Lake Travis Exceeds Capacity Amid Texas Floods, Threatening Homes
Following days of relentless rain, Lake Travis in Texas has surpassed its full capacity, leading to the first release of floodgates at Mansfield Dam in seven years. The flooding has severely impacted low-lying communities along the shoreline, with floodwaters encroaching on residential areas. The Hill Country region experienced historic rainfall, with up to two feet of rain falling over a three-day period, resulting in multiple water rescues and two reported fatalities. The flooding also caused the collapse of the Farm-to-Market 481 bridge in Uvalde County. The Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) reported that Lake Travis is currently at 105% of its full pool capacity, prompting the floodgate operation. Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Bertha is moving through the Gulf, potentially bringing additional rain and winds to the already affected areas.