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Lake Travis Exceeds Capacity Amid Texas Floods, Threatening Homes

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.

Two Dead, Over 500 Rescued in Texas Flooding

Two Dead, Over 500 Rescued in Texas Flooding

Severe flooding in Texas last week has resulted in the tragic loss of two lives, according to officials. More than 500 individuals were rescued during the flooding, highlighting the scale of the emergency response. Texas Governor Greg Abbott is expected to provide an update on recovery efforts later today. The flooding has caused significant disruption across the state, with emergency services working tirelessly to assist affected communities. The exact causes of the flooding and the extent of the damage are still being assessed. Source time: not specified.

Texas Heat Wave Pushes State Grid to Near Record Power Demand

Texas Heat Wave Pushes State Grid to Near Record Power Demand

Texas is experiencing a severe heat wave that is putting significant pressure on the state's power grid. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (Ercot) reported that power demand on Monday afternoon nearly reached the all-time high of 85.508 gigawatts, a record set in August 2023. Despite the high demand, Ercot confirmed that over 114 gigawatts of power were available to meet the needs. The heat wave, exacerbated by rising humidity from Tropical Storm Bertha, has led to temperatures exceeding 100°F across major cities like Dallas and Houston, with heat indices reaching up to 112°F. This situation has prompted heat advisories across the state, affecting millions of residents.

Lake Travis exceeds capacity after Texas floods; Tropical Storm Bertha looms

Lake Travis exceeds capacity after Texas floods; Tropical Storm Bertha looms

Following days of torrential rain across the Texas Hill Country, Lake Travis has surpassed its full capacity, prompting the first floodgate release at Mansfield Dam in seven years (FOX Weather, 2026). The region experienced historic rainfall, with up to two feet of precipitation over three days, leading to widespread flooding and infrastructure damage, including the collapse of the FM 481 bridge in Uvalde County. Tragically, two fatalities have been reported. As of Tuesday morning, Lake Travis water levels reached 683.65 feet above mean sea level (MSL), exceeding its full pool capacity of 681 feet MSL by approximately 2.6 feet. Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Bertha is tracking through the Gulf, bringing potential gusty winds and scattered rain to Texas later this week.

Boil Water Notice Issued for Texas Communities After Flooding

Boil Water Notice Issued for Texas Communities After Flooding

Texas Water Company has issued a boil water notice for several communities served by the Canyon Lake Shores Treatment Plant following severe flooding. The flooding caused debris and sediment to enter the water supply, leading to elevated turbidity levels. The notice affects multiple areas, including the City of Bulverde and Canyon Lake communities. The company is working to reduce sediment levels and ensure the water meets safety standards, with the notice remaining in effect until conditions are restored.

Flash Drought Expands Across Central U.S., Wildfire Smoke Persists

Flash Drought Expands Across Central U.S., Wildfire Smoke Persists

A flash drought is rapidly developing across the central United States due to a persistent ridge of high pressure, uneven rainfall distribution, and declining soil moisture levels. Meteorologist Eric Snodgrass from Nutrien Weather Intelligence highlights that soil moisture in the top 40 cm has sharply decreased, stressing crops in key agricultural regions. Wildfire smoke from new fires in Washington and Oregon continues to impact air quality across the Midwest, Great Lakes, and Northeastern U.S., despite recent relief in southern Canada. Severe storms and localized flooding are also affecting areas such as south-central Texas, which recently experienced over 30 inches of rainfall. Additionally, El Niño is strengthening, with sea surface temperature anomalies reaching 2.1°C above normal, expected to influence global weather patterns through next spring. Forecast confidence remains low due to weak atmospheric momentum, complicating long-term predictions.

