Local leaders are urging Central Texans to stay weather-aware, avoid flooded roads and follow local emergency warnings.

AUSTIN, Texas — Travis County and the city of Austin issued local disaster declarations on Tuesday as heavy rain and flash flooding continue to threaten Texas.

It comes after Gov. Greg Abbott declared a disaster for 59 Texas counties and directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to keep the State Emergency Operations (SOC) center running around the clock at an escalated response level.



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The declarations allow Travis County and the city of Austin to prepare for potential flooding and coordinate resources with local, state and federal partners.

Abbott and local leaders are urging Central Texans to stay weather aware, avoid flooded roads and follow local emergency warnings.

“When our community faces an emergency, we act. This disaster declaration ensures that we can respond immediately and marshal every available resource in the event of flash floods threatening Travis County,” Travis County Judge Andy Brown said.

A Flood Watch remains in effect for parts of the Hill Country and Interstate 35 corridor until Thursday evening, July 16, as heavy rainfall is expected overnight Tuesday into Wednesday. Areas along creeks, streams, rivers and low-water crossings could be particularly at risk.

Residents are urged to monitor local weather forecasts and warnings and be prepared to act quickly if conditions worsen. You can sign up for text and email emergency alerts at WarnCentralTexas.org.

“I am declaring a preemptive local state of disaster for the City of Austin. This declaration will allow the city to quickly organize our resources and respond to any disaster event that might occur. This is being done in coordination with Travis County Judge Andy Brown, who is issuing a similar declaration for Travis County,” Austin Mayor Kirk Watson said.

The disaster declarations will remain in effect until further notice.