Photo: CBS Austin
Heavy rainfall across Central Texas has triggered dangerous flash flooding, shutting down major roadways, forcing structural evacuations, and prompting urgent emergency rescues.
In northwestern Travis County, first responders in Lago Vista successfully concluded a major water rescue operation near the Cow Creek Bridge after intense floodwaters completely shut down FM 1431.
Rising waters have forced immediate evacuations across several low-lying areas, particularly threatening RV parks and mobile home communities near the swelling San Gabriel River in neighboring Williamson County. Officials have issued local warnings, advising residents that area creeks and low-water crossings remain highly volatile and dangerous.
4:30 AM:
Multiple reports of houses being struck by lightning last night.
One was in South Austin on Grizzly Oak Drive just after 11:30 p.m.
Then, just after midnight, another home was struck by lightning, this time in North Austin on Joe Sayers Lane.
A vehicle was stranded in floodwaters in Georgetown and was rescued.
In Burnet County, emergency crews reported several water rescue calls as flooding worsened across the area.
To the west in the Hill Country…
More on the flooding occurring in the area and a look at the complete forecast can be found further down this page in WEATHER.
Austin city leaders are exploring the steps required to rename Cesar Chavez Street.
The move follows a March report by The New York Times detailing allegations of abuse against the late farmworkers’ rights activist, which has prompted officials to reconsider all local streets, memorials, and events dedicated to his honor.
Austin City Council member Marc Duchen gives an update on several issues facing the city.
Newly released court documents are revealing how investigators connected one of the teenage suspects accused in last weekend’s Austin shooting spree to stolen vehicles and a stolen firearm.
Flock Safety says it is interested in meeting with Austin leaders about bringing license plate readers back to the city, after Mayor Kirk Watson and Police Chief Lisa Davis suggested the cameras may have helped in the search for suspects in a shooting spree last weekend.
Williamson County authorities announced the arrest of a 36-year-old man, on charges of Online Solicitation of a Minor and two counts of Possession of Child Pornography Depicting a Child Engaging in Sexual Conduct.
San Marcos police are asking for the public’s help after shots were fired Monday evening near Rio Vista Park.
Austin police are looking for the owners of unclaimed property.
Austin ISD is preparing a budget proposal to present to trustees in early June as it works to slash a $181 million budget deficit, with cuts planned at both its central office and at schools.
Texas Capital signed a big lease at downtown Austin’s 415 Colorado mixed-use tower, bringing the office space in the tower, which opened last year, to 50% leased.
Austin’s airport provided a construction update on the Yellow Garage project.
A new premier vantage point for capturing Austin’s ever-evolving skyline has officially debuted on the east end of Lady Bird Lake.
Pease Park officials and visitors are still mourning the loss of Malin.
WEATHER
TUESDAY’S HIGH / LOW TEMPERATURES
AUSTIN-BERGSTROM INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
CAMP MABRY
TUESDAY’S PRECIPATATION TOTALS
AUSTIN-BERGSTROM INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
CAMP MABRY
5-DAY FORECAST / AUSTIN, TEXAS
29 years ago today in 1997, a large, slow-moving and intense F5 tornado caused extreme damage across portions of Jarrell, killing 27 people.
As of this morning. no major wildfires were burning in Texas.
From the New York Times.
From KUT 90.5.
A complete look at the major races in Tuesday’s runoff election can be found in an earlier post this morning on The ATX Aggregator.
The May 26 primary runoffs shook up both sides of the aisle across Texas.
With a relatively low-turnout environment typical for late-May runoffs, highly motivated base voters and key endorsements drove several major upsets and significant shifts for the upcoming November general election.
Beyond the headlining US Senate and Republican Attorney General races, several other critical federal, statewide, and regional contests stood out.
1. Congressional Shifts (The Houston Showdowns)
The most stunning congressional result came from Houston’s newly redrawn 18th Congressional District.
