Austin, TX

Attention, Austin! These 5 natural threats can hurt or kill you in 2025

Published

1 year ago

March 20, 2025

Attention, Austin! These 5 natural threats can hurt or kill you in 2025

Spring has arrived in Austin, which also signals the return of potential severe weather — on the heels of an unusually cold and snowy winter.

And severe weather isn’t the only natural threat you might face in Central Texas. Here are five — in no particular order — that can hurt you or even kill you.

No. 1: Severe weather, including floods and tornadoes

While this winter’s bitter temperatures and uncharacteristic precipitation hit Texas hard, the Lone Star State is far from finished with severe weather. In fact, 2025 has already brought flood advisories triggered by heavy rain, as well as severe storms.

Just over the weekend, the same major storm system that caused flooding in Southern California brought high winds to Texas. The strong winds combined with dry conditions to fuel several fires. Red flag warnings across the state continued into the week. The system also brought haboobs, or dust storms, into the High Plains.

The deadliest flood event in recent memory was prompted by Hurricane Harvey in August and September 2017, which directly caused 89 deaths. Another deadly flood, more local, happened during the Memorial Day weekend in 2015. Flooding across Central Texas, particularly in Hays County, southwest of Austin, left 14 people dead, including a dozen along the Blanco River.

Twisters also have taken their toll on Central Texas. The U.S. recorded at least 1,855 tornadoes in 2024, surpassing the previous record of 1,814 set in 2004. Among the states, Texas saw the most with 169 — more than doubling 2023’s total of 78.

But the deadliest tornado outbreak in Central Texas happened 27 years earlier. On May 27, 1997, the strongest of a series of tornadoes leveled neighborhoods in Jarrell, near Williamson County’s northern border, killing 27 people and injuring 12 others.

No. 2: Extreme temperatures — freezes and excessive heat

Sometimes, the weather danger isn’t from rain falling or debris flying through the air — sometimes, it’s the air itself. Austin’s fickle weather can swing temperatures from one extreme to the other.

The last two months have seen winter weather generally atypical for the Lone Star State. Austin even saw some snow, as well as plunging temperatures into the lower teens and single digits, when an arctic air system swept through Texas in February.

For some, this winter’s freezing temperatures were reminiscent of the February 2021 freeze that resulted in at least 240 deaths. The weeklong event strained the Texas power grid nearly to the point of collapse; its icy grip made roads impassable and knocked out water pipes.

As deadly as freezes can become in Austin, we’re more likely to encounter extreme heat, especially in summer, but increasingly also in spring and fall. For many local students, 2024’s first week of school was an exceptionally hot one. Heat indexes of up to 111 degrees prompted heat advisories and excessive heat warnings. Two months before, another heat wave also brought triple-digit temperatures to Central Texas.

Heat-related illnesses have been rising in Austin, a trend Mayor Kirk Watson and other officials attribute to climate change. Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services responded to 125 heat-related illnesses in May 2024, according to data from the organization. That’s a 150% increase from the 50 incidents the agency saw in May 2023.

Over Memorial Day weekend alone, EMS responded to 54 heat-related illnesses over three days, up from just eight in 2023.

No. 3: Venomous animals such as snakes

When the atmosphere isn’t presenting a threat, sometimes it’s venomous residents on the ground. Most snakes aren’t venomous, but you could come across four species that are in Central Texas:

Western diamondback rattlesnakes, which can be identified easily by the “rattle” on their tails, are the most common rattlesnake in Texas and are most active at night.
Coral snakes, known by their red, yellow and black stripes, have red touching yellow on their bodies. Nonvenomous snakes, such as the Texas milk snake, have red and black touching.
Copperheads can be well-hidden in forests and have gray and brown bands.
Cottonmouths, also known as water moccasins, have brown, dark red or tan bands, and can be aggressive while being defensive. They are not always in the water.

If you are bitten by a venomous snake, call 911. Austin-Travis County EMS recommends that you:

Do not apply tourniquets to snakebites or try to “suck” the venom out of a snakebite.
If possible, take a picture or get a good description of the snake, but do not try to capture it.
Keep the injured area at or below the level of the heart.
Apply ice or cold packs to the injured area to help reduce swelling.

No. 4: Viruses such as the flu, measles, COVID-19

A series of viruses have spread through Central Texas in the past several months, in addition to the coronavirus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic.

There has been a sharp increase in flu-related medical visits in Travis County since the start of the year, according to Austin Public Health. The third week of January, 9.9% of emergency room visits in Central Texas were for flu. For the flu season, beginning Sept. 29, 2024, and up to March 8, 2025, 11 adults have died from influenza-associated causes. There had also been four outbreaks in schools and long-term care facilities.

