AUSTIN, Texas \u2014 Austin and Travis County have activated their joint Emergency Operations Center as heavy rainfall and the threat of flooding continue across Central Texas Thursday night.<\/p>\n
The Emergency Operations Center began a Level 3 Limited Activation at 7 a.m. Thursday, bringing together multiple city and county departments to monitor conditions and coordinate resources. Representatives will remain at the EOC overnight as additional rain moves through the area.<\/p>\n
Travis County remains under a Flood Watch through 7 p.m. Friday. The forecast calls for 2 to 3 inches of rain in the Austin area through Friday morning, with isolated pockets of up to 8 inches possible, according to Austin Emergency Management.<\/p>\n
Austin Watershed Protection is operating at increased readiness, with barricade crews on call through 6 a.m. Monday in case low-water crossings need to be closed.<\/p>\n
Austin Fire has boat crews on standby if water rescues become necessary. Transportation and Public Works has also added on-call staff and is monitoring the city’s more than 1,100 traffic signals while preparing to assist with barricades and debris removal.<\/p>\n
As of 4 p.m. Thursday, Austin police had responded to 24 vehicle crashes but reported no major flooding calls. Officials said the number of crashes was not considered an influx.<\/p>\n
ALSO| Officials watching Llano River for potential flooding overnight<\/a><\/p>\n One traffic signal outage was reported at Great Hills Trail and Rain Creek Parkway.<\/p>\n Hamilton Pool closed due to flood threat<\/p>\n Travis County Parks closed Hamilton Pool on Thursday because of the flooding threat.<\/p>\n Visitors with Thursday reservations were notified. Those with reservations Friday are being asked to check for updates<\/a> before visiting. The county said visitors will be notified if another closure is necessary.<\/p>\n Officials are urging people who live or work in flood-prone areas to have multiple ways to leave their homes or neighborhoods if they need to move to higher ground.<\/p>\n Residents should stay away from creeks, trails, culverts, ponds and other drainage areas and should never walk, bike or drive through high water or around barricades.<\/p>\n As little as 6 inches of water can sweep an adult off their feet, while a foot of water can carry away most vehicles, according to Austin Emergency Management.<\/p>\n