Austin Texas News

According to the Bastrop County Office of Emergency Management, the fire is burning in the vicinity of Cassel Way, Kelly Road and 1441. BASTROP COUNTY, Texas — Evacuations have been lifted as a 100-acre wildfire continues to burn in Bastrop County on Saturday night. According to the Bastrop County Office of Emergency Management, the fire is burning in the vicinity of Cassel Way, Kelley Road and 1441. All of Cassel Way and west of Kelley…

According to the Bastrop County Office of Emergency Management, the fire is burning in the vicinity of Cassel Way, Kelly Road and 1441. BASTROP COUNTY, Texas — Evacuations are underway as a 75-acre wildfire threatens homes in Bastrop County on Saturday evening. According to the Bastrop County Office of Emergency Management, the fire is burning in the vicinity of Cassel Way, Kelley Road and 1441. All of Cassel Way and west of Kelley Way to…

A Williamson County judge granted a temporary restraining order requiring the property management to continue paying for hotels for a few tenants until April 14. ROUND ROCK, Texas — When the February winter storms hit Texas, many Central Texas homes and apartments were damaged due to things like water pipes bursting.  That was true for the Townhomes at Double Creek, a low-income housing complex where storm damage repairs forced residents to stay at hotels as…

It’s happened again. Hail stones pummeled Austin early this morning, marking a date with a dark history in the Texas capital city. It’s the fourth time since 1993 that Austin has been hammered with hail on March 25. In addition to 1993, there were hail storms here in 2005, 2009 and now 2021. “Quite interesting that now we’ve had four separate hail storms on March 25 in Austin,” said Keith White, a meteorologist with the…

Severe storms capable of large hail, damaging wind gusts and a couple tornadoes will be possible. AUSTIN, Texas — A Tornado Watch has been issued for the Hill Country and Interstate 35 corridor until 4 a.m. Thursday morning. This means conditions tonight will be conducive for severe storms capable of hail up to tennis-ball size, damaging wind gusts and a couple tornadoes. Please make sure you have multiple ways to receive warnings overnight, including the…

Severe storms capable of large hail, damaging wind gusts and a couple tornadoes will be possible. A Tornado Warning is also in effect for Mason County. AUSTIN, Texas — A Tornado Watch has been issued for the Hill Country and Interstate 35 corridor until 4 a.m. Thursday morning. This means conditions tonight will be conducive for severe storms capable of hail up to tennis-ball size, damaging wind gusts and a couple tornadoes. A Tornado Warning…

The latest forecast from the KVUE Storm Team. Author: Jason Mikell, Shane Hinton (KVUE), Mariel Ruiz, Hunter Williams, Erika Lopez Published: 11:46 AM CST March 6, 2019 Updated: 10:53 PM CDT March 24, 2021 AUSTIN, Texas — We are under a severe weather threat tonight into Thursday morning as the next system pushes through. Strong to severe storms will be possible with hail and damaging winds as the primary threats, but isolated tornadoes will be…

Some storms could be severe Wednesday and Thursday for Central Texas. AUSTIN, Texas — Parts of the KVUE viewing area are under an enhanced (3/5) risk of severe weather. Isolated to scattered storms could produce large hail, damaging winds and frequent lightning. Isolated tornadoes cannot be ruled out.  A Tornado Watch has been issued for Mason, Llano and Burnet counties until 10 p.m.   Be sure to download KVUE’s app for updates and to check…

Bertram Police Chief Dwayne Kyle told KVUE there were no reported injuries. BERTRAM, Texas — Crews in Bertram spent overnight and early morning hours Tuesday cleaning up damage following storms that rolled through Central Texas.  The city, which is about an hour west of Austin, saw many of its older buildings take most of the damage. The crews spent Tuesday morning cleaning up portions of State Highway 29, the main road that runs through the…