This year, Texas has also reported the first U.S. measles death in 10 years. As of March 18, the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) had identified 279 cases, 36 of which required hospitalization.

At this time, there have been no confirmed measles cases in Central Texas, as outbreaks have generally occurred in West Texas. However, it is an extremely infectious disease: 90% of people exposed to the virus who have not been vaccinated or do not have natural immunity will become infected after being exposed. The virus can live on the surfaces of a room for two hours after exposure.

The DSHS has reported possible measles exposures in Live Oak, New Braunfels, San Marcos, San Antonio and Wall.

No. 5: Water hazards such as toxin-producing algae

During the past several years, Austin’s Watershed Protection Department has been on the lookout for dihydroanatoxin-a, a potent neurotoxin that has turned up in blue-green algae growing in Lady Bird Lake and other local waterways. Since 2019, several dogs have died after ingesting water with the harmful algae, including one in July 2024.

For the past four years, the city has treated specific areas throughout the lake with lanthanum-modified bentonite, a type of clay material that binds to phosphorus in the water, making it unavailable for algae to feed on. Blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, is toxic to humans and pets.

Symptoms of algae poisoning in dogs can include excessive drooling, vomiting or diarrhea, foaming at the mouth, jaundice or an enlarged liver, blood in their urine or dark urine, stumbling, loss of appetite, abdominal tenderness, progression of muscle twitches and respiratory paralysis.

Humans might experience a rash, irritation, swelling, sores, a fever, headache, eye irritation, or gastrointestinal, neurological, ear or respiratory issues.

— Former Statesman staff Roberto Villalpando contributed to this report.

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Austin, TX

Press conference: Northwest Austin shooting victim died at the scene

Published

3 hours ago

May 9, 2026

Press Room

Press conference: Northwest Austin shooting victim died at the scene

A 27-year-old Pflugerville man faces capital murder charges for allegedly killing his parents and his brother, according to the Travis County Sheriff’s Office. The bodies of 62-year-old Armand, 63-year-old Jami and 31-year-old Noah Dahan were found by deputies conducting a welfare check Thursday at their home on Civorno Drive. Deputies said the victims had suffered gunshot wounds. https://www.kxan.com/news/crime/tcso-pflugerville-triple-homicide/

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Austin, TX

Austin’s Long Center releases lineup for free summer concerts

Published

15 hours ago

May 8, 2026

Press Room

Austin’s Long Center releases lineup for free summer concerts

AUSTIN, Texas — The Long Center just dropped details on The Drop-In, a free summer concert series on the outdoor H-E-B Stage.

The Levitt VIBE Austin Music Series, which is partnered with KUTX 98.9, begins May 21 and takes place every Thursday except July 2.

On Friday, the center released the 23 artists performing:

Bonnie Montgomery
CAZAYOUX
Como Las Movies
Fastball
Felt Out
francene rouelle
Girl Guitar’s Rhinestone Renegades
Grace Sorensen
Gus Baldwin & The Sketch
Hayden Butler
Jackie Venson
Je’Texas
KindKeith
Lew Apollo
Lindsay Beaver
Los Desechos
LUCIRI
Mean Jolene
Paige Plaisance
Ruthie Craft
Sue Foley
Sweet Limb
The Magic Rockers of Texas

A social media poster for the event also featured a redacted performer’s name, hinting at a surprise guest.

On Monday, the Long Center will open RSVPs for The Drop-In, with Long Center members getting first dibs on those RSVPs. Members also enjoy early entrance and a special lounge.

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Austin, TX

Rep. Fairly hosts 19 Texas Panhandle students at the State Capitol

Published

1 day ago

May 8, 2026

Press Room

Rep. Fairly hosts 19 Texas Panhandle students at the State Capitol

Students representing schools from across the Texas Panhandle gathered at the Texas State Capitol on Monday, May 4, for the inaugural Panhandle Capitol Leadership Program, organized and hosted by State Representative Caroline Fairly.

The program brought together students from several school districts spanning hundreds of miles of the Panhandle, giving them direct access to the halls of state government. Throughout the day, the middle school students engaged with the legislative process through tours of the Capitol, etiquette training, a visit to the Governor’s Mansion, and presenting bill ideas to their peers.

An immersive civic education experience, the program was designed to bridge the distance between the Panhandle and Austin, giving students the opportunity to consider a future in public service. Fairly intends to continue the program in future years.

“One of the most important things we can do for the future of Texas is make sure our young people understand how their government actually works,” Fairly said. “The students who came to Austin today didn’t just observe the legislative process; they engaged with it. That kind of hands-on civic education is what turns curious students into engaged and productive adults.”

