Strong Storms Descend On Austin

AUSTIN, TX — Strong thunderstorms have descended upon Austin on Sunday afternoon which will have dumped up to five inches of rain before they're done, according to the National Weather Service.

Travis County emergency officials concur with national forecasters' assessment, urging residents to exercise extreme caution when outdoors and especially when driving.

"Be aware!" county officials strongly urged residents. "Know the threats [and] plan accordingly. We could see areas get as much as three to five inches of rain this afternoon, so flash flooding is a big concern. Remember: Turn Around, Don't Drown!"

The latter is something of a regional mantra in these parts, a forced rhyme designed to caution residents to the dangers of flash flooding. Motorists often mistakenly believe they can drive their vehicles past raging waters along roadways without recognizing the deceptive danger involved. Some motorists who have taken that risk have been swept away by flood waters in years past, leading to tragic outcomes.

Motorists are urged to visit the website ATXFloods.com to check which roadways are closed as a result of flooding. Needless to say, those areas should be avoided at all costs.

Earlier Sunday, Leander officials confirmed a tornado had touched down, resulting in minor damage.

Related story: Williamson County Tornado Warning Expires, Strong Rains Continue