left to pick up the pieces after Sunday’s storm tore through her home near Lockhart. The roof gone and piles…

AUSTIN, Texas (FOX 7 Austin) – Operations chief Chuck Jones joined the Texas A&M task force back in 1997 and he knew why it was his calling. “Being part of the task force is the opportunity to help people in their worst days, when they’re having or experiencing the worst time in their life,” Jones said. “To be able to be there and help those individuals is extremely fulfilling.” With that motivation in mind, he continues to…

LIBERTY HILL, Texas — **The video above is from damage during the same storm event in Lockhart, Texas.** The National Weather Service for Austin/San Antonio confirmed on Monday that a tornado touched down near Liberty Hill Sunday night. Storms moved through the area Sunday evening and at 6:34 p.m., it has been confirmed that a tornado touched down near Liberty Hill. The NWS confirmed the tornado based on eyewitness reports and tree damage pictures sent…

PFLUGERVILLE, Texas (FOX 7 Austin) – UPDATE: According to the Pflugerville Police Department, the search has now transitioned into a recovery as of 9:39 p.m. Authorities are searching for a female kayaker on Lake Pflugerville Sunday evening. The Pflugerville Police Department received a call June 9 at 6:46 p.m. about a potential drowning at Lake Pflugerville. According to a release from the city, a female in her 20s in a kayak was carried into deeper water as…

AUSTIN, Texas — LIVE BLOG: A Flash Flood Warning is in effect for Kingsland, Llano and Buchanan Dam until 10 p.m. There’s also one in effect for Austin, Pflugerville and Wells Branch until 10:15 p.m. In San Marcos, Kyle and Buda, the warning is in effect until 10:30 p.m. Until 10:45 p.m., a Flash Flood Warning is in effect for Fredericksburg, Harper and Stonewall. In New Braunfels, San Marcos and Kyle, a severe Thunderstorm Warning…

AUSTIN, Texas — A weak cold front made it’s way into Central Texas and was the trigger mechanism we needed for severe storms to erupt over the viewing area.  Severe thunderstorm warnings were issued for several counties earlier, but have all since expired. Numerous reports of pea and quarter size hail were reported around the metro. The storms have exited most of Central Texas almost as quickly as they arrived.  Below are rainfall totals from…

AUSTIN, Texas — A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect until 10 p.m. for Blanco, Bastrop, Caldwell, Fayette, Travis, Hays, Lee and Williamson counties until 10pm. kvue The best chance for storms will be for areas east and south of Austin through the early evening hours. By late this evening, the bulk of storms will decrease and move out of the area. kvue Isolated severe storms producing large hail and damaging winds are the two…

AUSTIN, Texas — Weather Outlook An Enhanced Risk for severe weather exists for Thursday with main threats being gusty winds upwards of 60 mph, large hail, and isolated tornadoes. Partly sunny skies will adorn the day with temperatures reaching into the mid to low 90s with uncomfortable humidity. Dangerous heat exists this weekend with surface temperatures in the upper 90s and heat index values at or above 105 degrees.  RELATED: Storm chance overnight; more storms…

AUSTIN, Texas — Weather Outlook An isolated lingering shower is possible this evening. Partly cloudy skies tonight with patchy fog and drizzle developing after midnight. A front will move into the area tomorrow afternoon allowing for scattered thunderstorms to develop. A few storms could be strong or severe, with large hail and damaging winds being the primary threats. Dangerous heat this weekend with surface temperatures in the upper 90s and heat index values at or…

AUSTIN, Texas (FOX 7 Austin) – The saying goes ‘April showers bring May flowers,’ but they also bring bees to Central Texas. Last May the Austin Fire Department reportedly responded to more than a dozen bee-related emergency calls. Officials also says there have already been numerous calls for help, with removing hives from homes across the area. Nona Evans has been a beekeeper for years, just recently her beehives has hit full occupancy. That’s because some of…

WASHINGTON (AP) – A long-delayed $19.1 billion disaster aid bill sailed through the House on Monday and headed to President Donald Trump for his expected signature, overcoming months of infighting, misjudgment and a feud between Trump and congressional Democrats. Lawmakers gave the measure final congressional approval by 354-58 in the House’s first significant action after returning from a 10-day recess. It was backed by all the chamber’s voting Democrats and more than 130 Republicans, including…

Actress Danneel Ackles ( One Tree Hill, Supernatural ) and designer Edson Enriquez of Limbo Jewelry have unveiled their new collaboration,  the Link Collection . The collection will benefit local Austin charity Creative Action , a nonprofit that provides creative learning programs for Central Texas youth. For more information, or to preorder pieces from the collection, visit Limbo Jewelry’s website .

