Austin Implements Waterway Ban Following Severe Flooding Threat
The city of Austin has announced a temporary ban on all activities on Lady Bird Lake, Lake Austin, and the Colorado River beneath the Longhorn Dam until 5 p.m. on Tuesday. This decision follows the opening of floodgates by the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) on dams within the Highland Lake reservoir system, which is located upriver of Austin. The floodgates are being opened to manage the surge of water resulting from recent storms, which have significantly increased water levels. The city has warned that the current water conditions, characterized by faster flows and increased debris, pose a hazard to recreational, commercial, and navigational activities. The ban applies to all personal and commercial watercraft, including wet bikes, motorized surfboards, canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards. Additionally, residents are advised to avoid riverfront trails that may be prone to flooding due to the elevated water levels. 
