Springtime in Central Texas brings severe weather such as thunderstorms, risk of tornadoes, straight-line winds, and hail. Flash flooding also is a threat during this time of year. In fact, Central Texas is known as Flash Flood Alley.  

Prepare now by monitoring weather conditions, knowing safe places to shelter or evacuate depending on the situation, and having a way to receive weather watches and warnings from the National Weather Service. 

“Severe weather presents a variety of threats like hail, lightning, and tornadoes,” said Jim Redick, Director of Austin’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. “Add in that Central Texas is the flash flood capital of the world, and springtime becomes a time of year when it is essential to ensure you are prepared for anything.” 

Stay weather aware. It is important to stay tuned to your preferred local news outlet for weather updates. Follow them on social media as well as official accounts for the City of Austin and its public safety departments. 

Do not attempt to cross through water running at low water crossings by foot or in a vehicle. As little as 12 inches of running water can move a vehicle and less than that can cause you to lose your footing. Turn around. Don’t drown.  

It also is important to not drive around barricades during a flood. These barricades indicate it is unsafe to proceed.  

Austin Homeland Security & Emergency Management

Keys to preparing for severe weather and flooding are to understand and practice the four steps of emergency preparedness.  

Make a Plan: Create an emergency plan for your home that includes meeting locations, evacuation routes, and emergency contacts. 

Build a Kit: Prepare an emergency kit with essential items like non-perishable food, water, flashlights, first-aid supplies, and medications. Don’t forget your pets when building your kit. 

Know Your Neighbors: Knowing your neighbors can create a strong network capable of assisting each other and increasing your community’s resilience and readiness. 

Stay Informed: Keep your cell phone charged during an emergency and have more than one way to receive important information and updates. Sign up to receive emergency alerts at WarnCentralTexas.org. 

Following a severe weather event or flood safely check your property and/or automobile for any damage. Only return to your home to inspect damage after local authorities advise it is safe to do so. Check for loose or downed power lines, broken or damaged gas lines, foundation cracks, or structural damage. Take photos for insurance purposes of any damage sustained. Be aware of potential scams looking to take advantage of damage from the storm. Work with your insurance representative to find reputable businesses for any needed repairs. 

Learn more about preparing for severe weather and flooding as well as other weather hazards at Austin HSEM's digital preparedness hub ReadyCentralTexas.org.

On the Road:

• Avoid bridges and overpasses.
• Treat flashing or inoperable traffic lights as an all-way stop
• Prepare your vehicle for severe weather and flooding:
  • Inspect your windshield wipers for any cracks and ensure they do no cause streaking
  • Ensure headlights, brake lights, turn signals are functioning properly
  • Check your tire pressure and tread
• Vehicle emergency kit:
  • Jumper cables
  • Flares or reflective triangle
  • Car cell phone charger

Severe Weather

Protect your property: Secure loose items such as outdoor furniture and garden tools that could become dangerous projectiles during high winds. Keep trees trimmed to prevent damage from falling branches.  

Seek shelter: If severe weather is approaching, seek shelter in a safe location such as an interior room on the lowest level of your home. Lightning can strike from far away. If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck. Hail can do more than damage your home or vehicle. It can cause serious injuries. If hail is in the forecast, please get indoors to avoid being struck by hail during a thunderstorm. 

Turn off utilities: Know how to turn off gas, water, and electricity in case of an emergency.  

Flooding

Seek higher ground: If your home is flooding and you need to evacuate, find higher elevation. Before you leave (time permitting), put valuable items higher in case water enters your home, like on a bookshelf or counter. 

Turn around. Don’t drown: Moving water can be very powerful. Do not attempt to walk or drive through moving water over roadways or bridges.

Watershed Protection

Before a Flood:

• Clean out drains and gutters.
• Keep drainage easements clear; do not dump debris into creeks.
• Gather supplies to last for several days, including non-perishable foods, water, and cleaning supplies.
• Keep a charged cell phone or battery-powered radio handy for weather updates.
• Sign up for regional emergency notifications at WarnCentralTexas.org.
• Store important documents in a watertight container and create password-protected digital copies.
• Move valuables to higher levels in case of flooding.
• Make a family and pet emergency plan; consider whether you want to stay at home or find shelter with friends or family.
• Prepare an emergency kit with essentials like food, water, medications, documents, and first aid supplies.
• Turn off electricity and gas if you decide to leave your home and it is safe to do so.  

During a Flood:

• If you must travel, stay away from creeks, trails, culverts, ponds, and drainage infrastructure.
• Check for road closures on ATXFloods.com as roads may flood before homes.
• Never drive through high water or around barricades.
• Slow down on wet roads; water covering roads is hard to see at night.
• Avoid contact with floodwater due to health risks, including hazardous materials and bacteria.
• If water is rising, get to higher ground.

Digital Resources:

• Follow @ATXFloods on X for information about flooding.

• Visit ATXFloods.com for real-time road closures. 

• Visit ATXFloodSafety.com for preparedness information.

Austin Energy

In case of a power outage:   

• Unplug appliances and turn off most lights to avoid overloading circuits when power is restored.   
• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed during an outage and follow FDA guidelines for food safety.

Electrical Safety Tips:   

• Do not drive over or go near a downed power line, as it could be energized. Call 311 if you see a downed line to report it. If the line is sparking, call 911.
• If you see limbs on wires or see downed tree limbs, please call 311 to report them.

Stay Informed    

• To report a power outage, text OUT to 287846 or visit outagemap.austinenergy.com. You can also report an outage by calling 512-322-9100.
• Register for Austin Energy’s Outage Alerts by texting REG to 287846.
• Monitor ERCOT grid conditions at ERCOT.com for information impacting local and statewide electricity service.

Austin Water

Austin Water encourages customers to take steps now to prepare for weather hazards. Following a few, easy steps now will help customers protect their property and prevent damage. 

Locate your water shutoff. Locate the water main shutoff valve and keep it clear of debris and obstacles at all times. For most homes, the property owner’s shutoff valve is on your side of the water meter at the meter box. For renters, please consult with your property manager. If you cannot find your shutoff valve or if it is damaged, then you should be prepared to access the City shutoff valve in the meter box in an emergency. You may need a water meter key to open the meter box, which can be purchased at most hardware stores. Watch a video about how to locate your water shutoff.   

Stay Informed:  

• Sign up for Austin Water’s My ATX Water customer portal.
• Austin Water’s 24-Hour Emergency Hotline can be reached at 512-972-1000, Option 1.