Heavy rain risk decreasing for Central Texas mid-week; river flooding still a concern on the Llano River

AUSTIN, Texas — With a high of only 81 degrees, Tuesday was the coolest afternoon in Austin since back on May 13th. It’s certainly been an odd stretch of weather over the past several days with localized flooding and heavy rain taking place in what is typically the second driest month of the year. 

We’re still not done with rain chances, but the Weather Impact Alert Day for Wednesday has been cancelled as the risk for widespread heavy rain and flooding is now decreasing for the rest of the week. With that being said, although the heaviest of our rain has fallen, it still needs to work it’s way through the creeks, streams, rivers, and lakes of Central Texas. 

River flooding on the Llano River remains is an increasing concern as flood waters are now pushing down stream. A River Flood Warning is now in effect for the river through Thursday morning. As of Tuesday evening, the flood waters were already exceeding the forecast with the Llano River near Mason reaching moderate flood stage. 

The current forecast is for the Llano River near Llano to crest in moderate flood stage Monday morning at nearly 15 feet, but keep in mind that river levels could still over perform these initial projections. If you live near the water, or have interest on the river please take the appropriate flood precautions. 

The Llano River ultimately empties into Lake LBJ. From there, flood water will be passed through Lake Marble Falls and into Lake Travis. The Lower Colorado River Authority has not yet specified if or when flood gate operations will be needed at Wirtz or Starke Dams. The KVUE Weather Team will keep you posted as we learn more. 

Rain chances through the rest of this week are lower, but certainly not zero. On Wednesday we have a 40 percent chance of rain and storms in the forecast. Rather than bringing the highest totals to the Hill Country as we’ve seen the past few days, the highest rain chances are now shifting along and east of I-35. 

The risk for flooding is lower on Wednesday, but there is still a level 1 of 4 risk in place for much of the KVUE area. Issues will not be as widespread as recent days, but some isolated minor flooding is still possible in locations that are already saturated from recent rains. 

Scattered rain chances remain in the forecast through this weekend as high temperatures continue to run well below average for this time of the year. Again, there could be some spotty minor flooding, but no major concerns.

The forecast trends completely dry and noticeably warmer through the beginning of next week.

The KVUE Weather Team will continue to closely monitor this developing forecast. 

In the meantime, the extended forecast can be found below: