Austin weather: Flash Flood Warnings issued for Gillespie, Kerr, Williamson Counties

Flash Flood Warnings 

AUSTIN – Life-threatening flash flooding is underway in the Texas Hill Country, with multiple counties under emergency warnings.

The Latest:

The National Weather Service in Austin/San Antonio has issued a FLASH FLOOD WARNING for Southwestern Gillespie and Kerr Counties until 11:30 a.m. Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Up to 2 inches of rain have fallen. The expected rainfall rate is 1 to 2 inches in 1 hour. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly.

Flash Flood Warning until 11:00 AM CDT for San Saba County, TX.

Flash flooding is occurring at RM 963 & CR 201 due to the San Gabriel River. Water is over the roadway. Turn around, don’t drown! Northwestern Williamson County is under a Flash Flood Warning until 10 a.m.

Flash Flood Warning until 11:30 a.m. for Mason County.

Emergency Alerts

8:27 a.m. An Emergency Alert was sent to people in the flash flood warning areas saying this is a dangerous and life-threatening situation. Do not attempt to travel unless you are fleeing an area subject to flooding or under an evacuation order.

7:54 a.m. There is a high probability of the Guadalupe River at Hunt reaching flood stage today. All persons, equipment and vehicles should be removed from the river immediately.

Sunday Forecast

Heavy rain and life-threatening flash flooding hammered the Texas Hill Country early Sunday, prompting a flash flood emergency in southeastern San Saba County and urgent warnings across several central Texas counties.

Austin residents are advised to remain vigilant as the weather system, which has already dumped 6 to 8 inches of rain in some areas, is expected to move toward the Austin metro area and further east throughout the day.

We’re seeing life-threatening flash flooding. Residents in affected areas are urged to seek higher ground immediately if they receive an evacuation notice.

Flash Flood Emergency

A flash flood emergency was issued for southeastern San Saba until 7 a.m. Sunday, specifically targeting the Colorado Bend State Park and surrounding areas. Rowe noted that a river gauge in the area had already jumped approximately 12 feet.

Additional flash flood warnings were in effect for several counties, including San Saba and Mason until 9 a.m., Lampasas until 8 a.m., and both Burnet and Llano until 8:15 a.m.

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and local emergency officials strongly advised against travel in areas with flash flood warnings. Residents were told to stay away from rivers, creeks, and low-lying areas. Rowe stressed the critical safety message: “Turn around, don’t drown.”

Severe Weather Possible

While the immediate concern remains flooding, the region also faces a marginal risk of severe weather, including hail and gusty winds.

The heavy rain boundary is moving from north to south, pushing southeast. The Hill Country is expected to experience the worst conditions over the next few hours before the system weakens slightly as it moves into the Austin metro.

Widespread rain will last until 7 p.m. Sunday. While conditions are expected to improve around 6 p.m. or 7 p.m. Sunday evening, the potential for more rainfall exists Monday afternoon and evening. 

Some models suggest 2 to 4 inches of additional rainfall in the next 48 hours, with Rowe advising residents not to rule out “several more inches in some spots.”

Officials emphasized the importance of having multiple ways to receive weather alerts, including push notifications, weather radios, and local news apps. If roads are flooded, remember that “six inches can knock over an adult,” and “12 inches to carry away most cars.”