The freezing thunderstorms and errant tornados of last night have left Central Texas a sopping mess, with heavy flooding leaving people and cars stranded, and over a dozen roads closed. At least one woman is believed to have drowned in Waller Creek, while several homes and industrial buildings San Marcos were damaged by "tornadic winds" that touched down in the early morning.
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning in effect beginning at midnight tonight until Monday, and a flash flood watch is in effect until 8pm this evening. An estimated 2 to 3 inches of rainfall is predicted for the next two days, with the hard freeze coming in sometime on Sunday night. Weather.com's extended forecast indicates that these conditions will persist at least through the foreseeable future.
From the National Weather Service forecast for Austin/San Antonio:
- This Afternoon: Periods of rain and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Steady temperature around 42. North wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.
- Tonight: Periods of rain. Low around 32. North wind between 10 and 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.
- Sunday: Freezing rain likely before 8am, then rain and sleet likely. Cloudy, with a high near 36. North northeast wind between 10 and 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Little or no ice accumulation expected.
- Sunday Night: Periods of rain. Low around 32. North northeast wind between 10 and 20 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
- M.L.King Day: Occasional freezing rain. High near 32. North wind around 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
- Monday Night: A slight chance of freezing rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 30. North wind between 15 and 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Important Links:
Travis County Emergency Conditions - Road Closures
The Statesman's Community-Driven Map of Weather Incidents
KXAN's Handy Contact List for Power Outages and Road Conditions
Photo of Little Bouldin Creek by drmacro on flickr
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More than a million and a half gallons of treated wastewater has flowed into the Colorado River after the South Austin Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant suffered a power failure.
Authorities say there is no danger to the public. However, if you live near the intersection of Onion Creek and the Colorado River, they do advise you don't come into contact with the water.
Again, because of the high degree of rain and flooding, city officials don't believe this spill will affect public safety.