A popular Texas lake destination has been temporarily closed after extreme weather left officials worried about what could be hiding beneath the surface. Lake Travis and parts of the Pedernales River near Austin were shut down after days of heavy rain, flooding, and dangerous conditions forced local leaders to put public safety ahead of summer recreation.
The temporary restrictions affected motorized boaters, kayakers, swimmers, and other visitors who regularly use the waterways. Officials warned that even calm-looking water can become dangerous after major flooding because debris, damaged structures, and unpredictable currents may remain hidden below the surface.
The closure came as Central Texas faced a wave of severe weather that brought intense rainfall, flash flood warnings, river flooding, and tornado alerts across the region.
Officials shut down part of Lake Travis after flooding concerns.
Travis County Judge Andy Brown signed a supplemental disaster order that temporarily restricted access to sections of Lake Travis and the Pedernales River…