Strong thunderstorms that produced destructive winds and flash flooding caused water rescues and left thousands without power in the capital city on Wednesday. These storms blasted over the heart of the Lone Star State.
About a dozen water rescues were reported by the Austin Fire Department, the most of which involved individuals trapped in cars or in areas where floodwaters surged quickly.
Storms could drop nearly an inch of rain per hour, according to Doppler radar, which can swiftly overwhelm drainage systems in low-lying areas.
The fire service informed individuals who were rescued after the storm that all missing persons had been accounted for and did not record any life-threatening injuries despite the hazardous conditions.
Strong winds also brought down trees and electricity wires, causing widespread power outages throughout the area.
According to estimates, the wind gusts were between 70 and 80 mph, or the force of a Category 1 hurricane.
According to utility companies, additional staff were sent in to assist in assessing storm damage and restoring power as soon as possible.
“Austin Energy crews are working to restore power from the severe weather. All available crews are in service. Severe storms brought high winds, hail and lightning that damaged electrical equipment and broke tree limbs. Austin Energy is activating its emergency procedures so it can assess the system and respond to the outages. There is currently no estimated time of restoration for outages related to the storm. Thank you for your patience. We are working 24/7 to restore power to customers who can safely receive power,” Austin Energy stated.
Along with Austin’s intense downpour, flash flooding also occurred in adjacent San Antonio, especially along the crowded Interstate 35 corridor.
Read Also: Sarasota Recognized as ‘Smart City’ for Innovative Use of AI in Public Safety
At least eight water rescues were performed, according to the San Antonio Fire Department, but no one was hurt.
According to NOAA data, flash flooding is the most deadly weather-related danger in the United States, resulting in an average of 127 fatalities year.
A foot of floodwater can carry a car away, and just 6 inches of swift-moving water can knock an adult off their feet, according to NWS forecasters.
The slogan “Turn around, don’t drown,” which refers to the risks of driving through water of unknown depth, is frequently repeated by the agency.
Although the skies have cleared as of Wednesday night, there was a chance of more rain until the end of the workweek.
