Drivers Rescued, Roads Remain Closed in Austin's Flash Flooding

Flooding has led to dozens of road closures, at least two water rescues, and floodgate operations in the Austin area.

Austin-Travis County EMS and the Austin Fire Department conducted a water rescue early Monday on Old San Antonio Road in South Austin after the driver of a minivan became stuck at a low water crossing. The patient was evaluated for minor complaints, but Austin Fire shift commander Greg Reddish said they didn't end up needing medical care.

On Monday afternoon, ATCEMS reported another person was rescued from a vehicle stuck in water by Old Kimbro Road and FM 1100 in the Manor area. The person was uninjured, ATCEMS said.

The Lower Colorado River Authority opened a floodgate at Lake Bastrop Dam and at Tom Miller Dam around 8 a.m. Water from Tom Miller Dam, which closed its open floodgate Monday afternoon, flows downstream to Lady Bird Lake. Water from Lake Bastrop Dam, which is east of Austin, flows through nearby creeks and eventually goes into the Colorado River away from Austin, said Clara Tuma, public information officer for the LCRA. The agency warned that conditions could change rapidly and that people should avoid being in the water near the dams.

Lake Buchanan is 100% full and Lake Travis is 84% full as of 1:10 p.m., according to the LCRA's website. The two lakes are the area's primary water reservoirs.

More than a hundred low water crossings were closed across the Austin area by Monday afternoon.

Barton Springs Pool is closed until further notice due to flooding.

Parts of Travis County received as much as 3 to 4 inches of rain from midnight Monday to the early afternoon, according to the LCRA. Gov. Greg Abbott activated state emergency response resources through the Texas Division of Emergency Management as a result of possible continuing flash flood threats this week.

"I urge all Texans and visitors to our state to heed guidance from state and local officials, monitor local forecasts, and make an emergency plan to keep yourselves and your loved ones safe," Abbott said. "Always remember, Turn Around Don’t Drown."