Downpour temporarily closes Oakland Ave., sets rain record to date
An Austin Police cruiser blocks off a portion of Oakland Avenue East due to local flooding after heavy rains pelted Austin Friday.
Hard-pouring rain pounded the Austin streets Friday afternoon, caused minor issues on some streets throughout the city, according to many motorists, and even set a record.
Austin has officially experienced its wettest year to date on record, according to the National Weather Service in La Crosse, Wis. Since Jan. 1, Austin has received 15.56 inches of rain through May 17.
City Engineer Steven Lang said Oakland Avenue East between 10th and 11th Street was closed for high water Friday afternoon, as water tends to funnel into that area. As of 1 p.m. Austin had received 1.3 inches of rain on Friday, with more falling after that, according to the National Weather Service in La Crosse, Wis. Lang said the water should recede quickly and alleviate issues on streets.
NWS meteorologists predict chances of showers every day through next Thursday, with the potential for thunderstorms, especially on Sunday night. Rivers are expected to crest tomorrow afternoon but still below flood stage.