A severe thunderstorm warning has been upgraded to a tornado warning for much of Williamson County until 11:15 p.m. The National Weather urges people to take shelter now. A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for western Travis County. The National Weather Service says damaging winds of up to 70 miles per hour and 2-inch hail is possible. RELATED | 8 Ways To Stay Ahead Of Severe Weather In Central Texas A warning means severe…

A severe storm could bring large hail and damaging winds to the Austin metro area overnight. The National Weather Service expects strong to severe storms between 1 a.m. and 7 a.m. Wednesday. There’s a “very low chance” of a tornado, but that’s “not the primary threat,” according to NWS. The places with the greatest risk for hail and damaging winds are areas along the Edwards Plateau, the Hill Country and the I-35 corridor. Follow updates…

The State offers tax relief for property owners who have winter storm damage. AUSTIN, Texas — Appraisal districts will temporarily reduce property tax base if you have damage from the recent winter storm. Minimum damage is 15% of the property’s improvement value. The tax reduction will only be in place until the property is reappraised. The deadline to apply is May 28.  Q&A with Marya Crigler, chief appraiser, Travis Central Appraisal District Erica Proffer: “Tell…

The severe weather last week left many Texans with damages to their homes and businesses. And now many are struggling to get food. Here are some ways to get help. Property Damages President Joe Biden approved a major disaster declaration for counties in Texas, including Travis, Williamson, Hays, Bastrop and Caldwell, opening up federal assistance to residents. The aid includes grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans for uninsured property losses, and other…

The City of Kyle lifted its boil water notice on Monday, but Vista at Plum Creek residents still have to boil theirs. KYLE, Texas — Although many in Central Texas have clean water back in their homes, some people in Kyle are still dealing with leaks because of broken water pipes, like the folks at Vista at Plum Creek. The residents told KVUE they got emails about multiple pipe bursts at the apartment complex after…

The survey is available in both English and Spanish. It applies to all businesses and residences across the state who suffered damage. The survey will request some of the following information: The survey will also allow individuals to submit photos. Reporting damages to the office of emergency management is completely voluntary and is not a substitute for reporting damage to an insurance agency. It also does not guarantee disaster relief assistance.

When Cornell Woolridge finally ventured out of his Northwest Austin home to get water and food following the extreme weather last week, he noticed police vehicles outside an elderly neighbor’s house. “It left me with a lump with my throat,” he said. A younger man was crying outside the house. It was his neighbor’s son, who had just learned his father had passed away inside. “I asked, ‘Did he have power? Was it was related…

The 2018 boil water notice lasted six days. However, this time, much of the area is also experiencing a power outage. AUSTIN, Texas — On Wednesday night, Austin joined a growing list of Central Texas cities that are now under a boil water notice amid statewide power outages. The city-wide notice was issued due to power loss at the Ullrich Water Treatment Plant, Austin Water’s largest water treatment facility, and water pressure dropping below minimum…

City and county leaders will be holding a news conference to provide an update on the response to widespread power outages and severe winter weather. More than 196,000 customers are currently without power, according to the Austin Energy outage map, and temperatures remain well below freezing. Austin Mayor Steve Adler, Travis County Judge Andy Brown, City Manager Spencer Cronk, City of Austin Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Director Juan Ortiz and Austin Energy…

The risk of wildfires will be higher than normal through the winter in much of Texas. It’s yet another effect of the drought that continues to worsen in much of the state, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. Though parts of Texas got some rain after the Thanksgiving holiday, the most recent U.S. Drought Monitor map shows nearly a quarter of the state is now classified in “extreme drought.” The story behind the drought…

Record countdown is on for most tropical systems to make landfall in the U.S. in one season. The Gulf Coast has seen more than half of those landfalls. AUSTIN, Texas — It is no secret that the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season is one of the most active in recent memory.  For the second time in history, meteorologists had to turn to the Greek Alphabet to name storms because the predetermined list of tropical system names…

There have been 29 wildfires reported from the Oregon border to just north of Mexico. ROUND ROCK, Texas — Three Round Rock firefighters are leaving Central Texas Friday to head to California, where crews are working to fight devastating wildfires across the West Coast. Lt. Matt Quade, Captain Jason Rutherford and driver Wayne Pietzsch, members of the Central Branch Strike Team, will be there for a minimum of two weeks. On Sept. 11, the Kyle…

