Austin Texas News

DEL VALLE, Texas — Editor’s note: The above video is from a September 2019 story marking the eighth anniversary of the Bastrop County fire. The deadly wildfires in Australia are bringing a lot of attention to fire dangers – even here at home. Right now, Central Texas is in a drought and the big question is: Are we prepared for a big wildfire? This area has seen big fires before, like the one in Bastrop…

Strong winds, severe thunderstorms, hail and a possible tornado could hit the Austin area as soon as this afternoon, according to the National Weather Service, and a severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for much of Central and South Texas until 10 p.m. NWS expects wind speeds to reach as high as 70 mph, and it says apple-sized hail and isolated tornadoes are possible. Meteorologists expect the line of storms to reach Central Texas by…

AUSTIN, Texas — Over the next 12 to 24 hours, conditions will align themselves towards an active evening of strong to severe thunderstorms for Central Texas. A strong frontal system is expected to reach our Hill Country residents mid-to-late afternoon before approaching the IH-35 corridor around dinner time.  Here’s a look at the timeline and the side effects of this system. KVUE RELATED:  Allergy Alert: Cedar pollen remains very high in Central Texas Some associated…

AUSTIN, Texas — The second of two cold fronts this week will bring on a different weather pattern.  As a strong cold front approaches from the west on Thursday, rain chances will be small with isolated showers possible mainly east of Austin. When the front approaches Interstate 35 on Friday, widely scattered showers and thunderstorms will take shape.  Here’s a look at the timeline and the side effects of this system. RELATED:  Allergy Alert: Cedar…

AUSTIN, Texas — The bushfires in Australia continue to destroy land and homes and now American firefighters are heading to southeastern parts of the continent to help.  Some cooler weather moved in earlier, but it’s not expected to stick around for long as of right now. So, a local coffee shop wants to help.  On Jan. 25, Runaway Luna Lifestyle in Bee Cave plans to host a silent auction to raise money for wildfire relief….

BASTROP COUNTY, Texas — A wildfire in Bastrop County is now 85% contained, according to officials. The Bastrop County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) said Monday night that at 4 p.m. Monday, Bastrop County ESD #2 was dispatched for a report of a wildfire near Cassel Way and FM 1441.  The first arriving fire units reported active fire behavior. Due to dry and windy conditions, multiple agencies were called for assistance and six other fire…

GEORGETOWN, Texas — Saturday and Sunday, crews from Team Rubicon will remove dead trees and underbrush that could play a vital role if fire burns through the area. “We’re cutting ladder fuels, the fuels going up to the trees about up to 9 feet,” Kimberly Stevens said. “We’re leaving the canopy, we’re leaving the trees. We’re not creating a fire break where you cut down everything – it’s just the fuels in between.” Team Rubicon…

AUSTIN, Texas — Austin first responders were sent to the scene of at least six water rescues Thursday night as heavy rains rolled into Central Texas, one of which involved a homeless camp. The Austin Police Department held a press conference Friday afternoon to provide more details about that incident. They said officers were dispatched to a possible water rescue on the 700 block of North Bluff Drive around 7:30 p.m. for reports that several…

A flash flood warning is in effect for much of Austin and eastern Travis County, as well as central Hays County, until 10:45 p.m. Up to three inches of rain have already fallen and flash flooding is already happening, the National Weather Service said. A severe thunderstorm warning for southern Travis County and much of Bastrop County is in effect until 8:45 p.m. The Austin Fire Department said it is responding to multiple high water…

A flash flood warning has been extended to 1:45 A.M for much of Austin and eastern Travis County, as well as central Hays County. It was originally set to expire at 10:45 p.m.

DALLAS, Texas — When John Stack took his dog out for a walk in the Preston Hollow neighborhood on Sunday night, he noticed the wind starting to whip up. “All of a sudden, there was this crash – I mean, there was no warning, it was just crash,” Stack said outside his home Monday evening. Stack’s front window was blown out by the wind and trees in his front yard – some 75 years old…

AUSTIN, Texas — The Austin Fire Department and other agencies worked hard in southeast Texas and helped save around 1,500 people. RELATED: Austin Fire, ATCEMS units deploy to southeast Texas to assist in rescue efforts after flooding emergency RELATED: Beaumont emergency room floods in Imelda, keeps treating patients in makeshift ER “A huge statewide effort, these teams came together and did marvelous work,” said Division Chief Palmer Buck with the Austin Fire Department. “Our crews,…

Drone video showed what looked like several caskets floating in Imelda’s floodwaters, but the Orange County Sheriff’s Office said only one casket was unearthed.         

