Tuesday's weather in Central Texas took residents by surprise with a deluge that brought heavy rainfall and lightning, leading to flooding and rescue operations. "I don't think many people woke up this morning expecting today's rain to be as heavy over such a brief period as it was, and that's part of the reason why some folks were unprepared for the flooding," David Gray, City of Austin's Homeless Strategy Officer, told FOX 7 Austin. The waters rushed over walkways and into creek beds, where three individuals experiencing homelessness and a dog were swept away in a tent, all thankfully rescued by the Austin Fire Department.
With the ground already saturated from Tuesday's rainfall, minor flooding concerns persist as another round of rain and storms is projected for Tuesday night. This includes a 'marginal' severe weather threat for parts of Hays, Caldwell, Bastrop, Lee, and Fayette counties, with hail and strong winds being the primary concerns, according to a report by KVUE. The intensity of the storm is expected to pick up after 1 a.m., especially east of I-35.
Despite the immediate weather challenges, there will be a brief respite. KVUE states that by Wednesday morning, the storm will have cleared, paving the way for sunshine and warmer temperatures in the afternoon. However, this brief warm spell is set to rapidly give way to another strong cold front by Wednesday evening, leading to a sharp temperature drop and the potential for a light freeze in some areas the following morning.
Thursday's forecast suggests a cloudy, chilly day across the region, with scattered rain showers and the possibility of some patchy freezing rain in parts of the Hill Country, "At this time, significant icing issues are not expected anywhere in the KVUE area," the KVUE report advises. Residents are likely to brace for a sharp shift in weather conditions as the cold front takes hold.
As Central Texas navigates this turbulent weather, individuals are urged to remain vigilant and cautious, especially when approaching low-water crossings. The Homeless Strategy Office, in collaboration with outreach workers, continues to provide warnings and assistance to those most vulnerable and at risk of the consequences of flash flooding.