While Central Texas is not in the direct path, local impacts are expected. AUSTIN, Texas — Tropical Storm Beta made landfall near Port O’Connor late Monday night around 10 pm.  This is the ninth named storm that has made landfall in the continental U.S. this year which means 2020 is officially tied with the 1916 hurricane season for the most continental U.S. landfalls in a single season.  Beta is the second system named with the…

While Central Texas is not in the direct path, local impacts are expected. AUSTIN, Texas — Tropical Storm Beta made landfall near Port O’Connor late Monday night around 10 pm.  This is the ninth named storm that has made landfall in the continental U.S. this year which means 2020 is officially tied with the 1916 hurricane season for the most continental U.S. landfalls in a single season.  Beta is the second system named with the…

Author: Jason Mikell, Mariel Ruiz, Hunter Williams, Erika Lopez Published: 11:46 AM CST March 6, 2019 Updated: 5:44 AM CDT September 22, 2020 AUSTIN, Texas — *Tropical Storm Beta made landfall near Port O’Connor late Monday night around 10 pm.  This is the ninth named storm that has made landfall in the continental U.S. this year which means 2020 is officially tied with the 1916 hurricane season for the most continental U.S. landfalls in a…

While Central Texas is not in the direct path, local impacts are expected. AUSTIN, Texas — Tropical Storm Beta made landfall near Port O’Connor late Monday night around 10 pm.  This is the ninth named storm that has made landfall in the continental U.S. this year which means 2020 is officially tied with the 1916 hurricane season for the most continental U.S. landfalls in a single season.  Beta is the second system named with the…

Author: Jason Mikell, Mariel Ruiz, Hunter Williams, Erika Lopez Published: 11:46 AM CST March 6, 2019 Updated: 5:42 PM CDT September 21, 2020 AUSTIN, Texas — Beta’s outer bands have brought rain to Central Texas. Light to moderate rain along with dense cloud cover and gusty winds will keep Monday highs in the 70s. Rain, heavy at times will continue through Wednesday morning. Rain chances will begin to taper off for the second half of…

While Central Texas is not in the direct path, local impacts are expected. AUSTIN, Texas — As of Monday morning, Tropical Storm Beta has maximum sustained winds of 50 mph and is moving west at 6 mph. While the center of the storm is still off of the Texas coast, rain bands are already moving through Central Texas.  Beta is the second system named with the Greek alphabet in 2020. This is the second time…

Author: Jason Mikell, Mariel Ruiz, Hunter Williams, Erika Lopez Published: 11:46 AM CST March 6, 2019 Updated: 9:08 AM CDT September 20, 2020 AUSTIN, Texas — After a cool fall-like start in the 50s and 60s, expect increasing clouds through the day as tropical moisture slowly moves in from Tropical Storm Beta. A few rain bands may move in Sunday evening but the best chance for rain will be east of Austin. All eyes are…

The 2020 Atlantic Hurricane season has been one for the record books. It’s been so active that we are about to run out of names. We are barely past the halfway point of the season and the National Hurricane Center (NHC) is left with only one name remaining on the 2020 Atlantic hurricane list: Wilfred.  Although there are 26 letters in the English alphabet, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) does not use names that begin…

Austin area crews started fighting the fires in California on Monday. AUSTIN, Texas — A total of 200 Texas firefighters are in California helping to battle the 29 wildfires currently burning there. The largest wildfire in the state’s history, the August Complex, has now scorched nearly 900,000 acres, creating a fire cloud visible from space.  An eerily beautiful orange-red sun overlooked a burnt scene in and around Fresno County, California, after the Creek Fire incinerated…

