Austin Texas News

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…

KINGSLAND, Texas (FOX 7 Austin) – The new RM 2900 bridge in Kingsland is finished. The old bridge washed away during severe flooding last fall. A community now whole again. “We were all ecstatic about it. I’m extremely happy about it. We all walked the bridge Friday morning to get over there,” said Jack Garner who lives south of the bridge. After 7 months and $17.3 million later, there’s a new bridge in town over…

WASHINGTON (AP) – A House GOP conservative complaining a long-overdue $19 billion disaster aid bill leaves out money needed to address the migrant crisis at the border blocked the bill Friday, extending a tempest over hurricane and flood relief that has left the measure meandering for months. The move came a day after the measure flew through the Senate despite a Democratic power move to strip out President Donald Trump’s $4.5 billion request for dealing…

KINGSLAND, Texas (FOX 7 Austin) – TxDOT has finished construction of the new 2900 bridge in Kingsland, just in time for Memorial Day weekend. The previous one had washed away in floods last October.  The last moments of the previous RM 2900 bridge were captured by Kenneth Smith. In the morning of October 16th, sections of the road deck were flipped and washed away by flood waters rushing down the Llano River. The bridge was built…

AUSTIN, Texas (FOX 7 Austin) – Dangerous weather conditions have formed and are lingering over Texas and Oklahoma. On Monday, areas of the two states were under a high risk for tornadoes.  Twisters were spotted in Paducah, Texas and Butler, Oklahoma. Weather authorities are not taking this lightly and they urge everyone to listen to the warnings. Meteorologists say this kind of high risk alert is rare. “Two years ago was the last time a “high…

88° × News Local Texas US & World Politics Featured Videos Parts of Texas, Oklahoma under high risk for tornadoes, severe weather Palm School supporters urge county not to sell U.S. Naval Academy’s Class of 2022 completes annual Herndon Monument climb Federal judge rules Trump’s financial records should be handed over to Congress Most Recent Stories Parts of Texas, Oklahoma under high risk for tornadoes, severe weather Palm School supporters urge county not to sell…

AUSTIN, Texas (FOX 7 Austin) – Texas Governor Greg Abbott has placed numerous resources on standby across the state in preparation for an outbreak of severe weather expected to hit the state today. There is a high threat for tornadoes as well. Governor Abbott has also ordered the Texas State Operations Center (SOC) to Level III (increased readiness) for this weather event so the state stands ready to assist should this latest severe weather system cause…

LLANO COUNTY, Texas — Not only were homes destroyed in last October’s historic flooding, but the Llano River’s natural protections were also washed away. Crews are now working to revitalize them. “I always enjoyed nature, plants, [the] river and boating,” said Eva Broad, who was volunteering to help out Texas Parks and Wildlife with the habitat revival project. She was one of more than a dozen people helping to rebuild the habitats washed away by…

AUSTIN, Texas — Scattered showers and isolated severe storms will be possible through Saturday evening. A tornado watch has been issued for a majority of Central Texas until 8 p.m. on Saturday. kvue The overall best chance for widespread severe storms will be for parts of north and northeast Texas. The Storm Prediction Center has highlighted Central Texas and the KVUE viewing area in either a “slight” risk – two out of five risk –…

AUSTIN, Texas — Weather Outlook **Tornado Watch currently in effect for Central Texas until 8pm Saturday evening** A threat for a few thunderstorms that could be strong to severe. Not everyone is guaranteed to see rain today, but know the threat is there for damaging winds, large hail and possibly a tornado as well. Tonight, temperatures will fall to the 70s with a partly cloudy sky overhead and rain chances slimming. Warmer weather moves in…

The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for Central Texas through 8 p.m. tonight, affected areas include Travis, Bastrop, Caldwell, Blanco, Hays and Burnet counties RELATED | Here Are 8 Ways To Stay Ahead Of Severe Weather In Central Texas Forecasters expect an eastward front to reach the Austin area this afternoon, bringing the possibility of an isolated tornado, heavy rain, hail and wind gusts of up to 70 mph. NWS urges residents to…

The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for Central Texas through 8 p.m. tonight, affected areas include Travis, Bastrop, Caldwell, Blanco, Hays and Burnet counties. RELATED | Here Are 8 Ways To Stay Ahead Of Severe Weather In Central Texas Forecasters expect an eastward front to reach the Austin area this afternoon, bringing the possibility of an isolated tornado, heavy rain, hail and wind gusts of up to 70 mph. NWS urges residents to…

