Flood Watch Covers Travis County Through Thursday Evening

Travis County Judge Andy Brown and Austin Mayor Kirk Watson issued local disaster declarations Tuesday as forecasters warned of heavy rain and possible flash flooding across Central Texas.

The declarations allow Travis County and the City of Austin to activate emergency resources and coordinate response efforts with local, state, and federal agencies ahead of the anticipated storms.

The National Weather Service forecasts rounds of heavy rainfall beginning Tuesday night and continuing into Wednesday, with a flood watch remaining in effect for Travis County through Thursday evening. Officials warned that creeks, rivers, streams, and low-water crossings could become dangerous with little notice as rainfall intensifies.

"When our community faces an emergency, we act," Brown said in a statement announcing the declaration. He said the measure would ensure officials can immediately deploy personnel and resources if flash flooding threatens residents across the county.

Watson described the declaration as a proactive step designed to speed up the city's response should conditions worsen.

"I am declaring a preemptive local state of disaster for the City of Austin," Watson said. The mayor said the order will allow city departments to quickly organize staff, equipment and emergency operations if flooding develops.

The declarations come as much of Texas faces an elevated flood threat from slow-moving storm systems and tropical moisture that have already produced flooding and water rescues in other parts of the state. Gov. Greg Abbott has issued disaster declarations covering dozens of counties as emergency crews remain on standby across Texas.

Officials urged residents to monitor weather updates closely, avoid flooded roadways, and be prepared to move quickly if evacuation orders or emergency warnings are issued.

Emergency managers also encouraged residents living near waterways and flood-prone areas to review emergency plans and have supplies ready in the event conditions deteriorate rapidly.

The disaster declarations remain in effect as Central Texas braces for several days of potentially hazardous weather.

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