City of Austin Mayor Kirk Watson and Travis County Judge Andy Brown Issue Disaster Declarations Ahead of Flooding Threats

Today, Tuesday, July 14, 2026, City of Austin Mayor Kirk Watson and Travis County Judge Andy Brown issued local disaster declarations, as the threat of heavy rainfall and flash flooding continues across Travis County and the City of Austin.
 
The declarations allow Travis County and the City of Austin to take proactive steps to prepare for potential flooding, strengthen emergency response efforts, and coordinate resources, services, and communications with local, state, and federal partners.

“I am declaring a preemptive local state of disaster for the City of Austin. This declaration will allow the City to quickly organize our resources and respond to any disaster event that might occur. This is being done in coordination with Travis County Judge Andy Brown, who is issuing a similar declaration for Travis County,” said Austin Mayor Kirk Watson.
 
The National Weather Service is forecasting heavy rainfall overnight Tuesday night into Wednesday, July 15, 2026, which could cause dangerous flooding as a Flood Watch remains in effect for Travis County until Thursday, July 16, 2026, evening. Areas near creeks, streams, rivers, and low-water crossings may be particularly vulnerable.
 
Travis County and Austin residents are urged to monitor local weather forecasts and warnings and be prepared to act quickly if conditions worsen. Updates are available on official County and City social media accounts, as well as the National Weather Service’s social media accounts. Anyone who hasn’t done so already is also encouraged to sign up for text and e-mail emergency alerts at WarnCentralTexas.org and enable emergency notifications on their cell phones.
 
“When our community faces an emergency, we act. This disaster declaration ensures that we can respond immediately and marshal every available resource in the event of flash floods threatening Travis County,” said Travis County Judge Andy Brown.
 
The disaster declaration will remain in effect until further action is taken by the respective governmental entities.