Texas Faces Recovery Challenges After Deadly Floods Along Nueces River

Texas Faces Recovery Challenges After Deadly Floods Along Nueces River

Texas is transitioning from rescue to recovery efforts following catastrophic flooding that has devastated parts of the state. Governor Greg Abbott highlighted ongoing concerns along the Nueces River in Uvalde County, where floodwaters are receding but remain dangerous. The river crested at a record 28.01 feet, surpassing its previous high in 1996, and caused significant damage, including the destruction of the FM 481 bridge. Disaster declarations have been issued for dozens of counties, and federal assistance has been approved. Communities from Kerrville to Uvalde are beginning cleanup and rebuilding efforts, with local and state officials coordinating relief operations. The flooding has affected at least 490 homes and 100 businesses in Kerr County alone, with additional damage reported in neighboring areas. Despite the destruction, residents are rallying to support one another through donation drives and volunteer efforts.

Kerr County Floods Cause Extensive Damage to Homes and Businesses

Kerr County Floods Cause Extensive Damage to Homes and Businesses

The Texas Hill Country, particularly Kerr County, is grappling with the aftermath of severe flooding that has damaged nearly 500 homes and 100 businesses. This marks the second major flood in the area in just over a year. The recent flooding, which occurred after heavy rains, resulted in two fatalities across South and Central Texas. The slower pace of rainfall this year, combined with improved alert systems and increased community vigilance, helped mitigate the loss of life compared to previous incidents. Local residents, along with volunteers, are actively engaged in cleanup efforts, removing mud, debris, and water-damaged belongings from affected properties.

Texas Residents Utilize Timely Alerts to Mitigate Impact of Recent Flooding

Texas Residents Utilize Timely Alerts to Mitigate Impact of Recent Flooding

Residents of Kerr County, Texas, have faced another round of catastrophic flash flooding, reminiscent of the devastating floods that occurred last July. This year's flooding resulted in the deaths of two individuals and affected many of the same areas that were previously devastated. The community has been able to better prepare for this year's deluge due to timely alerts and the lessons learned from last year's catastrophic events. The floods have left some residents grieving once again as they deal with the aftermath of the natural disaster.

Tropical Storm Bertha Threatens Gulf Coast with Heavy Rain and Flooding

Tropical Storm Bertha Threatens Gulf Coast with Heavy Rain and Flooding

Tropical Storm Bertha, the second named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, has formed in the Gulf of Mexico. According to the National Hurricane Center, Bertha intensified from a tropical depression to a tropical storm on Monday. The storm is currently stationary but is expected to move slowly west-northwestward or westward over the next few days. Bertha is forecasted to bring tropical storm conditions, including heavy rainfall and coastal flooding, to parts of the northern Gulf Coast. The storm's path suggests it will move near or along the northern Gulf Coast, with potential for additional strengthening.

Texas Heatwave Pushes Power Demand Near Record Levels

Texas Heatwave Pushes Power Demand Near Record Levels

Eastern Texas is experiencing an intense heatwave that is putting significant strain on the state's power grid. According to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (Ercot), power demand on Monday afternoon approached the record of 85.508 gigawatts set in August 2023, though it did not surpass it. The grid operator reported that over 114 gigawatts of power were available to meet the demand. Millions of Texans are under heat advisories as temperatures exceed 100°F (38°C) in cities like Dallas and Houston. The National Weather Service warns that rising humidity from Tropical Storm Bertha could push the heat index to 112°F in some areas. This heatwave is part of a broader pattern of repeated heat events across the U.S., which have strained power grids and triggered emergency alerts throughout the summer.

Severe Flooding Forces Texas Resident to Rebuild Home

Severe Flooding Forces Texas Resident to Rebuild Home

Extreme flooding in Kerrville, Texas, has caused significant damage to homes, with one resident, Robbie Carpenter, sharing his experience of the moments leading up to the disaster. The flooding was severe enough to render Carpenter's home uninhabitable, requiring a complete rebuild. NBC News' Priscilla Thompson visited the affected area to document the aftermath. The event highlights the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events in the region. Source time: Sun, 19 Jul 2026 22:00:00 GMT.