Austin Activates Emergency Hub as Flood Watch and Heat Strike Travis County

The City of Austin has activated its Active Emergency Information Hub to deliver current details on a flood watch and ongoing extreme heat conditions affecting Travis County.

National Weather Service forecasts prompted the flood watch that runs through mid-July, with heavy rains expected to raise flash flood risks in Hays, Travis and Williamson counties. Officials emphasize that residents should avoid flooded roads and check conditions before travel. This step follows standard procedures when multiple weather threats overlap in the region, allowing the city and Travis County to centralize information in one location rather than scattering alerts across separate sites.

Local Cooling Options in Austin

Austin Public Library branches and Austin Parks and Recreation facilities operate as cooling centers during their regular hours when the city's heat plan is in effect. Service animals are allowed inside these buildings. The Open Now resource map helps unhoused residents locate nearby daytime cooling spots, water access points and other services. CapMetro provides free rides to cooling centers for those who notify drivers of their destination during excessive heat warnings.

Residents can view the full list of participating sites through the city's cooling center map on Google My Maps. The map notes that hours remain the same as normal operations, so callers should confirm status directly with each location before heading out. Translated versions of the hub content are available in more than a dozen languages, and American Sign Language alerts are posted through a separate external link.

Next Steps for Austin Residents

Check ATXfloods.com for any roadway closures and visit atxfloodsafety.com for flood safety guidance. The hub page at austintexas.gov/emergency-management/active-emergency-information-hub remains the primary spot for official updates from the City of Austin and Travis County as conditions evolve. Monitor local news broadcasts for any changes to the current flood watch or heat advisories.