The Lower Colorado River Authority opened floodgates at Tom Miller Dam and Lake Bastrop Dam Monday as heavy rain continued to fall across the Austin area.
One floodgate was partially opened at both dams after torrential rain increased inflows to Lake Austin and Lake Bastrop from storm runoff.
When floodgates open at Tom Miller Dam, water flows from Lake Austin into Lady Bird Lake and continues through Longhorn Dam, which may mean stronger currents and rising water levels downstream. Water from Lake Bastrop flows downstream into Gills Branch Creek.
Opening floodgates allows dam operators to release excess water and help manage lake levels as runoff enters the reservoirs.
The last time Tom Miller Dam opened was in 2025 during the Fourth of July floods, KXAN reported.
The National Weather Service issued a flood watch that remains in effect through Tuesday evening, including Travis, Williamson, Hays and Bastrop counties.
A flood advisory replaced a flash flood warning early Monday for the same counties and is in effect until 10:30 a.m.
Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms were forecast to continue throughout Central and South Texas on Monday, with rain totals of 8 inches or more possible in some areas.