Austin Texas News

WASHINGTON – The nation’s capital embraced George H.W. Bush in death Monday with solemn ceremony and high tributes to his service and decency, as the remains of the 41st president took their place in the Capitol rotunda for three days of mourning and praise by the political elite and everyday citizens alike. With Bush’s casket atop the Lincoln Catafalque, first used for Abraham Lincoln’s 1865 funeral, dignitaries came forward to honor the Texan whose efforts…

The day started on the serving line at Meals on Wheels. The kitchen staff worked through 95 pounds of turkey, 135 pounds of dressing and 125 pounds of vegetables. Each plate was sealed and staged for delivery. The organization has about 500 clients; mostly older adults and individuals with disabilities according to CEO  Adam Hauser. “We have a very fast growing aging population so the demand for our serves is increasing, exponentially,” said Hauser. Hauser…

Hundreds of firefighters are returning to Texas after helping crews fight the massive wildfires in California. These firefighters were actually expecting to still be gone on Thanksgiving but were able to make it back just in time. They were deployed for nine days. Firefighters were reunited with their families around 7 Wednesday evening. There were 2 task forces made up of firefighters across multiple agencies in Central Texas. Crews who came back Wednesday said they helped…

A wildfire tore through a California man’s home and nearly destroyed everything he had – everything except for his car and tickets to see the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Redskins play on Thanksgiving in Texas. Dale Morgan’s home in Paradise was among the 10,000 that were destroyed in the Camp Fire, which is still burning in Northern California and only 65 percent contained, according to Cal Fire. Morgan told the Dallas Morning News he thinks…

A steady flow of water continues to rush down the San Gabriel River in Williamson County. But it looked much different on September 22 and inside the Williamson County 911 call center calls for help were coming in. 911 OPERATOR: “… 911 do you need Police, Fire or EMS? CALLER: “I don’t know. We are at Casa Rio de Colores, and we are flooding out and cars are hitting the building.” Amy Wikman made that…

“Shoal Creek, Barton Springs, Town Lake, the Lower Colorado, Decker Lake and honestly catch world class fish.” Mike Ianconelli spends each week in a different city to uncover exotic fish from all over the world.His passion has taken him to Taiwan, New York, Miami, and now, Austin. “For me this is sort of the last great sport in my opinion that connects you with nature.” On NatGeo Wild’s “Fish My City” Mike guides viewers on…

Governor Greg Abbott says that firefighters from across Texas will be deployed to Southern California to help fight the devastating wildfires currently burning there. Wildfires are also burning in the northern part of the state and the death toll continues to rise. An estimated 200 firefighters and 55 fire engines, as well as teams from the Texas Forest Service at Texas A&M, will begin heading to California Monday. The Austin Fire Department says it is…

Texas Governor Greg Abbott said about 200 firefighters with 55 engines will be heading to help fight California wildfires on Monday morning.         

The weather on Wednesday’s Halloween afternoon is certainly not expected to be a treat. A Tornado Watch is in effect for counties east of Austin until 10 p.m. They include Caldwell, Bastrop, Milam, Lee and Fayette.  A strong cold front will be sweeping through Central Texas early Wednesday evening and with it comes the chance for strong to severe thunderstorms. Additionally, a few tornado sightings can’t be ruled out. Parents of trick-or-treaters need to be alert…

Severe weather is possible in Central Texas for this Halloween night. A tornado watch has been issued for counties east of Austin, including Bastrop, Caldwell, Lee and Fayette counties. To keep you up-to-date, we’ve collated a list of resources to turn to during severe weather. Google Crisis Map Google’s map can alert you to any weather-related warnings or watches in your area, as well as display public shelter locations. National Weather Service Radar And Emergency…

Austin Water has lifted the boil water notice that has been in place since Monday, Oct. 22, 2018. Customers no longer need to boil water used for drinking, cooking and making ice. However, mandatory ware use restrictions remain in place for outdoor watering. Water quality testing submitted to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has confirmed that tap water meets all regulatory standards and is safe for human consumption. Historic flooding on the Llano River…

Last week was rough for Central Texas.   Flooding took a major toll on the hill country and water from the Highland Lakes was moved through the Austin area by way of opened floodgates. The State of Texas issued a Disaster Declaration for counties in the area and Travis County declared a local state of disaster. This week, because of the severely compromised turbidity, or clarity, of the Colorado River — Austin’s sole source of…

Recent rains and floods have taken a toll on trees in Central Texas. Arborist Mark Mann with Davey Tree has more.

The City of Austin has announced that several distribution sites have been opened for residents to get bottled water if they are special needs, unable to boil water or need bottled water for work. The sites are open as Austin Water customers continue to be under a boil water notice after silt, mud and debris from flooding flowed into the utility’s water source.  Supplies are limited to one gallon of water per person and up…

AUSTIN, Texas – After record flooding, what used to be a paved street in the Pecan Valley neighborhood of Marble Falls, has turned into a muddy road. “This beautiful place right here was our home, still is our home I hope,” said Larry Jones. Jones has owned his house for 20 years. His son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren live just across the street. He recalls hearing a knock on the door from an officer, telling him…