ATCEMS: Several water rescues reported after storms in Austin bring heavy rain
AUSTIN (KXAN)– Austin-Travis County EMS and the Austin Fire Department responded to several water rescues in Austin following a heavy storm Wednesday evening.
A social media post from ATCEMS advised those who were traveling at the time to “turn around don’t drown.” ATCEMS also advised to not travel unnecessarily.
Just after 7 p.m., officials responded to “several rescues throughout Austin.”
At 7:09 p.m. ATCEMS was in the 7000 block of Interstate 35 Southbound Service Road for a water rescue. The post said several victims were swept away.
Officials rescued a victim who was pulled downstream by a current near Guadalupe Street and Airport Boulevard around 7:14 p.m.
Another water rescue was reported in the 2200 block of West North Loop Boulevard around 7:40 p.m. Officials said 1 person was removed from the water and a rescue had transitioned to recovery mode for an additional victim.
According to ATCEMS, there were reports that 2 people were in the water in the same area and medics were at the scene attempting to locate.
KXAN’s Chief Meteorologist Nick Bannin said the Severe Thunderstorm Watch would be in effect until 7:30 p.m. for the entire Austin metro counties along with parts of Travis, Bastrop and Caldwell counties. Bannin warned of potential baseball sized hail and wind guests up to 60 mph.
Additionally, he mentioned some storms have passed through areas northwest of Austin that brought hail, high winds and heavy rain.
