The National Weather Service has issued multiple flash flood warnings for the Austin area as heavy rains moved through Central Texas overnight and through the morning.
A flash flood warning means sudden and violent flooding is already happening or is expected to happen soon. The NWS said there is a risk of “life threatening flash flooding of creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses.” People should move to higher ground if they’re in a flood-prone area. Drivers are reminded to avoid flooded areas in roadways. As of 7:20 a.m., dozens of low water crossings are closed.
Austin-Travis County EMS and the Austin Fire Department conducted a water rescue on Old San Antonio Road in South Austin after the driver of a mini van became stuck at a low water crossing. ATCEMS said the patient was being evaluated for “minor complaints,” but Austin Fire shift commander Greg Reddish said they didn’t end up needing medical care.
A 7:24 a.m. alert from the NWS said water rescues have also taken place in Northwest Austin.
The Lower Colorado River Authority said it has opened a floodgate at Lake Bastrop Dam and at Tom Miller Dam. The agency warned that conditions could change rapidly and that people should avoid being in the water near the dams.
Barton Springs Pool is closed due to flooding.
Parts of Travis and Hays counties are under a flash flood warning until 10 a.m. This includes Austin, Buda, Dripping Springs, Bee Cave, Lakeway and West Lake Hills.
The NWS has also issued a flood warning for Barton Creek at Loop 360 in Travis County from Monday afternoon to late evening. The river is forecast to crest to 8.1 feet in the afternoon, the NWS said. Be careful walking near riverbanks.
The NWS said between 1 to 5 inches of rain have fallen in some parts of Central Texas, with more possible.
Heavy rainfall and flooding possible throughout the day. A Flood Watch is in the effect. Heavy downpours and elevated rain rates could flood locations in a short period of time. #txwx pic.twitter.com/XiH0w40lto
— NWS Austin/San Antonio (@NWSSanAntonio) June 15, 2026
Austin Energy reported minimal power outages Monday morning. Pedernales Electric Cooperative and Oncor’s outage map showed thousands of customers without power earlier Monday, but the numbers had fallen by 8:45 a.m.
People in the Austin area received several “imminent threat alert” messages on their phones, depending on their location, early in the morning. “This is a dangerous and life-threatening situation,” the alerts said. “Do not attempt to travel unless you are fleeing an area subject to flooding or under an evacuation order.”
In a tweet late Sunday night, the Texas Department of Public Safety said there were multiple water rescues underway on Interstate 35 just south of Waco. Video posted to X showed water pouring over the main lanes of the highway.
Much of Central Texas, including Travis, Hays and Williamson counties, is under a flood watch until Tuesday evening.
I am grateful to be alive after getting caught in a flash flooding event on I 35 near Waco. Look how fast the water was coming over this retaining wall. I am so thankful that retaining wall held up otherwise this situation could’ve been a horrible tragedy. There were many of us… pic.twitter.com/StrUYgu2jk
— Rick Smith (@RickSmith) June 15, 2026
Here are a few ways to stay informed during severe weather:
This is a developing story.
KUT’s Andy Jechow contributed to this story.
