One person killed as severe storms hit Austin, Texas

Flash flooding caused by intense storms in Austin, Texas, on the evening of May 28 led to the death of a person who had been reported missing in the rising waters. The storms swept across much of the state, bringing hail, powerful winds, and dangerous conditions that led to multiple rescues and widespread power outages.

Fire crews in Austin responded to nine flood-related emergencies, helping individuals who became trapped in their cars or in quickly flooded areas. According to the department, all individuals involved have been located, and no further searches are currently underway. The dead body of the deceased individual was located on 49^th Street.

The storm caused widespread damage, bringing down trees and branches, snapping power lines, and dropping large hail across the area. Early on Wednesday, May 28, the National Weather Service in Austin/San Antonio reported that some rain gauges picked up between 51–76 mm (2-3 inches) of rain in just half an hour.

Across the region, totals ranged from 75–105 mm (3–4 inches). Officials said the storm hit its strongest point between 18:45 and 19:00 local time, with wind gusts reaching 124 km/h (77 mph), accompanied by heavy rain, huge hailstones as big as 7 cm (2.75 inches), and frequent lightning.

Strong winds toppled trees and damaged the power infrastructure, which led to outages across the region. In Travis County alone, around 30 000 customers were without electricity till Thursday morning, May 29. Austin Energy reported that over 100 power poles had been brought down by the storm. In total, nearly 70 000 customers were left without power.

Hailstorms damaged homes, cars, and buildings across Austin. In the north and east, roofs were punctured, skylights shattered, and siding torn off. Many vehicles were left with broken windows and dents.

In Northwest Austin, powerful gusts ripped a canopy off a gas station and sent it crashing onto a parked car. At the University of Texas, a section of fencing around the baseball field was torn down. In Downtown, high winds shattered glass panels near the top of the Texas Capitol rotunda.

The Fire Department handled over 700 calls in just a few hours on Wednesday, May 28. Austin-Travis County Chief of Emergency Medical Services Robert Luckritz said their dispatch saw a 35 percent jump in 911 calls at the peak of the storm in the evening.

Harsh Vardhan

My passions include trying my best to save a dying planet, be it through carpooling or by spreading awareness about it. Research comes naturally to me, complemented by a keen interest in writing and journalism. Guided by a curious mind and a drive to look beyond the surface, I strive to bring thoughtful attention and clarity to subjects across Earth, sciences, environment, and everything in between.

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