Flash flooding prompts evacuations, multiple road closures across Central Texas

AUSTIN, Texas — Heavy downpours across the Hill Country on Sunday brought a new flash flood risk in an area already saturated by last weekend’s rains.

The heavy showers have caused Flash Flood Warnings across Central Texas and prompted officials to close low-water crossings, roads and parks.

As of around 10 a.m. Sunday, 180 low-water crossings were closed, according to ATXFloods.com.

At 8 a.m., Williamson County said flash flooding was happening at RM 963 and CR 201 due to the San Gabriel River bringing water over the road. In an update at 10 a.m., the county said all roads were clear, including RM 963 and CR 201, but drivers should still be cautious of conditions.

TxDOT said crews are seeing flash flooding in Burnet, Llano and Mason counties on Sunday morning and some roads were closed. Drivers are asked to check the latest road conditions at drivetexas.org.

In Burnet County, the RM 963 bridge over North Rocky Creek was reportedly flooded. The city of Marble Falls has closed all low-water crossings as a precaution.

The City of Llano was also reporting flooding on Sunday morning as the Llano River reached flood stage. The Llano Police Department said several county roads were closed and rain fell so quickly that some barricades were not able to be placed in time or could not be placed because access was blocked by water over the road.

Llano police shared this video of Pecan Creek at State Highway 29 west around 9 a.m.

Meanwhile, a ban on recreational activities on Lake Travis was amended on Sunday. Instead of all of Lake Travis, only areas upstream from mile marker 36 and upstream of Sandy Creek Park are closed for recreational use. 

This ban does not apply to commercial operators, emergency personnel or state and local agencies.

Just outside the KVUE area in San Saba County, Colorado Bend State Park was closed due to flooding. Cherokee Creek was impassable as of 5:15 a.m., Texas Parks and Wildlife said.

Also in San Saba County, RM 501 East was closed due to water over the roadway. San Saba County Judge Jody Fauley issued mandatory evacuations with the San Saba River expected to rise above 31 feet by Sunday night.

In Lampasas, numerous low-road crossings and roads were closed due to flooding. Several people and pets were rescued from homes in the area. Kempner RV parks were evacuated as the Lampasas River rose above 30 feet. WM Brook Park was closed due to high water in Sulphur Creek. 

Meanwhile, search and rescue operations were suspended in Kerr County due to possible flooding. The Kerr County Sheriff’s Office sent an emergency alert to residents to stay away from the Guadalupe River at Hunt and remove all equipment and vehicles from the river.