AUSTIN, Texas — Travis County Judge Andy Brown and Austin Mayor Kirk Watson have issued local disaster declarations on Tuesday as heavy rain and possible flash flooding threaten Central Texas.
The declarations, announced Tuesday, allow Travis County and the City of Austin to prepare for potential flooding by coordinating emergency response efforts and resources with local, state and federal partners.
The National Weather Service is forecasting heavy rainfall Tuesday night into Wednesday, with a Flood Watch remaining in effect for Travis County through Thursday evening. Officials warned that areas near creeks, streams, rivers and low-water crossings could be especially vulnerable to flooding.
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“When our community faces an emergency, we act,” Brown said in a statement. “This disaster declaration ensures that we can respond immediately and marshal every available resource in the event of flash floods threatening Travis County.”
Watson said the declaration allows the city to organize resources in advance of any potential flooding.
“I am declaring a preemptive local state of disaster for the City of Austin,” Watson said. “This declaration will allow the City to quickly organize our resources and respond to any disaster event that might occur.”
Officials are urging residents to closely monitor weather forecasts, heed warnings and be prepared to act quickly if conditions deteriorate.
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Residents are also encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts through Warn Central Texas and enable emergency notifications on their mobile devices.
The disaster declarations will remain in effect until further action is taken by Travis County and the City of Austin.