Flood warning issued for Turtle Creek
Published 9:42 am Thursday, June 21, 2018
- Turtle Creek jumped its banks this week, but is expected to drop below flood stage today. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
A flood warning was issued for Turtle Creek Wednesday evening, though no residences are currently threatened.
According to Austin Police Chief Brian Krueger, residents near Turtle Creek were alerted at 7:52 p.m. on Wednesday when the manual gauge of the West Oakland Avenue pier measured 6.2 feet. The gauge read between 6.4 and 6.5 feet as of 2 p.m. Thursday.
Homes along Turtle Creek would be in danger if the water level reaches 8 ½ feet, according to Krueger.
According to National Weather Service meteorologist Rod Swerman, Wednesday night rainfall was lighter than anticipated, meaning the flood level is only in the minor stage.
“(Turtle Creek’s water level is) creeping up very slowly and you may only get half a foot before it starts going down,” Swerman said Thursday. “The rain is already starting to taper off and will get lighter during the day.”
Swerman said Turtle Creek levels should continue going down through Friday.
Krueger and Swerman confirmed the Cedar River and Dobbins Creek will remain below flood stage, though Swerman warned to be careful along the riverbanks.
