Heavy overnight rains Wednesday created flood conditions in several Hill Country counties, including Williamson, Lampasas and Burnet. More than 18 inches of rain has been dumped on the area since midnight.
There are multiple reports of people trapped in fast-moving water atop vehicles, on rooftops or clinging to trees.
At 2:50 a.m. STARFlight rescued at least two victims from vehicles in fast moving water at San Gabriel Ranch Road/County Road 256 in Williamson County. Less than an hour later, there was another rescue.
Then at 4:30 a.m., STARFlight had another two rescue missions in Granite Shoals, both involving multiple victims trapped on top of houses with rising flood waters.
There are several additional reports of stranded people and multiple requests for helicopter and boat rescues, including at leat two in Granite Shoals and several around Marble Falls.
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Marble Falls flooding
New 8's Amy Hadley reports from a flooded Backbone Creek, then the emergency shelter.
 
Williamson County
New 8's Chelsea Hover reports from near Liberty Hill.
Lake Travis
News 8's Todd Boatwright reports from the low-lying area of Graveyard Point.
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EMS District Commander Corey Ricketson said he's going door to door in Marble Falls and Granite Shoals to provide assistance in the areas hardest hit. He's rescued at least 20 people.
EMS says the only current access to Marble Falls is Highway 71 West / Hwy 281.
Over in Williamson County, Shady Oaks RV Park east of Georgetown has been evacuated. Residents of McShepherd subdivision on Hwy 29E and CR 100 should stay inside their homes, but there haven't been any evacuations yet.
A shelter has been set up at the Union Hall Baptist Church in Liberty Hill. There have been five water rescues in Williamson County and double the number of 911 calls since 6 p.m.
Williamson County roads closed
The following roads are closed due to high water as of 3:30 p.m.
East
Big and Little Mankins, CR 100, CR 337, CR 152, CR 382, CR 384, CR 303, CR 304, CR 347, CR 366
West
CR 177, CR 272, CR 305, CR 208, CR 174 @ Brushy Bend, CR 258, CR 220, CR 266, CR 267, CR 284
Road closures in Georgetown:
 | | Low water crossing on Oak Tree Drive over Berry Creek |
| | Low water crossing on Morrow Street in San Gabriel Park |
| | Morrow Street through San Gabriel Park |
| | Blue Hole Park Road |
Closed low-water crossings in Round Rock:
| | Chisholm Trail at the round rock |
| | Lee Street in Memorial Park |
| | Lake Creek Parkway in Lake Creek Park |
| | Harrell Parkway in Old Settlers Park |
Flood tips
Central Texas is known as "Flash flood alley." The reason is the Texas Hill Country is made up primarily of limestone and rainwater easily and quickly makes its way as "runoff" down the sides of hills into valleys, creeks and dips in roadways. It doesn't take long to cause a flash flood.
Surprisingly enough, more weather deaths can be blamed on flash flooding than anything else, and more than half of all flash flood fatalities are auto-related.
The key to survival is to avoid swollen streams and low water crossings. If you're driving and come up upon water over the road in front of you, stop, turn around and go back. Drive very cautiously, as your engine could stall in high water. Remember, never go around or through barricades.
Keep in mind, some flooded roadways may not yet be blocked off (particularly in rural areas) so go slow and watch for water over the road - don't cross it. Just as little as a few inches of very fast moving water can sweep your car off the road.
Be extra cautious at night. The dark makes it especially hard to see water over the road.
Finding an alternate route may cost you some time, but it could save your life. If you live in a flood-prone area, make a family evacuation plan and prepare to move to higher ground immediately.