AUSTIN, Texas — Scattered showers and storms will be possible Saturday, a few of which could turn strong or severe, but they aren’t expected to be as widespread as previously thought. A tornado watch has been issued for a majority of Central Texas until 8 p.m. on Saturday. Tornado watch until 8 p.m. KVUE The Storm Prediction Center has highlighted Central Texas and the KVUE viewing area in either a “slight” risk – two out…

AUSTIN, Texas (FOX 7 Austin) – Expect traffic out of downtown to get even more congested. Starting next week, several lanes will be closed near the South First and Barton Springs intersection for most of the summer. A company is doing redevelopment in the area along South First Street. The reason for the lane closures is they need to bury Austin Energy lines under the pavement. “It’s going to create the biggest amount of congestion…

AUSTIN, Texas — Now that flooding has gone down in the area, places previously closed in the Austin area are now reopening. Barton Springs Pool is set to reopen on Saturday, May 18 at 5 a.m. Austin Parks and Recreation announced on Friday the post-flooding clean-up and restoration of Barton Springs Pool was completed. At 5 p.m. on Friday the waterway ban for areas near Red Bud Isle and Tom Miller Dam, reopening these areas…

CASTELL, Texas — Need something to do this weekend? The Texas Parks & Wildlife Department is looking for volunteers to help revitalize the areas that have been destroyed by flooding. Last fall, the banks of the Llano River were flooded. Crops and vegetation were destroyed, making it difficult for animals and fish to survive. “What we’re trying to do is add native plants to the area before invasive species take over,” said John Botros, a…

AUSTIN, Texas (FOX 7 Austin) – The Austin Fire Department lifted the two day waterway ban but that didn’t matter to several people who had been ignoring it. Fire Chief Joel Baker issued the ban for certain parts of Lake Austin and Lady Bird Lake due to heavy rains that caused some flooding in the area but it didn’t deter some from getting on the water.  Lake patrol says they were ready. There is not word…

AUSTIN, Texas — Famous country music artist Josh Abbott was recognized by the Texas House of Representatives on Monday for his help with relief efforts after Hurricane Harvey. According to Rep. Drew Springer out of District 68, Abbott went to Rockport after Hurricane Harvey to help feed first responders. Springer posted a photo to Twitter on Monday of himself, Rep. Dustin Burrows and Abbott posing for the camera while helping after the disaster. RELATED: Josh…

AUSTIN, Texas (FOX 7 Austin) – Slammed by severe storms, the Barton Creek Greenbelt has been closed for the past week.  “It’s slippery, it’s wet, it causes erosion and right now the parks department has deemed that it’s not yet safe to go back into the parks.” explained LeAnn Ishcomer, a park ranger with the City of Austin.  Most formal park entrances have locks and signs, demanding potential park-goers to keep out. But, that hasn’t…

DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas (FOX 7 Austin) – After being hit by a devastating flood last week Homespun Kitchen and Bar is now back in business and customers say they couldn’t be more thrilled. It’s hard to believe that just a week ago the restaurant located in Dripping Springs was filled with more than four feet of water.  About 60 people were in the restaurant at the time of the flood and were able to make…

AUSTIN, Texas (FOX 7 Austin) – The size of the landslide can clearly be seen from SkyFOX Drone. The new collapse into Shoal Creek sheared off a larger section that first fell a year ago. “We really want to emphasis the fact that the landslide is still very unstable, we encourage the public to stay away from the landslide area and from the creek and damaged trail below it,” said Diana Wang with Austin Watershed…

A Flash Flood Watch is in effect through Saturday evening at 7pm as we expect several more rounds of heavy rain Friday and Saturday. Floodgate operations are currently underway at Buchanan Dam and Mansfield Dam as of Thursday evening. An additional floodgate has also been partially opened at Tom Miller Dam. Scattered showers and storms are possible Friday afternoon and evening. A disturbance will move into the state early Saturday, allowing for numerous showers and…

AUSTIN, Texas (FOX 7 Austin) – The floodgates are open. “We’ve had a significant amount of rain fall in our watershed over the past week. As many of our central Texans are aware we’ve had some regional sized flooding throughout the Colorado River system,” said John Hoffmann the LCRS executive Vice President. The Lower Colorado River Authority spent Thursday opening floodgates across the area. For the Tom Miller Dam, they plan to partially open 2…

AUSTIN, Texas (FOX 7 Austin) – On average, more than 130 tornadoes form in Texas each year. That means more tornadoes happen in Texas than any other state in the U.S.  Now, researchers at Texas Tech University are working on a project they hope will improve the speed and accuracy of tornado detection in the future.  Next week, the “Targeted Observation by Radars and Unmanned Aircraft Systems of Supercells,” or “TORUS,” project will begin. The project…

DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas — There are still some low-water crossings that are being heavily impacted by the flooding. Some are in Dripping Springs are also looking past the flooding and coming together to get back to normal. Working together makes everything a whole lot easier. “Yeah, we’re trying to recover from that, obviously this thing needs a good cleaning after all the water that was in here,” said Ciara Moloney, an employee at Homespun. “So…

AUSTIN, Texas (FOX 7 Austin) – Austin City Council members Alison Alter and Leslie Pool held a press conference ahead of Thursday’s council meeting about two environmentally-focused resolutions. Pool’s item: supporting as a City, the Congressional legislation called the “Green New Deal” introduced by U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. “Several other cities across the country support the Green New Deal for the same reasons we do, because it recognizes the value of connecting climate resilience with…

AUSTIN, Texas (FOX 7 Austin) – For the past several days, water has been released from Lake Austin through a single gate at the Tom Miller Dam. The limited release was done to reduce the flood threat downstream on the Colorado River south of Austin. The slow release resulted in water continuing to build up in Lake Travis behind Mansfield Dam. That had water creeping into Graveyard Point. It’s a familiar sight for Della Robbins and…

It’s severe weather season and some Central Texas residents have already been faced with storm damage, especially those residents east of the city. With more storms expected the rest of this week, it’s important to be prepared in case you need to hire a contractor to make repairs. But, you also have to watch out for scams! BBB’s Jarrod Wise joins us to talk about some things you can do to prepare and what to…

AUSTIN, Texas — A Flash Flood Watch is in effect through Saturday evening as we expect several more rounds of heavy rain in the days to come. Scattered showers and storms will return Thursday, especially late in the day, as a front moves into the region. Rain chances increase to 60% for Thursday evening. Isolated severe thunderstorms will be possible Thursday afternoon and evening. The “slight risk” — level two out of five — is…

Many low water crossings in Williamson County are closed, especially those along Brushy Creek in Round Rock, after thunderstorms blew through Central Texas Wednesday. “It was almost like driving in the dark,” said Felicia Coleman who lives in Round Rock. The amount of rain was enough to spark closures like one low water crossing off Brushy Bend Road near Cedar Park which was completely engulfed in water. “The skies just opened up and you knew there…

AUSTIN, Texas (FOX 7 Austin) – Wednesday storms flooded Austin, including close to Victor Ragon’s south Austin home. “I got this place like two years ago and … I’ve never seen nothing happen like this before.” said Ragon.  The new homeowner was hoping the Wasson Road home would be a safe place he and his family could call home. But with severe weather moving through the region, he is worried.  Ragon’s home sits next to a low…

LA GRANGE, Texas — McCourt and Sons Equipment, a business just off highway 71 near La Grange, took a direct hit from an E-F 2 tornado last week.  A week later, you can barely tell. Which is proof a week can mean the world of difference. “Until it really happens, you don’t really know everything you’re gonna have to deal with,” said Eamon McCourt, VP of McCourt and Son’s. The crews were able to clean…

LA GRANGE, Texas — McCourt and Sons Equipment, a business just off highway 71 near La Grange, took a direct hit from an E-F 2 tornado last week.  A week later, you can barely tell. Which is proof a week can mean the world of difference. “Until it really happens, you don’t really know everything you’re gonna have to deal with,” said Eamon McCourt, VP of McCourt and Son’s. The crews were able to clean…

AUSTIN, Texas — Flash Flooding continues to be a top concern for Central Texas residents. A Flash Flood Watch will be in effect Wednesday evening until 7pm for metro counties and for most of the Hill Country. kvue A flood warning has been issued for the Pedernales River at Johnson City until Thursday evening. The river is expected to crest at 17.3′. There is also a flash flood warning in place for Hays County until…

AUSTIN, Texas — Flash Flooding continues to be a top concern for Central Texas residents. A Flash Flood Watch will be in effect Wednesday evening until 7pm for metro counties and for most of the Hill Country. kvue A flood warning has been issued for the Pedernales River at Johnson City until Thursday evening. The river is expected to crest at 17.3′. There is also a flash flood warning in place for Hays County until…

AUSTIN, Texas — Scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms will be likely Wednesday. Several storms could be strong or severe. Along with the severe threat, heavy rainfall could provoke additional flash flooding. A Flash Flood Watch will be in effect Wednesday for metro counties and for most of the Hill Country. kvue A flood warning has been issued for the Pedernales River at Johnson City until Thursday evening. The river is expected to crest at…

Some warnings and watches have been issued as storms, some of them severe, sweep through Central Texas. As of 1:30 p.m., more than 100 low water crossing have been closed according to ATXfloods. You can see up to the minute closings here. Austin Energy says that it working on about four dozen incidents affecting nearly 8,000 customers as of about 1:30 p.m. It says the largest one is impacting the southwest corridor. You can see…

