Severe Thunderstorms Flood Austin Metro Area, Tornadoes Reported South of City

Tornadoes are threatening Southeast Travis County and the Austin metro area as severe thunderstorms and torrential rains continued in the area, and the National Weather Service extended a watch until 7 p.m.

Meanwhile, widespread flooding continues. From San Antonio, through Austin and northward, torrential rainfalls caused creeks to overflow, roads to flood and schools and businesses to either close or serve as shelters for those already in their buildings.

The storm is moving north, but it may stick around the Austin area for parts of tomorrow. The weather channel is forecasting scattered thunderstorms for the morning, so Austinites should stay safe tonight and brace themselves for more inclement weather.

On U.S. 183, several cars were submerged by the flooding and rapidly rushing streams of water where once there had been none were washing away bridges.

At 9:17 a.m., a severe thunderstorm capable of creating a tornado was located near Austin Bergstrom Airport moving north, according to the national weather service. The airport tweeted this morning that it is currently closed due to the weather and that further updates are forthcoming.

Both Travis and Williamson counties are included in the tornado watch. Heavy winds with gusts up to 70 miles per hour have been reported.

The weather services advises people to take cover and move to the lowest floor possible in a sturdy building. Flying debris will pose a danger to people caught outside and the storm may be strong enough to destroy mobile homes.

The weather service has also issued a flash flood warning until 4:15 p.m. for several Central Texas counties including Travis and Williamson. Many have taken to twitter to share photos and videos of the damage the storm is causing.

Austin, Round Rock, Pflugerville, Cedar Park and Leander were all identified by the national weather service as locations that will experience flooding. People should remain alert of potential flooding sites and not attempt to pass through flooded roads. The weather service warned that “streams and rivers can become raging killer currents in a matter of minutes,” even from distant rainfall.

Widespread wind damage from the thunderstorm has already been caused on Interstate 35 from San Marcos to the Austin metro area, the weather service reported. Under no circumstance should someone attempt to drive on a flooded road. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles, according to the weather service.

Videos show rivers of flood water running through people’s front and back yards and winds as fast of 70 miles-per-hour thrashing trees and patio covers.

Several school closures and delays have been announced due to the weather, KXAN reported.

• Austin Community College is closed; stay if you’re already there.
• Hays CISD: If you’re not at school yet, stay put
• San Marcos CISD schools are closed; students already at school are being kept safe. Parents should not send children to school.
• Texas State University: Opening delayed 2 hours
• Wimberley ISD: has cancelled classes today. Students already at school are safe.
• Texas State in San Marcos and Round Rock are closed today.

The only two suspected — but unconfirmed — tornadoes were reported in towns near San Antonio, according to the weather channel. D’Hanis, about 50 miles West of San Antonio and Floresville, about 30 miles Southeast of San Antonio were both reportedly hit by tornadoes as severe weather moved Northeast.

See more videos and photos of the severe weather in Austin: