Lake Travis has exceeded 100% capacity following devastating floods in Texas's Hill Country, triggering the first release of floodgates at Mansfield Dam since 2019. Torrential rains last week dumped up to two feet of precipitation in the region, causing deadly flooding that claimed at least two lives and prompted over 250 water rescues. As of Tuesday morning, the lake stood at 683.65 feet above mean sea level—about 2.6 feet above its full pool level of 681 feet—impacting low-lying shoreline communities like Graveyard Point, where floodwaters have submerged back patios and are advancing toward homes.

Authority is managing the elevated levels, which remain well below the emergency spillway. Recovery efforts continue amid ongoing concerns, while Tropical Storm Bertha tracks through the Gulf of Mexico. Though not expected to bring heavy new rainfall to the hardest-hit areas, the storm may deliver gusty winds and scattered showers to parts of Texas later this week as residents work to rebuild.