Bodies Found in Austin Waters After Overnight Flooding, Officials Say

Authorities discovered two people who had passed away in the waterways of Austin. City officials reported that intense overnight storms on Saturday caused flash flooding, which swept several individuals into creeks and drains.

Austin-Travis County EMS (ATCEMS) reported that crews were dispatched at approximately 12:40 a.m. Saturday following reports of individuals being swept downstream close to Shoal and Hancock Creeks. Rescue teams conducted extensive searches for hours, yet they were unable to find one individual who remains unaccounted for.

On Saturday evening, authorities in Austin reported the discovery of a body near Shoal Creek, located approximately two miles from where the initial rescue took place. Authorities continue to probe the connection between the body and the previous report.

On Saturday at approximately 3:30 p.m., officers from the Austin Police Department responded to a report concerning a body found in Lady Bird Lake. Authorities have confirmed that an adult was pronounced dead at the scene, but the individual's identity has not yet been released.

Officials are investigating both cases and have not yet determined if they are related. “We will share additional details in the days ahead as we gather more information,” an Austin police spokesperson stated during a briefing on Saturday evening.

Local inhabitants around Shoal Creek have expressed concerns about the consistent threat posed by increasing water levels during significant storms. “During heavy rainfall—such as what we experienced last night and on previous occasions—the water levels can rise to just a couple of feet below the base of this bridge,” stated Teresa Chatkoff, a resident near the creek.

A local source has reported that four individuals facing homelessness were carried away near a storm drain amid the severe weather conditions. Two individuals have been successfully rescued, while a man and a woman are still unaccounted for. The status of the victims recovered on Saturday remains uncertain regarding their identities.

In preparation for the impending storm, teams from Austin’s Homeless Strategy Office and ATCEMS proactively reached out to residents in low-lying areas to alert them about potential flooding and provide transportation to nearby shelters. The city has issued text alerts via its Publicly Engaged Homeless (PEH) Notification System.

“City officials stated that outreach teams regularly educate individuals on the risks associated with flash flooding in low-lying areas and remind people to seek higher ground during heavy rain events.”

Austin residents express that the weather continues to surprise them, even after many years of living in the area. “Having grown up in Austin, I’ve become accustomed to severe weather,” Chatkoff remarked. “It can still be quite startling how menacing it feels at times.”