Austin, Texas, has enacted a waterway ban effective from July 17 through July 21 at 5 p.m. due to severe flooding that has recently affected the Texas Hill Country. This decision aims to ensure the safety of both residents and visitors in light of the hazardous conditions following the historic rainfall.
The flooding in the Texas Hill Country has reached alarming levels, prompting local officials to take precautionary measures. The Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) has warned of swift water flows and increased debris, rendering recreational and commercial activities on Austin’s waterways unsafe.
As part of the ban, personal and commercial watercraft, including jet skis, motorized surfboards, canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards, are prohibited on several waterways in Austin, namely Lake Austin from Mansfield Dam to Tom Miller Dam, Lady Bird Lake, and the Colorado River downstream of Longhorn Dam. Additionally, residents and visitors are advised to stay away from riverfront trails, which may also pose safety risks.
This week’s heavy rains have had dire consequences in the region, resulting in two fatalities—one in Kerr County and another in Uvalde County. Governor Greg Abbott reported that state and local rescue teams have successfully aided over 570 individuals in response to the flooding.
Recovery operations are currently underway in Kerr County, where nearly 20 inches of rain fell within a short period, leading to extensive flooding. Governor Abbott noted that assistance has been offered by governors from nine states, including neighboring Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Arkansas, highlighting the widespread impact of the disaster.
The governor emphasized that the threat is not yet over, as high water levels continue to move downstream and keep local rivers elevated. This warning was reiterated by Chief Nim Kidd of the Texas Department of Emergency Management, who cautioned against disregarding road barricades, which serve as crucial indicators of hazardous conditions ahead.