- The Outcome: Challenger Christian Menefee defeated 11-term incumbent Representative Al Green in the Democratic runoff.
- The Context: Redistricting forced these two familiar Houston figures into the same arena. Menefee (who won a special election for the seat earlier this year) secured the full term nominee spot, ending the congressional career of one of Washington’s most prominent veteran Texas Democrats.
Meanwhile, in another high-profile Houston area matchup, Alex Mealer locked down a victory for the Republicans, topping state Representative Briscoe Cain to secure her party’s nomination.
2. High-Stakes Statewide Contests
Lieutenant Governor (Democratic Runoff)
With Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick waiting in November, Democrats needed a nominee to spearhead their ticket.
- The Outcome: State Representative Vikki Goodwin easily won the nomination, capturing roughly 68% of the vote over labor organizer Marcos Vélez. Goodwin moves forward to challenge Patrick for one of the most powerful policy-shaping positions in the state.
Railroad Commissioner (Republican Runoff)
Don’t let the name fool you—this three-member commission regulates Texas’ massive oil and gas industry, making it a critical seat for energy policy.
- The Outcome: Challenger and former Tarrant County GOP Chair Bo French unseated incumbent Jim Wright in a highly competitive race, taking approximately 54% of the vote. French campaigned heavily on a hardline conservative platform.
Notable Results at a Glance
| Race | Winner | Opponent | Key Takeaway |
| U.S. House Dist. 18 (D) | Christian Menefee | Al Green (Inc.) | Ousts an 11-term incumbent due to redistricting. |
| Lieutenant Governor (D) | Vikki Goodwin | Marcos Vélez | Sets up a high-profile November challenge against Dan Patrick. |
| Railroad Commissioner (R) | Bo French | Jim Wright (Inc.) | Challenger unseats the incumbent to oversee state energy regulation. |
| Court of Criminal Appeals, Pl. 3 (R) | Thomas Smith | Alison Fox | Assistant AG under Ken Paxton wins a slot on the state’s highest criminal court. |
3. The Judicial Front
Control over the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals—the highest state court for criminal matters—saw down-ballot maneuvering. In the Republican runoff for Place 3, Thomas Smith, an assistant attorney general working under Ken Paxton, defeated attorney Alison Fox. Smith’s victory furthers the sweep of populist-aligned candidates moving into state judicial positions.
With the nominees now officially locked in, the stage is set for a highly competitive midterm cycle this November.
Voting across Fort Bend County was thrown into chaos Tuesday after a computer system failure disrupted polling locations during the May runoff election, leaving some voters unable to check in as officials scrambled to restore operations. (Houston Chronicle)
The Texas Department of Public Safety – South Texas Region recovered 20 illegal immigrants hidden inside a truck tractor during an Operation Lone Star traffic stop in Webb Co.
Prosecutors accused suspended Fort Hood Army doctor Blaine McGraw of unnecessary exams and secretly recording patients during a lengthy hearing.
SPORTS
NBA PLAYOFFS: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 32 points, Alex Caruso led another strong bench effort with 22 and the Oklahoma City Thunder moved one win away from a return trip to the NBA Finals by beating the San Antonio Spurs 127-114 on Tuesday night.
OKC now leads the Western Conference finals 3-2. They need to win Games 6 and 7 in order to advance to meet the New York Knicks in the Finals.
GAME 6 THURSDAY
MLB: After being blanked 9-0 in a combined no-hitter by the Houston Astros Monday night, the Texas Rangers came back swinging last night.
Brandon Nimmo singled for Texas three batters into the bottom of the first inning. Four more hits and eight runs later, the Rangers were on their way to 10-7 victory. (Associated Press)
ON THE SCHEDULE
Tonight’s winner takes the series.
Today’s video stays on the subject of Texas sports.
Come along for a behind-the-scenes look at the Texas Longhorns’ baseball facilities, from the pitching lab and hitting cages to all the gear a player could ask for!