DALLAS (AP) – About 1,000 people arrive in Texas each day, drawn by jobs, newly built homes and other opportunities. But in a state where prolonged drought is a regular occurrence, officials are struggling to ensure they can sate everyone’s thirst. Water experts are trying to determine how “resilient” the state’s water infrastructure is in keeping safe drinking water flowing through the taps. There are indications that the system is more fragile than once thought:…

84° × News Local Texas US & World Politics Featured Videos Newark fining motorists for giving money to panhandlers Suspect arrested and charged for murder at Givens Park The U.S. Women’s Soccer team might be the tournament’s best — and it’s also its oldest Avoid I-35: Major lane closures are set for the weekend Most Recent Stories Newark fining motorists for giving money to panhandlers Suspect arrested and charged for murder at Givens Park The…

BASTROP, Texas (FOX 7 Austin) – A severe storm Wednesday night caused significant damage to the Bastrop County Jail. The storm ripped the roof off an overflow building there, tossing debris more than 100 yards away.  Luckily no one was injured, but, because of the damage, the county will not be able to accept inmates from other counties until repairs are made. The guard four building, where the roof was torn off, is used to house low-security…

Reported tornado in Kemp near Cedar Creek Country Club (Photo: Brandon Smith) Reported tornado in Kemp near Cedar Creek Country Club (Photo: Brandon Smith) DALLAS – Teams from the National Weather Service were out surveying the damage to determine how many tornadoes hit North Texas Wednesday. The NWS focused on Denton, Rockwall, Kemp, Mabank and Canton. They have already confirmed an EF-0 tornado in the Denton County city of Krum, an EF-1 tornado in the Heritage Trace…

ROCKWALL, Texas – A teacher in the North Texas city of Rockwell is being a called a true hero. FOX 4 viewer Brittany Touchstone share a photo of her sister, Megan Parson, running down the parent pickup line Wednesday afternoon as a tornado approached the area. The fourth-grade teacher at Celia Hayes Elementary School helped get all parents and students safely inside the school to take cover. Touchstone is proud of her sister’s efforts and…

72° × News Local Texas US & World Politics Featured Videos Police investigating stabbing in North Austin Several venomous snakes spotted in Austin area Push for Pecan Grove Partners to take over Butler Park Pitch and Putt Meteorologists say 2019 tornado season is active, above normal Most Recent Stories Police investigating stabbing in North Austin Several venomous snakes spotted in Austin area Push for Pecan Grove Partners to take over Butler Park Pitch and Putt…

AUSTIN, Texas (FOX 7 Austin) – Parts of the DFW metro have already seen tornadoes touch down Wednesday. A reminder that the severe weather season is far from over. “This time of the year we have a very active jet stream and that’s what provides that wind shear,” said Brett Wililams, NWS Austin/San Antonio. Wind shear means speed and direction of wind. Tornadoes thrive off of significant wind shear and speed. “We’ve had this weather…

AUSTIN, Texas (FOX 7 Austin) – The dedication of the STAR Flight hanger expansion in East Austin brought out friends and family of Kristin McLain. The building is now named for the former flight nurse who died during a rescue mission in 2015. “Her influence and contributions will continue to shape STAR Flight for many, many, years to come, and we are thrilled to be able to honor her today so that here memory …,”…

AUSTIN, Texas — Weather Outlook A line of severe thunderstorms is forming out in west Texas this afternoon. The line will gradually make it’s way to the Austin metro but will lose some intensity as it does so. We’ll go for a 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms as the broken line makes it’s way to Central Texas, some storms could still be severe with large hail and damaging winds being the main threat. We…

DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas — While many are out relaxing at lakes and pools this weekend, that’s not the reality for some people in Dripping Springs as they are still recovering after flash flooding hit their apartment complex three weeks ago. “I’m forever grateful for the men and woman in the service,” said Garrett Navarro, his Memorial Day weekend plans are not as expected. Several inches of flash flood water made it’s way inside his home…

PFLUGERVILLE, Texas (FOX 7 Austin) – Roughly one year ago, Dawn Branecky decided she did not want her coworker’s “pack n’ play” go to waste.  A woman she met through work was involved with TruCare Pregnancy Center in Austin, so Branecky decided she could take the “pack n’ play” there.  Then Branecky, a Pflugerville resident, put a post on the “Buy Nothing Pflugerville” Facebook page, asking if anyone else in the community had donations they wanted her…