Central Texas is grappling with intensifying drought conditions after 38 days without measurable rain at Austin's main weather sites, pushing the region into a flash drought. About 61% of eastern Travis County is now in severe drought, with the remainder moderately dry or abnormally dry, prompting widespread burn bans across the area except in Hays County. Large cracks are appearing in the ground, and above-average October temperatures have exacerbated the dry spell, with the latest U.S. Drought Monitor update expected to show further worsening.
Just seven years after devastating 2018 floods that inundated the Hill Country and caused the Llano River to rise nearly 40 feet—destroying infrastructure and triggering a citywide water crisis in Austin—the region known as "Flash Flood Alley" highlights Texas weather's extreme swings. This week, high pressure will keep conditions dry through Friday, with muggy highs in the upper 80s to low 90s on Thursday, before a cold front arrives Saturday offering a slim 20% chance of showers and slight cooling. Longer-term outlooks suggest a potentially wetter pattern by late October.
If your route to the lake crosses Mansfield Dam, build in some extra time. TxDOT crews are working on the RM 620 bridge in front of the dam, repairing expansion joints, upgradin...
Early voting for the Nov. 3 midterm election opens Monday, Oct. 19, and runs through Friday, Oct. 30. Registered Travis County voters can use any countywide polling site during...
The first strong cold front of the fall is expected to push through the Austin area early Friday, Oct. 16, and boaters on Lake Travis should plan for rough conditions. According...
