logo
People Urged To Stay Out of Popular Texas Lake After Floods

People Urged To Stay Out of Popular Texas Lake After Floods

Newsweek10-07-2025
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Water officials in Texas are urging everyone to remain out of Lake Travis as debris flow and high bacteria levels from the recent floods endanger boaters and swimmers.
"Safety is our top priority, and it's not safe to be on the lakes now under the conditions we're seeing," Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) Executive Vice President of Water John Hofmann said in a press release. "We'll continue to evaluate the lakes daily and will let you know when conditions improve enough for us to remove the advisory."
Why It Matters
Last weekend, deadly floods surged through Central Texas. Some parts of the state saw more than 20 inches of rain, with the National Weather Service (NWS) attributing the excessive moisture to remnants of Tropical Storm Barry, which formed the weekend prior.
Urgent flood warnings were issued across Texas as rivers surged. More than 100 people have died, including 27 campers and counselors at Camp Mystic in Kerr County. More rain fell across the region on Monday.
A stock photo shows Lake Travis near Austin, Texas.
A stock photo shows Lake Travis near Austin, Texas.
RoschetzkylstockPhoto/Getty
What To Know
Lake Travis, located near Austin, has risen more than 20 feet in less than a week amid torrential rainfall that flooded numerous rivers in the region. The popular Texas reservoir reached its highest point in three years last weekend.
The sudden jump in water levels comes as the popular lake has battled years of drought. At some points, water levels became so low that they exposed items beneath the lake's surface, such as hidden pecan groves and a concrete plant.
Although the lake remains open to the public, LCRA officials are urging swimmers and boaters to remain out of Lake Travis and the other highland lakes until conditions improve following the floods.
"LCRA strongly advises people to stay out of the Highland Lakes for the next few days to avoid flood debris, fast-moving flows and bacteria levels that traditionally increase after a flood event," the most recent flood operations report said.
The rate of increase has slowed, but water levels continue to rise. Similar large jumps have been seen throughout Lake Travis' history, as the reservoir is in Texas' Flash Flood Alley, an LCRA spokesperson told Newsweek.
As of Thursday morning, the lake is about 20 feet below its full pool level, which occurs at 681 feet.
Once the danger passes, visitors are expected to return as lake levels improve and make recreation more enjoyable.
The risk of more rain continues for parts of Central Texas on Thursday.
What People Are Saying
NWS office in San Angelo, in a Thursday forecast: "There is a Slight Risk of excessive rainfall across much of the area. Additional showers and thunderstorms are likely mainly Saturday night with heavy rainfall resulting in possible flash flooding."
An LCRA spokesperson told Newsweek: "Lake Travis is a popular lake, and we would expect to see additional visitation at the lake later this summer."
What Happens Next
Lake Travis levels could continue to rise in the immediate future, but further changes are unclear.
"Levels in Lake Travis later this summer will depend on a combination of heat and wind, water usage in Central Texas and if/where we see continued rainfall in watershed," the spokesperson told Newsweek.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Heat and humidity to grip New York City as another sweaty summer week kicks off
Heat and humidity to grip New York City as another sweaty summer week kicks off

NBC News

time2 hours ago

  • NBC News

Heat and humidity to grip New York City as another sweaty summer week kicks off

New Yorkers should prepare for another high electricity bill next month as another wave of heat and humidity is set to envelop the city this week. The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory for New York City on Monday and Tuesday that warned of heat index values up to 105 degrees Fahrenheit. "These conditions are dangerous to health," the Notify NYC alert said. The people most at risk are those without air conditioning, people with chronic health conditions and people who work outside. The heat will begin to build overnight Sunday into early Monday morning and will continue until at least Wednesday, with heat advisories in place for the next three days, the National Weather Service said in an area forecast discussion. Heat advisories are also in place for New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts, the NWS said. Heat indices in South Jersey, near Philadelphia, are expected to reach from 100-105 degrees Fahrenheit, with potential to be higher, a NWS area discussion from Mt. Holly, New Jersey, said. Boston — also under a heat advisory — is expected to face heat indices in the mid to upper 90s, according to the NWS. On Monday, the heat will seep into the south, too, with potential temperature records in Gainesville, Florida; Denver; New Orleans and Charlotte. A cold front will move in Wednesday night, bringing with it possible showers, to break up the hot start to the week, the NWS discussion said. In total, 123 million are under heat alerts through the first half of the week, with some alerts in effect through at least Wednesday. The heat was taking hold over the Plains and Southeast U.S. Sunday, with conditions feeling like 110-115 degrees Fahrenheit.

