Flood watch stays in place as system drifts west
The National Weather Service has kept a flood watch in effect for Central and South Texas through 7 p.m. Thursday as a slow-moving weather system continues to produce pockets of heavy rainfall across the region. In Austin, meteorologists say the axis of the heaviest rain will begin shifting westward this weekend, but flooded roads, localized flash flooding and saturated soils will remain concerns for parts of the Hill Country, Edwards Plateau and the Rio Grande Plains.
"A flood watch issued by the National Weather Service remains in effect for the region until Thursday night."
Forecasters expect scattered showers and thunderstorms Thursday with areas of moderate to heavy rain possible. Coverage is difficult to pin down because storm timing depends on upper-level atmospheric motion and lingering outflow boundaries from Wednesday's storms. Current guidance gives roughly 40% to 60% coverage for rainfall across the area on Thursday, with localized flash flooding a possibility where storms train over the same locations.
Timing, temperatures and risk levels
Local forecasts call for cooler-than-normal temperatures for the period, with morning readings in the 70s and afternoon highs generally reaching only the 80s. The Weather Prediction Center keeps portions of the Hill Country under a level 1 to 3 out of 4 risk for excessive rainfall Thursday, signaling anything from isolated to more widespread flooding potential. San Antonio is under at least a level 1 risk, while areas near Del Rio face a higher, level 3 risk for flash flooding.
| Day | Rain Chance / Coverage | Temperatures |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday | 40%–60% coverage; pockets of heavy rain | Mornings: 70s; Afternoons: low–mid 80s |
| Friday | Decreasing; a few showers possible in the morning | Warmer; increasing sunshine late |
By Friday, forecasters anticipate rain chances to taper as high pressure begins building into the state. Showers and storms may linger through the morning then diminish through the afternoon, allowing breaks of sunshine to return before the weekend. That shift will reduce the immediate flash-flood threat in the Austin area, though saturated ground and swollen creeks downstream could prolong hazards in lower-lying locations.
What residents should know and do
Local officials and emergency managers emphasize standard flood safety precautions while the watch is active:
- Never drive through flooded roadways; turn around, don't drown.
- Stay alert to changing forecasts and rapid water rises in creeks and low-lying areas.
- Expect localized closures or slowdowns on roadways prone to ponding.
As the system shifts westward this weekend, Austin is likely to see drier conditions compared with the recent stretch of storms. Still, the broader Central Texas region remains vulnerable where soils are saturated and rivers and streams are elevated. Agencies will continue monitoring conditions and updating watches or warnings if flooding intensifies or shifts location.
For the latest advisories and road conditions, residents should consult the National Weather Service and local emergency management channels.