AUSTIN, Texas — Austin Pets Alive! (APA!) is stepping in to help the Humane Society of Southeast Texas (HSSET) in the wake of Tropical Storm Imelda. HSSET takes in animals from 13 municipal shelters, many of which are small, rural shelters in an area that has been hit hard by Tropical Storm Imelda, according to APA!. HSSET has now asked APA! to help take in some of their adoption-ready dogs to prepare for an anticipated…

AUSTIN, Texas — Several first responders from the Austin metropolitan area have been deployed to southeast Texas as part of an ongoing search and rescue effort. RELATED: More than 1,000 rescues, evacuations as Imelda soaks Texas The Austin Fire Department said on Twitter it sent a total of eight members to the region, six of whom will work together as a swift water rescue boat team. On Thursday afternoon, Austin-Travis County EMS announced it sent…

The remnants of what was Tropical Storm Imelda continues to produce flooding rains in southeast Texas. Doppler Radar is estimating some spots received over 30 inches of rainfall over the past two days. kvue The system is expected to continue to move north through East and northeast Texas on Friday, bringing heavy rain through that part of the state.  RELATED: Austin weather: Texas Longhorns vs. Oklahoma State forecast For Central Texas, widely scattered showers are…

Governor Greg Abbott declared a state of disaster in several counties, including Brazoria, Chambers, Galveston, Hardin, Harris, Jasper, Jefferson, Liberty, Matagorda, Montgomery, Newton, Orange and San Jacinto after the remnants of Tropical Depression Imelda unleashed torrential rain Thursday in parts of Southeast Texas.  The floods prompted hundreds of water rescues and road closures as the powerful storm system drew comparisons to Hurricane Harvey two years ago. Below are some of the images and videos those…

HOUSTON (AP) – Rain from Tropical Depression Imelda deluged parts of Texas and Louisiana on Thursday, prompting hundreds of water rescues, a hospital evacuation and road closures in areas east of Houston that were hit hard by Hurricane Harvey two years ago. Forecasters warned that Imelda could bring up to 35 inches (90 centimeters) of rain in some areas of Texas through Friday. The storm system also brought the risk of severe weather and prompted…

TAMPA, Fla. (FOX 13) – Hurricane Humberto continues to gain strength out in the Atlantic, but the new Tropical Depression 10 may be of more interest to meteorologists here in Florida. As of the midday Tuesday update, Hurricane Humberto had reached Category 2 strength with winds of 100 mph. The storm should remain on an east-northeast path out to sea and degenerate into a non-tropical low over the weekend, with rip currents on the East…

AUSTIN, Texas — According to researchers from CoreLogic, when it comes to wildfire risks, the Austin area is ranked fifth in the western parts of the U.S. The report said that almost 54,000 people in Central Texas live somewhere that has a high risk for wildfires. The researchers estimate that if a wildfire actually did happen in these areas, it could cause more than $16 billion in damages. RELATED:  Bastrop State Park employees reflect on…

A new report from a California-based market research firm finds that Austin ranks fifth in a list of cities facing the highest reconstruction costs due to potential wildfire damage. Researchers with CoreLogic found that 53,984 Austin residents live within an area designated as having a high-to-extreme wildfire risk, representing the potential for roughly $16 billion in reconstruction costs. The four cities outpacing Austin are all in California – Los Angeles, Riverside, San Diego and Sacramento….

