Austin, TX

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

Published

10 months 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

Austin airport one step closer to major expansion that will add 32 new gates

Published

5 hours ago

January 7, 2026

Press Room

Austin airport one step closer to major expansion that will add 32 new gates

AUSTIN, Texas — Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is one step closer to getting a major makeover after finalizing lease agreements with airlines that will support future renovations, including the addition of 32 new gates.

The airport on Wednesday announced the completion of Airline Use and Lease Agreements and Signatory Cargo Agreements with several major airlines and cargo companies, including Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, FedEx and UPS.

According to a press release from the airport, the use-and-lease agreements allow companies to commit funding to the project through rent and fees “generated under the agreements’ cost-recovery structure, supporting the airport’s ability to deliver projects that expand capacity, strengthen resiliency, and improve the passenger experience.”

The agreements will support the following projects at Austin-Bergstrom over the next 10 years:

The addition of Concourse B, which will add 26 new gates, including 18 for Southwest Airlines and five with United Airlines.
Concourse M, adding six new gates, a bus to transport travelers to and from the Barbara Jordan Terminal, new concessions, restrooms and passenger amenities.
Enhanced seating and amenities, increased space and modernized concessions in Concourse A (home to all international flights). Delta Air Lines will have 15 gates, American Airlines will have nine, Alaska Airlines will have one and there will be eight common-use gates.
Updates to HVAC systems, electrical system, IT and telecommunications, storm drainage, water quality and de-icing infrastructure.

In a statement, District 2 Councilmember Vanessa Fuentes applauded the future job creation that’s to come out of the project.

“This expansion program represents a tremendous economic opportunity for Austin—not only through the trades and construction jobs created during the buildout, but also through long-term jobs in concessions, airport operations, and airline services after the program is complete,” Fuentes said.

“This agreement reflects years of partnership, thoughtful negotiations, and shared vision with our airline partners. Their commitment provides the financial foundation we need to modernize our facilities, transform customer experience, and build the infrastructure needed to support Central Texas’ continued growth for generations to come. AUS would not be where it is today without the collaboration and investment of our airlines, and we are deeply grateful for their trust and partnership as we shape the future of air travel in Central Texas,” said Ghizlane Badawi, CEO of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.

The final cost of the project is still under development, but is anticipated to grow from an estimated $4 billion to $5 billion. According to the airport, funding sources include airport cash reserves, airport revenues, bond proceeds and grants from the Federal Aviation Administration.

“No local Austin taxpayer dollars are used to fund the airport’s expansion program,” the release said.

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Austin, TX

Black Sheep Coffee Opens First Austin Location, Expanding Its Texas Footprint | What Now Austin

Published

17 hours ago

January 7, 2026

Press Room

Black Sheep Coffee Opens First Austin Location, Expanding Its Texas Footprint | What Now Austin

Black Sheep Coffee, the international coffee brand, will celebrate the opening of its first Central Texas location in Downtown Austin with two public events. The new café, located at W 6th St & Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78701, marks a significant step in the company’s U.S. expansion following strong growth throughout the Dallas–Fort Worth region.

A public ribbon-cutting ceremony, hosted in partnership with the Austin Chamber of Commerce, will take place on Thursday, January 15 from 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., welcoming community members, local leaders, and partners into the space. During the event, guests can enjoy half-price lattes, including coffee and matcha drinks.

On Saturday, January 17, Black Sheep Coffee will officially celebrate their grand opening with a Sips & Beats event from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., featuring live vinyl set by DJ Foxxy Brown, signature menu tastings, and half-price lattes throughout the event. Continuing the celebration, the store will also offer a 50% discount to International Half Marathon medal holders on Sunday, January 18, welcoming runners and spectators to refuel post-race.

Designed to reflect Austin’s creative identity, the location features custom graffiti artwork inspired by the city’s street art scene and the energy of Downtown. The new outpost will serve Black Sheep Coffee’s complete menu, including its 100% specialty-grade Robusta coffee, ceremonial-grade matcha, smoothies, pastries, Norwegian waffles, curated food offerings, and two bakery variations created exclusively for the Austin store. Additional limited-time items will debut later in January as part of the brand’s functional health product refresh.

“Austin has long been on our radar for its passionate community and standout coffee culture,” said Eirik Holth, co-founder of Black Sheep Coffee in a statement. “We’re excited to become part of that fabric and bring something new to Downtown. With several U.S. locations in the pipeline, Austin marks a major milestone in our next chapter of growth.”

Black Sheep Coffee chose Austin for its strong alignment with the brand’s ethos and its reputation as a city that celebrates individuality and creativity. The opening also reinforces the company’s long-term commitment to Texas, with several additional locations planned statewide for 2026.

The Austin café will be open Sunday through Thursday from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. For more information, visit BlackSheepCoffee.us.

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Austin, TX

Lawsuit: Brianna Aguilera’s parents allege underage alcohol service at Austin tailgate contributed to daughter’s death

Published

1 day ago

January 6, 2026

Press Room

Lawsuit: Brianna Aguilera’s parents allege underage alcohol service at Austin tailgate contributed to daughter’s death

The parents of Brianna Aguilera have filed a lawsuit against two organizations, alleging that they served alcohol to their underage daughter which contributed to her death in Austin.

Before Aguilera fell to her death from the Rio 21 Apartments in West Campus, the lawsuit states that she attended a tailgate at the Austin Blacks Rugby Club’s facility, organized by the UT Latin Economics and Business Association.

Both the Austin Blacks Rugby Club and the UT Latin Economics and Business Association were listed as defendants in the lawsuit.

>> What we know about Texas A&M student Brianna Aguilera’s death in Austin

Even though the lawsuit states Aguilera was “noticeably intoxicated” at the tailgate, her parents argue that the defendants continued to serve her alcohol.

According to court documents, Aguilera allegedly began stumbling at the tailgate and needed help standing at times. At some point, the lawsuit said she fell into the woods and lost her phone.

After leaving the tailgate at approximately 10 p.m., court documents state Aguilera died around two hours later.

The lawsuit also accuses the defendants of negligence and gross negligence for serving alcohol to Aguilera despite her age and allegedly overserving her.

In the suit, Aguilera’s parents demanded a trial by jury and sought at least $1 million plus interest, costs and punitive damages.

Aguilera’s parents also seek damages for wrongful death, citing the defendants’ alleged misconduct.

Houston-based attorney Tony Buzbee, who’s representing the Aguilera family, commented on the lawsuit in a Tuesday news conference.

Watch the full news conference below:

“Brianna was obviously overserved,” Buzbee said. “Even the police have concluded that she was overserved at that tailgate. She was not 21.”

Buzbee also stated that the Austin Police Department has allegedly told multiple witnesses not to talk with him and Aguilera’s parents.

“They told the three, the three individuals that were in that apartment that night when this young girl died. They told them, do not speak to Brianna’s mother or her lawyers,” Buzbee said.

He said that the lawsuit could provide a way for the witnesses to eventually come forward with information.

“By filing this lawsuit, not only will we hold accountable an entity or entities that were involved in overserving Brianna and other minors, but we will also be able to subpoena individuals and documents and video and data so we can continue our investigation,” Buzbee said.

KSAT’s sister station, KPRC, has reached out to both the Austin Blacks Rugby Club and the UT Latin Economics and Business Association for comment on the lawsuit. This story will be updated once the organizations provide a statement.

More coverage of this story on KSAT:

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