Much of Central Texas is under a flash flood watch until 7 p.m., including Travis, Hays, Caldwell, Blanco and Burnet counties. The National Weather Service also issued a flood warning for the Perdernales River and Barton and Onion creeks until Thursday.
Parts of Hays and Comal counties are under a flash flood warning until 6:15 tonight.
NWS has issued a flood warning for Barton Creek at Loop 360 until Thursday afternoon, as waters could rise as high as 9.5 feet by tonight – a foot and a half above the creek's flood stage. The service estimates Onion Creek at U.S. Highway 183 could rise to flood stage this after noon and could crest as high as nearly 22 feet. The Pedernales River at Johnson City is also under a flood warning until Thursday; the river could rise as high as 20 feet by this afternoon.
A flood advisory for Travis and Williamson counties is in effect until 6:15 tonight.
Parts of Austin have seen nearly 4.5 inches of rain in the last 24 hours, according to the Lower Colorado River Authority. Forecasters say as many as 1-2 inches of rain are expected today, which could trigger flooding in areas that still haven't dried out from last week's rainfall.
Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services says first responders discovered a body in Lady Bird Lake after 1 p.m. EMS identified the victim as a male in his 50s and said he was swept away in flood water near at 800 W. Ninth Street.
7:58a - @NWSSPC has updated the severe outlook for the day. Still a large area of slight risk for severe storms. We expected isolated strong to severe storms this morning, growing into line segments as things move east this afternoon. pic.twitter.com/x0MwpMCF8Q
— NWS Austin/San Antonio (@NWSSanAntonio) May 8, 2019
Currently, there are 191 low-water crossings closed in Central Texas. Officials urge drivers not to cross flooded roadways or go around barricades at closed crossings. You can see a full map of closures here.
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LCRA says it's monitoring water levels along the Highland Lakes and may open floodgates to send water downstream if rains persist. LCRA has one gate partially open at Tom Miller Dam.
Austin Parks and Recreation has closed the Barton Creek Greenbelt, Barton Springs Pool and the Ann and Roy Hike and Bike Trail have been closed after heavy rains. See a full list of park closures here.
This story has been updated.