If enough smoke reaches the surface, this could potentially reduce our air quality. AUSTIN, Texas — While wildfires across the West Coast continue to destroy homes and communities, they’re also bringing a major threat of very unhealthy air quality to areas that are usually known for their clean living and stunning views. On Monday, air quality index readings ranged from 350 to more than 515 across many major cities in California, Oregon and Washington. This…

CALIFORNIA, USA — On Friday, 200 firefighters from across Texas hit the road to provide some much-needed relief to the West Coast. Among that group are three firefighters from Central Texas, all with the Round Rock Fire Department: Lt. Matt Quade, Cpt. Jason Rutherford and Wayne Pietzch. The trio made it to Bakersfield on Saturday night, then made their way near Fresno on Sunday.  Rutherford said they were assigned to help with the Creek Fire,…

There have been 29 wildfires reported from the Oregon border to just north of Mexico. ROUND ROCK, Texas — Three Round Rock firefighters are leaving Central Texas Friday to head to California, where crews are working to fight devastating wildfires across the East Coast. Lt. Matt Quade, Captain Jason Rutherford and driver Wayne Pietzsch, members of the Central Branch Strike Team, will be there for a minimum of two weeks. Also on Friday, Gov. Greg…

There are high rain totals and 50s and 60s overspread Central Texas. Author: Jason Mikell, Hunter Williams (KVUE), Erika Lopez, Mariel Ruiz Published: 9:54 PM CDT September 2, 2020 Updated: 9:04 AM CDT September 10, 2020 Credit: KVUE AUSTIN, Texas — A Flash Flood Watch remains until 1 p.m. for much of Central Texas after a strong cold front swung through late Wednesday evening, leaving in its wake a swath of near-record temperatures Thursday morning….

The heaviest rainfall totals will be across the Hill Country. Author: Jason Mikell, Hunter Williams (KVUE), Erika Lopez, Mariel Ruiz Published: 9:54 PM CDT September 2, 2020 Updated: 7:19 PM CDT September 9, 2020 AUSTIN, Texas — A Flood Advisory has replaced a Flash Flood Warning in Travis County. Watch for urban and small stream flooding. Runoff from earlier storms will continue to cause flooding through the evening. Avoid water covered roadways.   Higher rain…

Author: Jason Mikell, Mariel Ruiz, Hunter Williams, Erika Lopez Published: 11:46 AM CST March 6, 2019 Updated: 7:20 PM CDT September 9, 2020 AUSTIN, Texas — A Flash Flood Watch is in effect through 1 p.m. for a few select counties. A Flash Flood Advisory is in effect for Travis county until 8:30 p.m. Higher rain chances and a cool down are on the way for Central Texas as a cold front moves through the…

Author: Jason Mikell, Mariel Ruiz, Hunter Williams, Erika Lopez Published: 11:46 AM CST March 6, 2019 Updated: 11:59 AM CDT September 9, 2020 AUSTIN, Texas — A Flash Flood Watch is in effect through 1 p.m. for a few select counties. A Flash Flood Warning is in effect for Blanco and Gillespie counties until 8 a.m. Higher rain chances and a cool down are on the way for mid-week as a cold front approaches Central…

The heaviest rainfall totals will be across the Hill Country where at least 2 to 3 inches of rain will be possible. Author: Jason Mikell, Hunter Williams (KVUE), Erika Lopez, Mariel Ruiz Published: 9:54 PM CDT September 2, 2020 Updated: 9:32 AM CDT September 9, 2020 AUSTIN, Texas — A Flash Flood Warning is currently in effect for some in the Central Texas viewing area including Austin-Travis County through 10:45 a.m.  Higher rain chances and…

Heaviest rainfall totals will be across the Hill Country where 2 to 3+ inches of rain will be possible. Author: Jason Mikell, Hunter Williams (KVUE), Erika Lopez, Mariel Ruiz Published: 9:54 PM CDT September 2, 2020 Updated: 8:01 AM CDT September 9, 2020 AUSTIN, Texas — A Flash Flood Warning is currently in effect for some in our viewing area including Austin-Travis County through 10:45 AM.  Higher rain chances and a cool down are on…

