Austin and Travis County disaster declarations: what the latest flood emergency moves mean for residents

Ahead of heavy-rain and flash-flood threats, Austin Mayor Kirk Watson and Travis County Judge Andy Brown issued local disaster declarations on Tuesday, July 14, 2026. The City of Austin has also posted a targeted waterways ban tied to river conditions.

City and county disaster declarations: what they’re for

In the City’s July 14 release, the declarations are described as a way for Travis County and the City to prepare for potential flooding, strengthen emergency response, and coordinate resources, services, and communications with partners.

The City also points to National Weather Service guidance, saying heavy rainfall was forecast overnight Tuesday night into Wednesday, July 15, with a Flood Watch remaining in effect for Travis County until Thursday, July 16, evening.

Travis County’s signed order includes resident-focused guidance as well: residents are advised not to travel unless necessary because of unsafe road and travel conditions, and to keep monitoring the weather. The order also says the local state of disaster continues for no more than seven (7) days from the declaration date unless continued or renewed by the Travis County Commissioners Court.

Waterway ban in Austin: what’s affected and when it ends

The City’s waterways ban is tied to floodgate operations initiated by the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) and Austin Water. The City says the ban took effect immediately Friday, July 17.

Under the notice, personal and commercial watercraft—including wet bikes, motorized surfboards, canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and similar devices—are not allowed on:

• Lake Austin from Mansfield Dam to Tom Miller Dam
• Lady Bird Lake
• Colorado River downstream of Longhorn Dam

The City also urges residents and visitors to avoid riverfront trails, saying they may be unsafe to navigate and susceptible to flash flooding because water levels are raised.

The ban has a stated deadline: it runs until 5 p.m. Tuesday, July 21, 2026.

What the City says during the current flood-risk window

On its Active Emergency Information Hub, the City says the National Weather Service has issued a flood watch from 7/13/2026 9:00 PM to 7/16/2026 7:00 PM CDT for Hays, Travis, and Williamson counties. The hub then repeats two key safety messages for residents:

• Do not attempt to cross flooded roadways.
• “Turn around don’t drown.”
• Check the roadway-closure links posted through the City hub before traveling.

Where to get official updates as conditions change

The City says that during a disaster or emergency, residents should visit the Active Emergency Information Hub for up-to-date official information from the City of Austin and Travis County about the hazard and the immediate actions residents should take.

The City also encourages residents who haven’t already done so to sign up for text and email emergency alerts through WarnCentralTexas and enable emergency notifications on their cell phones.

Because emergency conditions and restrictions can change quickly, rely on the hub for the latest guidance and closure links rather than older posts or rumors—especially if you live or commute near creeks, streams, rivers, or low-water crossings.

Sources

• City of Austin: Disaster declarations ahead of flooding threats (July 14, 2026)
• Travis County: Declaration of local disaster order (signed July 14, 2026) (PDF)