AUSTIN, Texas — Due to flooding conditions in the Austin area, several popular outdoor areas throughout Austin are closed. According to the City of Austin, the Barton Creek Greenbelt is closed as of Tuesday morning due to additional rainfall and potential flash flooding. This comes shortly after it reopened temporarily on Monday.  The Parks and Recreation Department originally asked that the public not use the Greenbelt due to trail erosion and swift creek currents. The…

AUSTIN, Texas — Weather Outlook Strong to severe thunderstorms will be possible Wednesday. Along with the threat of storms producing large hail, damaging winds and tornadoes, heavy downpours could also trigger flash flooding. Chances for scattered showers and storms continue Thursday, Friday & Saturday. Mainly dry Sunday for Mother’s Day. RELATED: Storm Timeline: When to expect storms Wednesday DETAILED FORECAST: WEDNESDAY:Flash Flood Watch. Cloudy skies with storms likely. 80% chance for rain. Some storms could…

AUSTIN, Texas — Weather Outlook Strong to severe thunderstorms will be possible Wednesday. Along with the threat of storms producing large hail, damaging winds and tornadoes, heavy downpours could also trigger flash flooding. Chances for scattered showers and storms continue Thursday, Friday & Saturday. Mainly dry Sunday for Mother’s Day. RELATED: Storm Timeline: When to expect storms Wednesday DETAILED FORECAST: TUESDAY NIGHT:Scattered showers and storms possible this evening. Southeast winds from 10 to 15 mph.LOW:…

WEBBERVILLE, Texas (FOX 7 Austin) – Surveillance video caught the moment rushing floodwaters made their way into a church in Webberville and the rescue efforts to help save their members. With more storms expected this week they are worried their church won’t be able to take another beating. In the video people carried kids on their backs clenching a rope as they make their way through the water.  “It was terrifying for some people. like I…

AUSTIN, Texas — Weather Outlook A chance for evening showers and storms, especially for areas along and east of IH-35. Strong to severe thunderstorms will be possible Wednesday. Along with the threat of storms producing large hail, damaging winds and tornadoes, heavy downpours could also trigger flash flooding. Chances for scattered showers and storms continue Thursday, Friday & Saturday. Mainly dry Sunday for Mother’s Day. DETAILED FORECAST: TUESDAY NIGHT:Scattered showers and storms possible this evening….

AUSTIN, Texas (FOX 7 Austin) – It’s severe weather season and some Central Texas residents have already been faced with storm damage, especially those residents east of the city. With more storms expected the rest of this week, it’s important to be prepared in case you need to hire a contractor to make repairs. But, you also have to watch out for scams! BBB’s Jarrod Wise joins us to talk about some things you can…

It’s severe weather season and some Central Texas residents have already been faced with storm damage, especially those residents east of the city. With more storms expected the rest of this week, it’s important to be prepared in case you need to hire a contractor to make repairs. But, you also have to watch out for scams! BBB’s Jarrod Wise joins us to talk about some things you can do to prepare and what to…

Another round of disturbances will march through Central Texas this week, allowing for scattered thunderstorms and the risk for severe weather and flash flooding. KVUE The main threat for severe weather Tuesday will be far west of Central Texas, but we still can’t rule out a strong storm Tuesday afternoon and evening. KVUE Better chances for severe weather around Austin and Central Texas arrives Wednesday.   Much of Central Texas, including the Austin metro, is…

It’s severe weather season and some Central Texas residents have already been faced with storm damage, especially those residents east of the city. With more storms expected the rest of this week, it’s important to be prepared in case you need to hire a contractor to make repairs. But, you also have to watch out for scams! BBB’s Jarrod Wise joins us to talk about some things you can do to prepare and what to…

AUSTIN, Texas (FOX 7 Austin) – On Monday first responders geared up to prepare for potentially more rescues with this week’s predicted storms. First responders answered 18 water rescue calls in the span of five hours after last Friday’s storms.“When a big flooding event happens it’s all hands on deck,” said ATCEMS Captain Darren Noak.  ATCEMS and other first responders had their hands full Friday evening saving dozens of people from rushing flood waters. In…

AUSTIN, Texas — When Karen Moise bought Ma Maison in 2011, she said didn’t have to worry about flooding for her wedding venue because Dripping Springs was drought-stricken.  Fast forward to 2019 and flash flooding is a much more common concern. On Friday, she lost her neighbor, 55-year-old Brandon Hurlbut, after fast-moving waters washed his vehicle away from where Barton Creek meets Bell Springs Road. “To hear that it was an actual resident is heartbreaking…