LULING, Texas — Residents have reported substantial wind damage after a storm ripped through Caldwell County on Tuesday afternoon. Pictures shared to the Lockhart-Caldwell County Discussion Group on Facebook showed damage to the Coachway Inn in Luling. Photos show damage to the roof of the motel and another nearby structure, as well as leaning powerlines and a toppled truck cab. Rodney Forcey Lockhart-Caldwell County Discussion Group has 9,771 members. This is an open group and…

AUSTIN, Texas (FOX 7 Austin) – Drivers in Texas are now going to have to move over and slow down for utility vehicles that are stopped on the side of the road restoring power or performing other work.  The new law went into effect Sunday, September 1. Move Over/Slow Down require motorists traveling on multi-lane roadways to, when practical, merge away from a vehicle working on the side of the highway to provide an empty travel…

PLANO, Texas (FOX 4) – “For the first time in all my years, I thought, I might die. We might not get out of this,” said Linda Becker. Becker and Russ Meinert had a dreamy few days on a friend’s boat in the Bahamas, snorkeling and exploring the islands. As Dorian intensified to a Category 5 hurricane and headed right at them, they booked rooms at Abaco Beach Resort and hunkered down. “And then it…

99° × News Local Texas US & World Politics FOX 7 Care Force Traffic Featured Videos Manchaca brush fire burns 75 acres of grassland Pet of the Weekend: Patsy Cline Dorian topples crane, knocks out power in eastern Canada Dallas father fighting for his life in ICU after being shot while taking out the trash with his wife Most Recent Stories Manchaca brush fire burns 75 acres of grassland Pet of the Weekend: Patsy Cline…

94° × News Local Texas US & World Politics FOX 7 Care Force Traffic Featured Videos Manchaca brush fire burns 75 acres of grassland Pet of the Weekend: Patsy Cline Dorian topples crane, knocks out power in eastern Canada 6 babies born at 1 Florida hospital during Hurricane Dorian Most Recent Stories Manchaca brush fire burns 75 acres of grassland Pet of the Weekend: Patsy Cline Dorian topples crane, knocks out power in eastern Canada…

AUSTIN, Texas — For four days, Stephen Russell frantically tried to get a response from his wife, Simone, who lives in Freeport, Bahamas.  She was stuck there with their four-year-old daughter, Skylar, as Hurricane Dorian hit. “We had planned on them moving here but in December,” Russell said. “I had no response. So I started to get worried because normally it doesn’t take that long.” The storm ravaged the islands as a Category 5 and…

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77° × News Local Texas US & World Politics FOX 7 Care Force Traffic Featured Videos City leaders respond to community questions on homeless policies at public forum ‘Total devastation’: Hurricane Dorian slams parts of the Bahamas, leaves at least 7 dead FOX 7 Discussion: 2020 Democratic presidential race City places walking path signs at busy intersections near homeless camps Most Recent Stories City leaders respond to community questions on homeless policies at public forum…

96° × News Local Texas US & World Politics FOX 7 Care Force Traffic Featured Videos Tribute to Dick Wagner Travel Tuesday: Fall getaways 2019 CASA Superhero Run Team Rubicon’s response to Hurricane Dorian Most Recent Stories Walmart asks customers not to bring guns into stores, plans to end handgun ammunition sales Tribute to Dick Wagner Travel Tuesday: Fall getaways 2019 CASA Superhero Run Team Rubicon’s response to Hurricane Dorian School fundraisers Weather Forecast 7…

AUSTIN, Texas — Central Texas organizations are helping those in the path of Hurricane Dorian. Before dawn on Labor Day, Austin Energy deployed 27 employees to Jacksonville, Florida. “I think it’s a great opportunity to go help out other communities in need,” said Jeff Bradford, Austin Energy’s interim director of distribution operations – north. Austin Energy also sent 21 trucks to help the Jacksonville Electric Authority. As of Monday, the American Red Cross sent 10…

AUSTIN, Texas (FOX 7 Austin) – In an effort to help our east coast neighbors brace for Hurricane Dorian, dozens of central Texans ranging from the Red Cross to Austin Energy are heading their way to help.  “Right now, we are being deployed to Jacksonville, Florida,” Jeff Bradford with Austin Energy said. “We are going to assist Jacksonville Electric Authority.” Twenty-seven Austin Energy employees are on their way to help those deal with potential damage from…

AUSTIN, Texas (FOX 7 Austin) – Some Austin Energy crews are heading to Florida to help with any possible power outages there due to Hurricane Dorian. Austin Energy’s team will travel to Jacksonville in a convoy of bucket trucks and support vehicles. It’s made up of lineworkers and support personnel. The utility says it received the request for help from public power utility Jacksonville Electric Authority. Crews are expected to help for two to three…

