A tragic incident unfolded in Austin when a man lost his life after being struck by a tree that had been hit by lightning during a severe storm on Tuesday night.
Kirk Foyle, a cherished member of the Zilker community and a regular patron at Green Mesquite BBQ on Barton Springs Road, was caught under the fallen tree on the restaurant’s patio. The Austin Fire Department received a call about the hazardous situation just before 9:30 p.m. on May 19, reporting a man trapped beneath the tree.
Emergency responders transported Foyle to a nearby hospital, but he sadly succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival. In the wake of this tragedy, community members have placed flowers near the site of the incident, and Green Mesquite BBQ has expressed its condolences to his family, friends, and neighbors.
The severe weather that night also resulted in flash flooding across Williamson County, causing multiple roads in flood-prone areas to close due to storm damage. Reports indicate that water levels at Berry Creek surged from approximately 12 feet to 17 feet, while the San Gabriel River experienced a significant rise from 7 feet to 16 feet.
In addition to road closures, floodwaters have eroded drainage infrastructure, creating large gaps in the pavement. Looking ahead, Williamson County remains under a Flood Watch through Monday as more storms are predicted to impact the region.
The National Weather Service warns of potential rainfall amounts ranging from 2 to 4 inches, with isolated areas possibly receiving up to 6 inches. Given that the ground is already saturated, there is a high likelihood that additional rain will exacerbate flooding in streams, creeks, and rivers.
Residents are urged to take precautions against the incoming storms. One Georgetown resident, Erin Bessner, shared her strategy for safety: “I would just plan to not drive in or out of the neighborhood and avoid any low water crossings.”
For those in the Austin area, staying informed about local weather conditions is crucial. The FOX 7 WAPP offers quick access to radar, hourly forecasts, and a 7-day outlook, along with timely weather alerts to help ensure safety during storms. Additionally, updates on low water crossings and road closures are available at atxfloods and DriveTexas.org.