The following exceptional students participated in the program:

Follett ISD: Randi Purgason, Angel Aguilar, and Gideon Stinson;
Stratford ISD: Hellen Chitic and Monse Zamudio;
River Road ISD: Kaydence Kovar, Lillie Stubblefield, and Kathryn Ruiz;
San Jacinto Christian Academy: Cate Dowdy;
Ascension Academy: Anima Tumula, Grae Gerig, and Zadie Shreffler;
The Oaks: Ellie Carbajal, Aylah Jones, and Paige Solomon;
Amarillo ISD: Mason Perry, Norah Bennett, and Jocelynn Guevara; and
Perryton ISD: Andrew Russell.

“Seeing this extremely bright group of students presenting their ideas was one of the most rewarding experiences of my legislative career so far,” Representative Fairly added. “I am grateful to every student, teacher, and parent who made the trip. The future of the Panhandle is in excellent hands.”

Other community news

Kelly Preston, Senior Vice President and Human Resources Director at FirstBank Southwest, has been selected as a recipient of the Emerging Leader Award by the Texas Bankers Foundation. The award will be presented at the Texas Bankers Association’s 141st Annual Convention during a special awards luncheon. “Kelly represents the very best of what this industry needs as it looks to the future,” said Andy Marshall, President and CEO of FirstBank Southwest. “Her leadership is grounded in integrity, collaboration, and a genuine care for people. She brings those values into every part of her work, and we’re proud to see her recognized by the Texas Bankers Foundation as an emerging leader.” For more information, visit www.texasbankers.com/Foundation and check out Texas Banking Magazine, the official publication of the Texas Bankers Association, which includes a special feature on the 2026 award winners.

Ceta Canyon Camp and Retreat Center will host a ribbon cutting on Wednesday, May 13, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to celebrate the completion of its new Camp Safety Initiatives and Protocols and to recognize the generous donors who helped make them possible. The event will be held at the Ceta Canyon Welcome Center, located at 37201 FM 1721, in Happy. “Safety is one of the deepest ways we love the families who trust us with their kids,” said Joe Alarcon, CEO of Ceta Canyon Camp and Retreat Center. “We are also honored to recognize Heaven’s 27 and the fulfillment of the provisions outlined in the new bill. As one of the few organizations to receive licensure, we are grateful to lead the way in meeting these important standards.”

The Amarillo Symphony announced that Damian Blacksher, a senior at Dumas High School and a three-year bassoonist with the Amarillo Symphony Youth Orchestra (ASYO), has been named the inaugural recipient of the Claire Stovall Scholarship. The $2,500 award will assist Damian as he pursues a Bachelor of Music degree at the Baylor University School of Music in fall 2026. The Claire Stovall Scholarship was established by Jeff and Amy Stovall in loving memory of their daughter, Claire, a gifted violinist in ASYO. “Damian embodies everything this scholarship was created to honor,” said Larry Lang, Executive Director of the Amarillo Symphony. “He is a serious young artist with a generous spirit, the kind of student who lifts up everyone around him. The Stovall family’s gift will help carry his musicianship forward, and through Damian, Claire’s love of music continues to inspire the next generation of Panhandle musicians.”

This week’s Furry Friend is Quinn. “Quinn’s coloring is black with some white, and she is a medium size dog. Her coat is rather wiry. She is a cute, sweet dog, but very shy right now. Our volunteers and staff will be working with her. Quinn was brought to our shelter after spending some time on the street, so may take an extra bit of love and kindness.” APSCA adoptions can be made at the shelter, 11901 S. Coulter, noon-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Call 806-622-0555, or visit www.amarillospcashelter.com or www.adoptapet.com.

This week, U.S. Rep. Ronny Jackson announced the 2026 Congressional Art Competition winner for Texas’ Thirteenth Congressional District. This year’s theme is America 250, and winning pieces will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for a year. Shae Crawford of Denton and a student at Ryan High School, earned top honors for her oil pastel of an American Flag titled “Still Waving.” Her piece represents the courage and sacrifice of the brave Americans who have fought for generations to secure our freedoms and build this great nation. “Congratulations to Shae on winning the 2026 Congressional Art Competition for Texas’ Thirteenth Congressional District,” said Rep. Ronny Jackson. “I thank everyone who took part in this year’s competition, including the teachers who helped make the contest possible, and I’m excited to see Shea’s work displayed in our Nation’s Capitol.”