AUSTIN, Texas — As Hurricane Dorian grows stronger, Austin Energy plans to do their part to help handle the aftermath. Twenty-seven Austin Energy crews are set to make the 1,000-mile trip to Florida to help with restoration efforts.  The crews will be made up of lineworkers and other support personnel and will travel in a convoy of bucket trucks and support vehicles to Jacksonville, Florida. They will be hauling a pole trailer, material trailer and…

AUSTIN, Texas — Volunteers from all over are heading to the East Coast to help with disaster relief, including Austin Red Cross volunteers. Veronica Ramirez, the American Red Cross Regional Communications Manager, said there are two volunteers from Austin. “Right now, we’re a part of the bigger structure of the response team,” said Ramirez. “So, in total, there’s about 600 volunteers. They’re being deployed to the region. Some of those might be closer whether it’s the…

AUSTIN, Texas (FOX 7 Austin) – Almost a dozen new firearm laws went into effect in Texas on Sunday, just hours after a shooting that killed seven people and injured more than 20 in Odessa. The laws loosen gun restrictions across the state. Texas has had four of the 10 deadliest mass shootings in recent history, including last month in El Paso when a gunman opened fire inside a Walmart, killing 22 and injuring dozens.  Three…

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AUSTIN, Texas — As Hurricane Dorian grows stronger, Austin Energy plans to do their part to help handle the aftermath. Twenty-seven Austin Energy crews are set to make the 1,000-mile trip to Florida to help with restoration efforts.  The crews will be made up of lineworkers and other support personnel and will travel in a convoy of bucket trucks and support vehicles to Jacksonville, Florida. They will be hauling a pole trailer, material trailer and…

AUSTIN, Texas — The video above was published Aug. 29. New guidance from the Austin City Manager’s Office calls for limiting homeless camping, sitting and lying in areas with high car and pedestrian traffic, as well as areas with a high risk of flooding. The memo, which can be read online, was released Friday morning, a little more than two months after the city council approved homeless camping, sitting and lying across the city. “Any…

AUSTIN, Texas — The video above was published Aug. 29. New guidance from the Austin City Manager’s Office calls for limiting homeless camping, sitting and lying in areas with high car and pedestrian traffic, as well as areas with a high risk of flooding. The memo, which can be read online, was released Friday morning, a little more than two months after the city council approved homeless camping, sitting and lying across the city. “Any…

AUSTIN, Texas (FOX 7 Austin) – The gun bills that moved through the Texas legislature earlier this year were mostly in response to the mass shootings in Sutherland Springs and at Santa Fe High School.  During the session, lawmakers debated whether or not a “good guy with a gun” can prevent an attack and that discussion continued Wednesday with those who spoke with FOX7.  “I do not buy that idea, I don’t think it does…

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96° × News Local Texas US & World Politics FOX 7 Care Force Traffic Featured Videos Gate agent entertains delayed passengers with ‘worst driver’s license picture’ contest Starbucks debuts Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew — its first new pumpkin drink in over a decade 2019 FOX 7 Football Field Trip: Vandegrift Cockroaches ‘falling on our heads’: Couple charged after kids reportedly found in ‘unlivable’ home Most Recent Stories Gate agent entertains delayed passengers with ‘worst driver’s…

AUSTIN, Texas (FOX 7 Austin) – The planes started arriving last week and by Wednesday morning, three air tankers were rolling on the tarmac at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.  A fourth has already worked a fire fighting mission near San Angelo. It’s an example of why this location, according to Air Base manager Jeremy Wagner, is important. “The flight leg to that fire is about 45 minutes, and 45 minutes back so if this tanker was…

Austin City Council members say they need a better look at where Austin could be falling short in terms of its wildfire preparedness. A report out today from the City Auditor said the city is doing enough to prepare for wildfires, but it said Austin could do a better job of reducing the threat of wildfires in areas largely outside the urban core. Still, council members on the Audit and Finance Committee said they wanted…

DAYTON, Ohio (AP) – President Donald Trump defended his rhetoric Wednesday as he headed out to offer a message of healing and unity in El Paso and Dayton, where he was to be met by unusual hostility from people who fault his own incendiary words as contributing to last weekend’s mass shootings. The mayors of both cities were calling for Trump to change the way he talks about immigrants. Multiple protests were planned. And Democratic…