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Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick criticized Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly for his absence during the July 4 flood that led to over 100 deaths. Patrick claimed Kelly failed to fulfill his duties, while new testimony revealed delays in emergency response despite prior flood warnings.
Austin Independent School District (AISD) announced staff reductions due to delays in over $9 million in federal education grants. Superintendent Matias Segura stated that while some positions will continue through the fall semester, certain roles will be phased out afterward. AISD aims to maintain essential programs despite the budget constraints.
Texas will experience a rare double meteor shower peak late Tuesday night, featuring the Southern Delta Aquariids and Alpha Capricornids. Stargazers can expect to see over 20 meteors per hour, with the best viewing time from midnight to 3 a.m. local time.
Austin braces for a week of extreme heat with temperatures reaching triple digits, as the National Weather Service forecasts high humidity and minimal nighttime relief. A slight chance of rain may provide some respite towards the weekend, with thunderstorms possible. Residents are urged to stay hydrated and limit outdoor activities during peak heat hours.
Travis County officials announced the full reopening of Lake Travis for recreational activities after weeks of limited access due to flooding. The lake's temporary restrictions, imposed for public safety amid rising water levels and debris, have now been lifted, although officials urge caution among users.
Texas lawmakers criticized the Upper Guadalupe River Authority's decision to reject a flood warning system following deadly flash floods that killed over 130 people in July. At a joint hearing, officials highlighted systemic failures in emergency response and pledged to pursue legislation for better flood preparedness.
Travis County is relocating its Flood Recovery Resource Center to improve accessibility for residents affected by flooding in the Big Sandy Creek area. The current location at Danielson Middle School has seen declining attendance, prompting the move to more accessible sites. The center will close on Wednesday at 6 p.m. to facilitate the return of the campus to Leander ISD for the school year.
Floodwaters in Central Texas have receded, leaving families to navigate the complexities of insurance and federal assistance. While Burnet, Williamson, and Travis counties qualify for FEMA's Individual Assistance Program, Travis County awaits public assistance approval, needing to document higher damage levels. Many survivors face frustration as standard homeowners insurance often excludes flood damage.
Central Texas has emerged from drought conditions, with the Hill Country now entirely drought-free for the first time since November 2021. Recent rainfall has improved groundwater and soil moisture levels across the region, reducing drought impact from 59% to 22% statewide.
Central Texas faces severe flooding, prompting urgent mold prevention efforts as cleanup begins. Experts warn that mold can grow within 48 hours in summer conditions, necessitating immediate action. Teams like Team Rubicon are assisting homeowners in removing damaged materials to mitigate health risks.