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.