Austin Fire Department Closes Lake Austin, Lady Bird Lake, Colorado River Site In Light Of High Water Levels

AUSTIN, TX -- Emergency officials on Monday embarked on immediate closure of Lake Austin, Lady Bird Lake and a portion of the Colorado River, directing local emergency crews to move water to better manage flow after high rain levels and the continuing threat of even more rain this week.

The Austin Fire Deparment was directed to manage the excess from the highest levels, taking its direction from the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) and the federal Office of Homeland Security, officials said via social media. The closures will remain in effect at least until Wednesday, June 1, officials added.

"The LCRA Emergency Management Team has decided that it is necessary to start moving water ASAP," AFD officials wrote. "The flooding upstream and the potential for more rain has made this emergent."

As a result, fire officials have implemented the various closures at the bodies of water most affected by swelling water levels.

"At the request of LCRA and the City of Austin Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM), the Fire Chief has decided that EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY we are closing Lake Austin, Lady Bird Lake, and the Colorado River downstream of Longhorn Dam," AFD officials wrote.

"The closure is until Wednesday, June 1 at noon but we will be evaluating conditions each day," AFD officials wrote. "We apologize for the timing and inconvenience but this is beyond our control. Obviously, safety comes first."