This month, HTeaO is once again partnering with Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) to help advance the fight against childhood cancer. Beginning May 1, guests at HTeaO locations nationwide will have the opportunity to round up their total to the nearest dollar at checkout, with proceeds supporting ALSF’s work to fund pediatric cancer research and provide critical resources for families impacted by childhood cancer. Throughout the campaign, HTeaO will swap out its signature blue straws for yellow straws as a small but visible reminder of ALSF’s lemonade stand roots. For more, visit https://HTeaO.com.

Tickets are on sale for a one-night-only Memorial Day weekend concert featuring Jack Ingram on Saturday, May 23, at the Pioneer Amphitheatre in Palo Duro Canyon, kicking off the 60th season of the Texas Outdoor Musical. Opening the evening is local favorite Travis Roberts, bringing a high-energy set that showcases the talent and spirit of the Texas Panhandle music scene. The TEXAS Outdoor Musical production will run June 11 through Aug. 1, alongside additional programming including “Shakespeare in the Canyon” on Tuesday evenings in July. Reserve your seats for the concert at www.texas-show.com or by calling 806-651-2181.

ALLIANCE Credit Union opened a temporary branch location on Monday, May 4, at 4711 S. Soncy Rd. in Amarillo. The temporary branch will operate on the same property while the new permanent building is under construction, allowing continued service without interruption. The temporary branch will offer a full range of products and services, and team members will be on-site to assist with transactions and answer questions. Additional details, including hours of operation, are available at alliancecutx.com and on their social media channels.

Brown & Fortunato announced the opening of an office in Salt Lake City, Utah, expanding the firm’s growing national footprint and strengthening its ability to serve clients across the United States. Founded in 1995, the national practice has offices strategically located in Amarillo, Dallas, and Salt Lake City, and is even better positioned to provide seamless, nationwide legal service while maintaining the close attorney client relationships that define the firm’s culture.

Helping Her is a free art show and women’s health resource fair at the Don Harrington Discovery Center, happening Friday, May 29 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Funds from the art show will support free period products in DHDC’s bathrooms and by request at the front desk. Only DHDC’s Space Gallery will be open to interact with community organizations and view or purchase art. Their partner, Free Bleed 806, is accepting art show submissions through May 25. Art in the theme of dinosaurs or space is encouraged, but they’re accepting art on any topic. Email kendra@womenmarch.com to learn more.

Shaun Hardy Sr. of Farwell, earned a Master of Science in Transformational Leadership from University of Maryland Global Campus in winter 2026.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced that applications are being accepted for the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) to address damages from wildfires in Potter, Armstrong, and Oldham counties that occurred Feb. 15 through April 11. ECP signup will end June 3. “The Farm Service Agency can help producers and landowners recover from natural disasters that impacted their operation,” said Adam Acker, FSA County Executive Director for Potter, Armstrong, and Oldham counties. “If you have an immediate need to clean up and restore your operation, please call our office before beginning any restoration activities in order to determine program eligibility and to request restoration practice approval before taking any action.” For more, contact the Potter-Armstrong County FSA Office at 806-468-8600 x2, the Oldham County FSA Office at 806-267-2178 x2, or visit farmers.gov/protection-recovery.

The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and Texas A&M AgriLife Research will host a wheat field day and plot tour on May 14 in Bushland. Registration for the free event will begin at 8:30 a.m. at the AgriLife Research Station, 2301 Experiment Station Road. The wheat field day will conclude before noon with the annual plot tour. Brent Auvermann, Ph.D., director of the Texas A&M AgriLife High Plains Research and Extension Center, will open the event with a brief overview of the new center located in Canyon and how it ties in with the research being done at Bushland. For more information, contact Kevin Heflin, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension agronomist and assistant professor, Department of Soil and Crop Science, at kevin.heflin@ag.tamu.edu.

Technical Solutions, a leading Managed Technology Services Provider, announced the company has expanded their data discovery and classification solutions designed to help customers’ identify sensitive information, reduce un-necessary exposure, and strengthen compliance. Along with possible legal complications, the rise of AI tools adds another layer of urgency to this issue. “Our goal is to give organizations clarity and confidence,” said founder Gene Wells. “Once you know what data you have and who can access it, you can protect it properly – and that peace of mind is invaluable.” For more information, call (806) 352-1309 or visit www.askts.com.

Mews, the operating system for hospitality, announced that Llano Real Estate Group has selected Mews to power a growing portfolio of hospitality assets across Texas, including hotels, RV parks and short-term rentals. Llano Real Estate Group is rapidly growing its footprint, with nine properties including Cactus Cove Inn & Suites in Amarillo and multiple RV parks and short-term rentals. “Where we’re going as a business requires a completely different level of operational control,” said Matt Marrs, owner of Cactus Cove Inn & Suites and operator at Llano Real Estate Group. “With Mews, everything is faster, more intuitive and built to scale with us.”

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