AUSTIN, Texas — Austin has extended its ban on recreational and commercial activity on Lady Bird Lake, Lake Austin and the Colorado River through 5 p.m. Thursday as high water and flood debris continue to create dangerous conditions.
The city said the restriction remains in effect because floodgates at Tom Miller Dam and Mansfield Dam are still releasing water stored after last week’s heavy rainfall, which triggered severe flooding across the Texas Hill Country.
Officials warned that fast-moving water, elevated river levels and floating debris make the waterways unsafe.
The order prohibits personal and commercial watercraft, including boats, canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, motorized surfboards, wet bikes and similar vessels, on Lake Austin, Lady Bird Lake and the Colorado River downstream of Longhorn Dam.
The city also urged residents to avoid riverfront trails that are prone to flash flooding until conditions improve.