Forecasters Warn of Enhanced Risks for Severe Storms in Midwest
Forecasters Warn of Enhanced Risks for Severe Storms in Midwest

Newsweek

time2 hours ago

  • Newsweek

Forecasters Warn of Enhanced Risks for Severe Storms in Midwest

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Millions of Americans are under a warning for enhanced risk of severe storms across the Upper Midwest and western Great Lakes on Sunday, the National Weather Service (NWS) and the Storm Prediction Center (SPC) said on Sunday. Newsweek has reached out to the NWS via email Sunday during non-working hours for more Infromation. Why It Matters In recent months, severe storms have battered communities across Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and neighboring states. In addition, severe weather outbreaks can disrupt critical infrastructure and cause widespread damage during the heart of summer. Enhanced risk warnings, as issued by the NWS, signal conditions that could produce major thunderstorm hazards and tornadoes, underscoring the importance for communities and emergency responders across the region. Recent storm events have already resulted in property damage, power outages, and disrupted everyday life for thousands, making continued vigilance crucial. What To Know "Severe thunderstorms are expected this afternoon and evening across parts of the Upper Midwest to western Great Lakes," the alert from NWS and SPC said. "Other severe storms will also be possible in parts of the northern Plains, central Appalachians, and Mid-Atlantic." Severe thunderstorms with large hail, damaging wind gusts, and the potential for isolated tornadoes are expected throughout the region, the NWS added. The SPC warned of hazards including scattered damaging winds as well as the possibility of isolated tornadoes as storm systems traverse the region. Residents were urged to stay alert for fast-changing weather conditions and to monitor local weather alerts. "Given the strong buoyancy near/south of the front, and very steep lapse rates/elevated mixed layer impinging from the west-southwest, modestly strong wind profiles will be sufficient for intense supercell development with initial storms, including large hail potential (higher magnitudes possible especially eastern South Dakotas and southwest Minnesota) and some tornado risk," the forecast read. It added: Multiple southeastward-moving clusters should evolve this evening with an increasing likelihood of damaging wind across southern Minnesota into western/northern Wisconsin. Portions of the region have been upgraded to an enhanced risk." The Storm Prediction Center forecasts hazardous weather conditions. The Storm Prediction Center forecasts hazardous weather conditions. Storm Prediction Center/National Weather Service What Happens Next? The NWS continues to closely monitor storm developments in the Upper Midwest and other at-risk regions, providing real-time alerts and forecasts through its SPC and local offices. Residents have been advised to review their emergency plans, secure outdoor property, and stay abreast of updated warnings as weather conditions evolve. The potential for additional severe weather—including more tornadoes, damaging winds, and large hail—remains elevated as storm systems continue to pass through the central United States.

Tornado touches down in Salinac County, NWS confirms, marking Michigan's 30th in 2025
Tornado touches down in Salinac County, NWS confirms, marking Michigan's 30th in 2025

CBS News

time6 hours ago

  • CBS News

Tornado touches down in Salinac County, NWS confirms, marking Michigan's 30th in 2025

The National Weather Service has confirmed that a tornado touched down in Deckerville, Michigan, on Saturday, marking the state's 30th in 2025. A barn was destroyed, and a home and crops were damaged as a result of the tornado, the NWS said. Officials added that it wasn't detected by radar, and there was no prior warning. With 30 confirmed, 2025 now ranks as Michigan's sixth-highest year for tornadoes since 1950. One more would tie 1977 for fifth-most. Michigan's 29th tornado of the year touched down in Macomb County on June 18 and had a preliminary rating of EF-0. Heat is on the way for Southeast Michigan with forecasted highs in the low 90s on Sunday and Monday.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store