The impact of the 2015 flood was widespread, leading to full activation of local emergency operations and a presidential disaster declaration.

AUSTIN, Texas — Oct. 30, 2025, marks 10 years since historic floodwaters hit Central Texas, killing three people.

The impact of the Halloween 2015 flood was widespread, leading to full activation of local emergency operations and a presidential disaster declaration.

Severe weather of that magnitude wasn’t forecast for the storm, but torrential downpours and rapidly rising water led to the deaths of three people in Travis County. The Austin Fire Department responded to more than 400 calls for help.

Onion Creek on U.S. 183 crested at nearly 40 feet, according to city of Austin archives – more than 22 feet above flood stage.

KVUE crews captured a man clinging to a tree before he was finally rescued by helicopter. His story of survival made global headlines.

“Before I even knew it it was up over my hood, and it swept me sideways,” Kerry Packer told KVUE. “Jumped out the window, and grabbed a tree, and climbed up the tree, kept going up farther and farther as the water was rising … It was like white water rapids.”

The 2015 flood damaged about 400 structures in the Austin city limits and at least another 336 properties in Travis County.


Flood protection work completed since 2015

During a ceremony at Onion Creek Metro Park on Thursday, city of Austin leaders spoke about the work that’s been done over the past decade to protect the area from future flooding.

The city ended up buying more than 480 properties from the highest-risk areas. Crews have also upgraded early warning systems, installed flood detection cameras and improved drainage infrastructure.

“These improvements are not just about infrastructure. They’re about healing, resilience and creating spaces where families can come together, reflect and reconnect with nature,” Austin Parks and Recreation Director Jesús Aguirre said.

“Flooding remains a significant risk. The 2015 Halloween floods was a critical moment, as we witnessed how destructive flooding can be to our city,” said Jorge Morales, director of the Austin Watershed Protection Department.

Despite the work that’s been completed, city leaders say hundreds of homes are still at risk. Learn more about the city’s Flood Insurance Assistance Program.


Austin’s history of Halloween floods

The 2015 flood isn’t the only time Onion Creek has been impacted by flooding in late October. 

The only time Onion Creek rose higher than in 2015 was Halloween two years prior, when it reached an all-time crest of more than 40 feet in 2013.

City of Austin records state lessons learned during the 2013 flood likely saved lives in 2015. The city and Travis County identified more than 150 corrective action plan items after the 2013 flood, and 97% of those items were enacted when the floodwaters hit in 2015.

Nearly 660 homes were damaged in 2013. When Onion Creek reached its record height, the water had risen 11 feet in a matter of 15 minutes.