Austin, TX

How Austin Watershed prepares for flood events in North Austin neighborhood

Published

10 months ago

January 24, 2024

Press Room

How Austin Watershed prepares for flood events in North Austin neighborhood

CTX roads closed due to flooding

Widespread rain in Central Texas has led to the closure of numerous low water crossings.

AUSTIN, Texas – Last year, FOX 7 Austin told you about residents on Mearns Meadows Blvd. in North Austin who were frustrated because their homes flooded due to debris clogging a culvert.

While the neighborhood did not flood because of the recent rain, we checked with the Watershed Protection Department to see what they’re doing to make sure flooding doesn’t happen again.

Flooding in Hays County

Heavy rains Monday morning have led to floodwaters in yards, parks and over roads in Hays County.

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This is what they told us:

“There are many houses in the floodplain of Little Walnut Creek in the Mearns Meadow area that remain at risk of flooding. We encourage those living in a floodplain to have a plan in place in case of a flood. Residents can visit ATXFloodSafety.com to learn about flood safety and preparedness.

In the Mearns Meadow area, construction is underway on a $19.7 million project which will greatly reduce the risk of flooding for homes in the floodplain when it is completed. Residents can learn more at AustinTexas.gov/LittleWalnutCreek. We have also installed a camera along Little Walnut Creek at the Quail Valley and Mearns Meadow crossing to provide real-time channel conditions. Residents can view the camera at ATXfloods.com.

Watershed Protection proactively maintains our drainage system of pipes, ponds, ditches and creeks throughout the year. Last year, our team cleared debris from 44 miles of creeks, channels, and ditches in response to the 2023 Winter storm. This is 10 times more than previous years. This work included the Little Walnut Creek watershed in which the Mearns Meadow neighborhood is located.

Before a storm, we inspect culverts with the greatest flood risk and remove any debris present as well as make preparations to barricade flooded roadways. Watershed Protection’s Flood Earning Warning System (FEWS) monitors upcoming weather events and flows in our creeks using a citywide network of gauges, including at critical low water crossings. We have an operations team on call 24/7 who can be activated and deployed to place barricades at crossings that may overtop due to a rain event. We also have staff on call to respond to 311 calls from concerned residents related to upcoming and ongoing rain events.

Residents should always report any debris in creeks or concerns with drainage infrastructure to Austin 3-1-1.”

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Austin, TX

Texas boasts 10 restaurants on OpenTable’s top 100 list for 2024

Published

8 hours ago

November 24, 2024

Press Room

Texas boasts 10 restaurants on OpenTable’s top 100 list for 2024

AUSTIN, Texas — Texas had a strong showing on OpenTable’s 2024 Top 100 Restaurants with 10 establishments making the list.

What You Need To Know

The best foodie city in Texas, at least according to OpenTable, was Austin, with seven restaurants making the list

The rest of Texas’ major metropolitan areas–Houston, Dallas and San Antonio–each only had one restaurant on the list

OpenTable compiles its top 100 list every year by looking at diner reviews from its 14 million verified users

The Lone Star State had the second-most restaurants on the list, tied with Illinois, behind California, which had a whopping 19 restaurants featured.

The best foodie city in Texas, at least according to OpenTable, was Austin, with seven restaurants making the list.

Aba – Austin
J Carver’s
Jeffrey’s Restaurant
Red Ash Italia
Sammie’s Italian
Uchi Austin
Uchiko Austin

The rest of Texas’ major metropolitan areas–Houston, Dallas and San Antonio–each only had one restaurant on the list.

Steak 48 – Houston
Signature – San Antonio
Hudson House – Lovers Lane – Dallas

OpenTable compiles its top 100 list every year by looking at diner reviews from its 14 million verified users.

According to OpenTable’s website, restaurants with enough reviews are automatically considered and are evaluated by their ratings, percentage of five-star reviews, number of alerts set, percentage of reservations made in advance, percentage of capacity and direct searches.

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Austin, TX

‘Superman!’ Jelani McDonald Proves to Be Crucial Piece to Texas Longhorns Defense

Published

16 hours ago

November 24, 2024

Press Room

‘Superman!’ Jelani McDonald Proves to Be Crucial Piece to Texas Longhorns Defense

AUSTIN — Texas defensive back Jelani McDonald made his mark in the Longhorn secondary on Saturday.

McDonald recorded his first career interception, and it was one for the books.

With five minutes left in the first half as Texas led 14-7, Kentucky had possession. The crowd went wild as McDonald dove for the ball to get possession back to the Longhorn offense. Commentators described the play as a “Superman” performance.

WENT FULL SUPERMAN FOR THIS PICK 👀🤯@TexasFootball x 📺 ABC pic.twitter.com/ZV5AxOSWo7
— Southeastern Conference (@SEC) November 23, 2024
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McDonald’s teammates also had their takes on the play.

“Superman…I mean everybody knows how athletic Jelani is, we’ve been talking about that all season, and even tied back to last season,” Michael Taaffe said. “He’s so athletic. I’m glad he finally got to show that and for you all to see, because we’ve known that forever.”

McDonald has totaled 22 tackles this season, playing in every conference and two non-conference games.

While he’s not a name on everyone’s mouths, like Quinn Ewers, Isaiah Bond, Taaffe or Kelvin Banks Jr., McDonald proved once and for all his impact on the team. McDonald could very much have a breakout season in 2025, and this play, which recorded Texas’ 16th interception of the season taking the national record, opened up the doors for his campaign.

That pick could even be awarded play of the year.

“I’ve been just happy to see him grow and get better as a player,” Anthony Hill Jr., who played with McDonald in the Freshman All-American game, said.

“He was playing corners, so I was like ‘Who’s this guy,’ and then one the game, he’s playing linebackers, and at one game he’s playing safety,” Hill said.

McDonald has one more shot to showcase his talent in the regular season as Texas faces Texas A&M next Saturday. But with two years left of eligibility, the sky is the limit.

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Austin, TX

No. 3 Texas ends UK’s bowl chances

Published

1 day ago

November 23, 2024

Press Room

AUSTIN, Tx. (WKYT) – The Kentucky Wildcats (4-7, 1-7 SEC) ended their SEC slate with a 31-14 loss on the road against the No. 3 Texas Longhorns (10-1, 6-1 SEC). For the first time in eight seasons, UK will not be bowl eligible.

Junior quarterback Brock Vandagriff started the game for the Cats, going 3-7 for 51 yards, one touchdown and one interception. The staff opted to once against start true freshman Cutter Boley in the second half. The LCA alum wet 10-18 for 160 yards and an interception in the loss.

The Wildcats went 1-2 in the red zone and just 2-12 on third down conversions.

Senior inside linebacker Jamon Dumas-Johnson had a 25-yard fumble return for a touchdown, and also led the defense in tackles with eight.

Texas junior QB Quinn Ewers went 20-31 for 191 yards and two touchdowns for the Longhorns.

The season concludes next week as Kentucky hosts the Governor’s Cup game against Louisville at Kroger Field. Kick-off is set for noon on the SEC Network.

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