Author: Jason Mikell, Mariel Ruiz, Hunter Williams, Erika Lopez Published: 11:46 AM CST March 6, 2019 Updated: 5:19 AM CDT September 9, 2020 AUSTIN, Texas — A Flash Flood Advisory is in effect for a few Central Texas counties, including Travis, Burnet and Llano counties until 8 a.m. A Flash Flood Warning is in effect for Blanco and Gillespie counties until 8 a.m. Higher rain chances and a cool down are on the way for…

Heaviest rainfall totals will be across the Hill Country where 2 to 3+ inches of rain will be possible. Author: Jason Mikell, Hunter Williams (KVUE), Erika Lopez, Mariel Ruiz Published: 9:54 PM CDT September 2, 2020 Updated: 4:27 AM CDT September 9, 2020 AUSTIN, Texas — Higher rain chances and a cool down are on the way for mid-week as a cold front approaches Central Texas. This cold front will provide a good bit of…

The deadliest disaster in the U.S. happened this week in 1900 when a hurricane struck Galveston without warning. GALVESTON, Texas — It was called the grandest city in Texas at the dawn of the 20th century.But with the arrival of the hurricane on Sept. 8, 1900, the city would struggle to ever regain its former status. So devastating was the hurricane of 1900 that it’s been estimated that nearly a fourth of the city’s population…

Six Texas markets reported double-digit percentage increases, led by San Antonio (+38.1% to 59.1%), Austin (+34.5% to 57.2%) and Houston (+31.2% to 51.0%). AUSTIN, Texas — Hurricane Laura evacuees sheltering in Austin caused a significant increase in hotel demand in the City, according to a data analysis report from STR. The report stated that Austin saw a 34.5% increase in hotel occupancy when comparing the week of Aug. 23 to Aug. 29 to the week…

Author: Jason Mikell, Mariel Ruiz, Hunter Williams, Erika Lopez Published: 11:46 AM CST March 6, 2019 Updated: 1:44 PM CDT September 4, 2020 AUSTIN, Texas — A Flash Flood Warning is in effect until 11:30 a.m. Friday for Travis and Hays counties. Scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms stay with us through Saturday. The additional rain and cloud cover keep our temperatures below-average for this time of the year.  Additional rain accumulations of 1 to 2…

Author: Jason Mikell, Mariel Ruiz, Hunter Williams, Erika Lopez Published: 11:46 AM CST March 6, 2019 Updated: 8:39 AM CDT September 4, 2020 AUSTIN, Texas — A Flash Flood Warning is in effect until 11:30 a.m. Friday for Travis, Hays counties. Scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms stay with us through Saturday. The additional rain and cloud cover keep our temperatures below-average for this time of the year.  Additional rain accumulations of 1 to 2 inches…

An early 2000’s promotional shot of Schatzi. Montez Williams is pictured far left. Montez Williams, guitarist and co-vocalist in onetime Austin power-pop breakouts Schatzi, lost his life Monday after his vehicle got swept away in flood waters near his home in Oklahoma City. According to multiple news reports, a car driven by the 49-year-old father of two washed into the waters during flooding Monday night. The fire department recovered his body this morning after a…

AUSTIN, Texas — A house fire in southeast Austin in the early morning hours of Saturday displaced eight residents, five of whom were Hurricane Laura evacuees. The Austin Fire Department (AFD) said the blaze happened on Burleson Road. The evacuees were seeking shelter after their homes were destroyed in Lake Charles, Louisiana. AFD said a quick response from the neighborhood fire station kept most of the damage to the porch. Residents should be able to reoccupy…

The Texas Forest Service said conditions are favorable for wildfire outbreaks west of Interstate 35. AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Forest Service has issued a warning for this weekend that wildfires could break out anywhere from Fort Worth to San Antonio. Austin and the Hill Country – with an extraordinary number of days with triple-digit high temperatures – are particularly vulnerable. With the drying of vegetation, the more likely a simple spark can create an…