AUSTIN, TEXAS — A series of storms that moved through Central Texas Sunday left more rainfall in Austin than the capital city typically sees during the entire month of August.
In fact, Austin typically sees a little under 2.5 inches of rain during the month of August. Sunday, Aug. 14 brought roughly 4 inches to parts of the city in under an hour.
A Flash Flood Warning was put in effect in effect at 2:15 p.m. The effects were immediate and dramatic. Video shared with Spectrum News 1 by Sloan Byervly shows water pouring into the Texas State Capitol extension about 2 p.m.
@DadePhelan @willmetcalfTX we have problems in the extension. #txlege pic.twitter.com/pcqZPelZ1c
— Sloan Byerly (@wsbyerly) August 15, 2021
Flooding extended to back hall as well, Byervly shared in another video. About 3 p.m. Sunday, Gov. Greg Abbott said his office is working with the State Preservation Board to address the issue.
The State Preservation Board is working with the Governor’s office as well as all applicable agencies to address flooding at the Capitol stemming from the current storm in Austin.
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) August 15, 2021
It’s all hands on deck.
Meanwhile, video captured in South Austin by Varun Prasad showed just how powerful the storm was as heavy rain and winds battered power lines, generating sparks.
Holy moly the power lines here in South Austin are not loving the weather!@KXAN_News @KXAN_Weather pic.twitter.com/OceBI9xxAW
— Varun Prasad (@phones_it_in) August 15, 2021
Flooding is the number one weather-related cause of death in Texas. Most flood deaths occur in cars and out on the roads. One foot of water can float a vehicle and two feet of rushing water can carry most cars, including SUVs, away.
Here are a few safety tips to follow:
- Move to higher ground
- Do not attempt to drive through a flooded road
- Do not drive around a barricade
- Turn around and find another route
The newly renovated gym at UT is flooding... #txwx https://t.co/rN4i3Jzp9b
— Mary Wasson (@Mary_Wasson) August 15, 2021