Austin Urges Residents to Prepare for Severe Weather

City leaders provide tips on emergency planning, flood safety, and power outage readiness

Apr. 13, 2026 at 11:36pm

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A dramatic landscape painting depicting a vast, ominous sky filled with dark, swirling clouds that dwarf the small structures and vehicles below, conveying the overwhelming power of an impending severe storm.As climate change intensifies extreme weather events, Austin officials urge residents to prepare for the looming threat of powerful storms and flash floods.Austin Today

Officials in Central Texas are calling on residents to start preparing for severe weather, including spring storms that can bring lightning, hail, heavy rain, high winds, and tornadoes. The biggest threat in the area is flash flooding, and the city is recommending that people make emergency plans, build supply kits, get to know their neighbors, and stay informed through emergency alert systems.

Why it matters

As climate change increases the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, it's crucial for Austin residents to be proactive in preparing for potential disasters that could threaten lives and property. The city's guidance aims to empower the community to take steps to protect themselves and their neighborhoods.

The details

In a press conference, Austin city leaders said this time of year is when many of the worst weather events have happened locally. They provided specific tips on what residents should do, including registering for emergency alerts, avoiding flooded roads, securing outdoor items, turning off utilities, and building emergency kits with supplies for at least three days. The officials also warned about the dangers of moving water, noting that just 6 inches can knock over an adult and 12 inches can sweep away most vehicles.

  • Spring is when many of the worst weather events have happened in Central Texas.
  • The city held a press conference to urge residents to start preparing now.

The players

Jim Redick

Austin Emergency Management

Jorge Morales

Austin Watershed Protection Department

Kirk Watson

Austin Mayor

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What they’re saying

“Register first, warncentraltx.org. Make sure you can get those emergency alerts on your phone. Make sure they are turned on to receive public emergency alerts.”

— Jim Redick, Austin Emergency Management

“For those who don't know, most people who die in floods die in their vehicles. You can go to the atxfloods.com website to see what roads are open or closed.”

— Jorge Morales, Austin Watershed Protection Department

“Just 6 inches of water, only 6 inches of water can knock over an adult. 12 inches of water, a foot of water, if it's running, can sweep away most vehicles. A lot of us don't think about it in that respect.”

— Kirk Watson, Austin Mayor

What’s next

The city is urging residents to take the four steps of emergency preparedness: make a plan, build a kit, know your neighbors, and stay informed. They also provided specific tips on preparing vehicles, homes, and businesses for severe weather and flooding.

The takeaway

As climate change increases the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, it's crucial for Austin residents to heed the city's guidance and proactively prepare for potential disasters that could threaten lives and property. By taking steps to protect themselves and their communities, Austinites can build resilience and be better equipped to weather any storms that may come their way.