Austin leaders issue weather guidance ahead of flash flood season

To kick off the city’s flooding and preparedness week, leaders held a press conference on Monday, March 25, to warn Central Texans of the possible dangers posed by severe weather like flash floods, tornadoes, thunderstorms, hail, and high wind. Ken Snipes, Austin Homeland Security and Emergency Management director, said March, April, and May make up severe weather season in Central Texas, and climate change has made weather events “more extreme and more unpredictable.”

“We especially want to remind the public not to drive around barricades at low water crossings,” Snipes said at the conference. “We see examples of people driving around barricades that result in cars being swept off of roadways and/or bridges. This is dangerous for you and our first responders. Remember: turn around, don’t drown.”

It only takes six inches of water to knock you down or cause you to lose control of your car, Eric Carter, Travis County Chief Emergency Management coordinator, said at the conference. 

Snipes said people can use readycentraltexas.org as a resource for how to prepare for and navigate severe weather situations. Another online resource for flash flooding is atxfloodsafety.com. Now that the area is entering severe weather season, it’s important to prepare ahead of time, Carter added.

“Take a look around your home — when it’s sunny out, strengthen it, meaning cut down branches that are hanging over roofs and check your home insurance policy. Make a plan for your family,” Carter said. “Make sure everyone knows which room in your home is safe to shelter in place during thunderstorms and tornadoes. Check and restock your emergency supply kit.”

Some important things to include in an emergency kit include water bottles, non-perishable snacks, a compact first aid kit, flashlights, pet essentials, necessary medications, blankets, and a multi-tool, Eddie Martinez, division chief for the Austin Fire Department, said at the conference. 

Leaders also encourage Central Texans to follow their local emergency management organization on social media. For Travis County, that’s Travis County Emergency Services on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. The county is also using the hashtag “#prepareTravisCounty” to share information about severe weather online. 

Paul Yura, National Weather Service meteorologist, said at the conference that severe storms are defined by hail that measures at least an inch in diameter, damaging winds over 58 miles per hour, or tornadoes. 

“The large hail, the strong winds and tornadoes can cause property damage as well as cause injuries and fatalities,” Yura said. “Even non-severe storms can produce damage. Cloud to ground lightning can cause fires and also delay outdoor events. Remember that slogan: when thunder roars, go indoors. It’s a simple rule.”

He added that thunderstorms can develop very quickly on any given day during the springtime, so it’s always important to be weather aware if you’re going to be outdoors at any time.

Other guidance provided during the conference includes knowing if you’re in a flood zone and what roads around you are prone to flooding as well as staying away from any flood water you may come across.