News Summary
Severe thunderstorms hit Central Texas, leading to significant damage, power outages, and one fatality. Wind gusts reached up to 77 mph, and over 72,500 residents lost power. Emergency responders reported a high volume of service calls, and extensive structural damage was reported across the region. A microburst caused a long track of destruction in East Austin. Governor Greg Abbott activated state emergency services to assist in recovery efforts as residents begin to assess the aftermath.
Austin, Texas, May 29, 2025 – Severe thunderstorms swept through Central Texas on May 28, causing widespread damage, power outages, and at least one fatality. The National Weather Service (NWS) had issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for the Austin metro area and the Hill Country, warning residents of possible severe weather conditions.
The storms brought intense rainfall and hail, with wind gusts recorded at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport reaching up to 77 mph. Emergency dispatchers reported a surge in calls, with the Austin Fire Department handling between 500 to 600 service requests amid the severe conditions. At the peak of the storm, approximately 72,500 customers of Austin Energy lost power, and as of the following day, about 37,600 customers remained without electricity.
Tragically, one water rescue resulted in a fatality related to the storm conditions, highlighting the dangers posed by the extreme weather. Damage was evident across the region, with uprooted trees, damaged roofs, and compromised power lines reported in various neighborhoods, particularly in Central Austin and areas such as Hyde Park. A gas station canopy also collapsed due to the high winds.
The NWS confirmed that a long track microburst caused by the storm led to damage over a 10-mile path in East Austin, with wind speeds estimated between 65-85 mph. While not classified as a derecho, the storms were characteristic of supercell formations, which are known to bring severe and isolated weather events.
In terms of precipitation, the storms resulted in Central Texas experiencing its heaviest rainfall in months, with Camp Mabry recording 2.31 inches of rain—marking the highest level seen since January 2024. Meteorologists noted that this rainfall may benefit drought-stricken waterways, with anticipated water surges in regional lakes over the coming days. Experts estimate the rain could raise Lake Travis water levels by one to two feet, although the levels are still significantly below average.
As a side effect of the storms, southern Travis and Hays counties experienced a “wake low,” leading to additional wind gusts between 40 to 50 mph early the next morning. The severity and isolation of the storm conditions contributed to the damaging events in the area, with additional reports of quarter-size to plum-size hail documented in southern Williamson County.
Governor Greg Abbott took swift action in response to the severe weather report by activating state emergency response teams. This proactive measure aimed to assist local authorities in managing the aftermath of the storms and provide necessary support to affected communities.
Overall, the severe thunderstorms that struck Central Texas on May 28 lead to widespread chaos and disruption. Residents are urged to stay vigilant for weather updates as recovery efforts begin and authorities assess the damage across the region. The aftermath of these storms will necessitate ongoing evaluations for safety and restoration of essential services for the community.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Severe Storms Cause Widespread Power Outages in Texas
Round Rock Closes Road Due to Compromised Power Pole
House Fire in Georgetown Amid Severe Weather
Record Rainfall Causes Severe Flooding Across Mid-South
Central US Faces Severe Weather and Flooding Risks
Severe Tornado Outbreak Causes Widespread Destruction Across U.S.
Devastating Tornadoes Cause Tragedy and Destruction Across Six States
Massive Storm System Threatens Over 100 Million Americans
Severe Weather Alert: A Weekend of Storms Ahead!
Dense Fog Advisory for Austin Amid Upcoming Cold Front
Additional Resources
- KXAN: Gallery Storms Downpour
- Wikipedia: Austin, Texas
- CBS Austin: Hail Producing Thunderstorms
- Google Search: Central Texas Thunderstorms
- FOX Weather: Austin Texas Flood and Hail
- Google Scholar: Thunderstorm Impacts in Central Texas
- Houston Chronicle: Austin Storm Damage
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Storm Weather Patterns
- FOX Weather: Austin Texas Weather Impact Alert
- Google News: Austin Texas Severe Weather
