Flash Flood Warning Until 4:45 AM, Possibility Of Extended Power Outages

Hays County Emergency Management Coordinator Kharley Smith expressed concern about the possibility of “intense rain” during the night-time hours continuing into Sunday and over the next several days.

Additional roads could be closed in the City of San Marcos and throughout Hays County, and power interruptions could last for extend periods of time as dangerous wind conditions delay electric utility crews working multiple outages throughout the area.

Hays County Emergency Management Coordinator Kharley Smith expressed concern about the possibility of “intense rain” during the night-time hours continuing into Sunday and over the next several days.

“The conditions of this tropical storm will likely bring a high volume of water into our already saturated areas,” Smith said. “Additional road closures are expected overnight Saturday and we recommend that people stay off the roads if driving isn’t urgent and if you must drive, watch for debris in roadways. Never cross a roadway that is covered by water – turn around, don’t drown, and don’t endanger first responders by making a poor choice.”

It is recommended that people stay off the roads and maintain high vigilance. It is always difficult to see water over a roadway. There is concern that people may think the worst is over and venture out tonight and tomorrow. It is much safer to avoid travel at this time.

It is recommended that people stay off the roads and maintain high vigilance. It is always difficult to see water over a roadway. There is concern that people may think the worst is over and venture out tonight and tomorrow.

It is much safer to avoid travel at this time. It is recommended that people stay off the roads and maintain high vigilance. It is always difficult to see water over a roadway.

There is concern that people may think the worst is over and venture out tonight and tomorrow. It is much safer to avoid travel at this time.

The San Marcos Activity Center and city parks, as well as Hays County parks and recycling centers, remain closed until further notice.

Citizens in Hays County with non-emergency disaster-related questions can call a city-county hotline at 512-754-2291. This number only provides information within Hays County and the City of San Marcos.

Officials are warning residents not to approach downed power lines, as they can still be electrified. Call 9-1-1 to report downed lines.

The FAA is warning that unauthorized drone operators may be subject to significant fines if they interfere with emergency response operations. Flying a drone without authorization in or near the disaster area may violate federal, state, or local laws and ordinances, even if a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is not in place. Allow first responders to save lives and property without interference, the agency said in a statement.

Prepare ahead of time: Disaster preparation tips and information are available at https://ready.gov/floods.