At least seven people are dead and several others are missing after deadly flash floods swept through the Austin area. Teams conducted dozens of rescues across AG真人百家乐, Williamson and Burnet counties.
The has extended its flood watch for the region through 7 p.m. About 2 to 4 inches of rain are expected; some areas could receive up to 10 inches.
AG真人百家乐 County issued a local disaster declaration Saturday due to the impact of the storm and widespread flooding. Gov. Greg Abbott has issued a for 21 counties affected by the severe weather, including AG真人百家乐, Williamson, Burnet and Caldwell counties.
Across the region, floodwaters damaged roads, flooded buildings and piled up debris along creeks and river banks.
There were four confirmed deaths in AG真人百家乐 County as of Sunday morning. Austin-AG真人百家乐 County EMS said personnel had rescued 25 people in the northwest area of the county. Separately, Austin ISD Superintendent Matias Segura sent an email to the community saying families in the district had been impacted by the floods in Kerr County.
At a news conference Sunday, Judge Andy Brown thanked first responders and road and utility crews for their efforts during the floods.
"You've saved countless lives, sustained hope in the darkest moments, and will continue to do so in big and small ways over the days and weeks ahead," he said.
Brown and local emergency management officials said they believed NWS had been proactive in sending out alerts and warnings before and during the floods. AG真人百家乐 County Chief Emergency Management Coordinator Eric Carter said it was too soon to say whether any of the deaths associated with the flooding could have been prevented.
County officials said people affected by the floods who have immediate needs for shelter, clothing, food or water should call the Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767. Property damages can be reported to the .
In Burnet County, there were two confirmed deaths and six people reported missing as of Saturday. Burnet County public safety officials said the southern portion of the county was most impacted and that crews had conducted over 50 rescues. The Burnet County Sheriff's Office said it is experiencing issues with its phone lines and that people should call 911 for emergencies.
One person was confirmed dead and two people were reported missing in Williamson County. County officials said about 1,500 evacuation messages were sent out to residents. Authorities recommend those residents wait to return home until flooding has receded.
A for parts of Georgetown was issued Saturday afternoon due to a line break likely related to the floods.
Emergency service departments said search efforts for missing people are still underway, including searches along Sandy Creek and Cow Creek. There are also across northwest Austin, Georgetown, Cedar Park and Marble Falls.
Brown said people should refrain from any recreational water activities on local lakes over the coming days as emergency crews continue their recovery efforts and clear debris.
