williamson county floods
williamson county floods

3 Missing in Williamson County Floods as Rescues, Evacuations, and Boil Water Alert Continue

Williamson County, TX — July 6, 2025: Severe flooding in Williamson County has left three people missing, prompted multiple rescues, forced widespread evacuations, and triggered a boil water notice affecting thousands of residents. The flooding, caused by days of heavy rain across Central Texas, has overwhelmed the San Gabriel River and surrounding waterways, leading to dangerous conditions and ongoing emergency response.


Williamson County Flooding Overview

Williamson County has experienced one of its most devastating flood events in recent years. Torrential rainfall starting late July 4 caused rapid river swelling and flash floods that inundated homes, roads, and neighborhoods near the San Gabriel River. The National Weather Service issued multiple flood watches and warnings for Williamson County and neighboring areas due to the extreme rainfall and rising water levels.

Local officials declared a state of disaster early Saturday and mobilized emergency crews to assist in rescues and evacuations. Despite ongoing rescue operations, three residents remain missing in Liberty Hill and surrounding areas as floodwaters continue to rise.


Flood Rescues and Search Efforts

Since the flooding began, Williamson County emergency responders have carried out more than 10 water rescues, saving over 25 people trapped in floodwaters. Swift actions by teams from Liberty Hill Fire Department, Leander Water Rescue, and Williamson County Sheriff’s Office prevented further loss of life.

Two of the missing persons were last seen near Hope House in Liberty Hill, where residents were evacuated due to fast-rising water. The third missing individual is also believed to be in the Liberty Hill area. Search and rescue operations are ongoing as crews use boats and drones to survey flooded zones.

Despite the scale of the flooding, no fatalities have been confirmed in Williamson County as of Sunday morning, though the risk remains high. Nearby Travis County has suffered multiple fatalities and dozens of missing persons, highlighting the region-wide impact of the flooding.


Areas and Communities Impacted by Flooding

Several neighborhoods and communities in Williamson County face significant flooding and infrastructure damage:

  • Liberty Hill: Site of ongoing search efforts and evacuations. Multiple mobile home parks and residential areas flooded.
  • Georgetown: Apartment complexes and RV parks near the San Gabriel River evacuated. Floodwaters damaged local roads and parks.
  • Leander: Water rescue operations active, with some homes affected by flash flooding.
  • Serenada, Berry Creek, and Stillwater: These subdivisions face boil water advisories and flood-related damages.

Evacuation centers and shelters have been set up, including at East View High School, Georgetown Recreation Center, and several local churches.


Widespread Evacuations Ordered

Williamson County officials issued evacuation orders and warnings for flood-prone areas along the San Gabriel River. Automated reverse-911 calls notified over 1,500 residents to evacuate immediately or prepare to leave as floodwaters rose.

Emergency responders conducted door-to-door checks to assist vulnerable residents, ensuring no one was left behind. Areas with mobile homes and RV parks were prioritized for evacuation due to higher flood risks.

Those evacuated were directed to emergency shelters equipped with food, water, and medical supplies. County Judge Steve Snell emphasized the importance of following evacuation orders:

“Please do not ignore evacuation warnings. Your safety is our top priority.”


Boil Water Notice in Effect for Thousands

Flood damage to water infrastructure in Georgetown and surrounding communities has led to a boil water advisory affecting multiple neighborhoods, including:

  • North Old Town / North Addition
  • Parkview Estates
  • Katy Crossing
  • Stillwater
  • Crystal Knoll
  • Villages of Berry Creek
  • Serenada
  • Golden Oaks
  • Reatta Trails
  • Country Club
  • Rivery

Residents in these areas are instructed to boil tap water for at least two minutes before using it for drinking, cooking, or hygiene until further notice. The advisory is necessary to prevent waterborne illnesses due to potential contamination caused by floodwaters.

Local officials are testing water quality regularly and will lift the advisory once safe levels are confirmed.

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Road Closures and Infrastructure Damage

Floodwaters have forced the closure of at least 29 roads across Williamson County. Major roadways and bridges near flooded zones remain inaccessible, causing travel disruptions and complicating rescue efforts.

Notable closures and damage include:

  • Sections of FM 1431 near Lago Vista and Marble Falls suffered washouts and missing pavement.
  • Flooding at San Gabriel Park and Blue Hole Park in Georgetown has caused closures and damage to recreational facilities.
  • Pedestrian and bicycle bridges in flood zones have been closed for safety reasons.

Authorities advise residents to avoid driving near flooded roads or around barricades, warning that submerged roadways can collapse or hide hazards.


Weather Forecast and Ongoing Flood Risk

The National Weather Service continues to monitor severe weather conditions across Central Texas. The region remains under a Flood Watch through Saturday evening, with forecasts predicting an additional 1 to 3 inches of rainfall, and isolated totals up to 5 inches.

Thunderstorms remain likely, posing ongoing flash flood risks for Williamson, Travis, Burnet, and surrounding counties. Residents are urged to stay informed through official weather channels and avoid flood-prone areas.


Animal Evacuations and Shelter

Animals have not been forgotten amid the crisis. The Georgetown Animal Shelter evacuated 37 dogs and 75 cats to the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter for safety. Volunteers and animal control officers continue to monitor pet welfare as floodwaters rise.


Emergency Response and State Support

Williamson County activated its Emergency Operations Center on July 5 to coordinate disaster response and resource deployment. Local, state, and federal agencies are collaborating to provide assistance.

Governor Greg Abbott expanded the disaster declaration to Williamson County, enabling access to additional resources and federal aid. The Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) opened floodgates at key dams to manage reservoir levels, warning residents to avoid lakes and rivers due to swift currents and floating debris.


Safety Tips for Residents

Authorities emphasize the following safety precautions during the flood emergency:

  • Do not attempt to drive through floodwaters—just 6 inches can disable a car.
  • Avoid walking or swimming in floodwaters, which may contain hazardous debris or sewage.
  • Obey all evacuation orders and stay off closed roads and bridges.
  • Follow boil water advisories to prevent illness.
  • Stay tuned to official channels for updates from the National Weather Service and Williamson County Emergency Management.

How to Stay Updated

Keep informed with real-time updates via:


Impact on Residents: Voices from the Flood

Many Williamson County residents are shaken but grateful for the swift emergency response. Ten-year-old Ethan from Georgetown expressed his fear:

“It’s scary. Whenever I look at it, I’m like, if I was in that you’re not getting out of that, you’re gone.”

Residents like Daren Miller, who evacuated from Shady River RV park, urge neighbors to act quickly.

“I would have never dreamed it would go that fast. If you wait until the water’s at your feet, it’s too late.”


What Comes Next: Recovery and Cleanup

Once floodwaters recede, officials will begin damage assessments for homes, roads, and utilities. Cleanup efforts will focus on debris removal, infrastructure repair, and restoring safe water supplies.

Residents impacted by the flooding are encouraged to document damages for insurance claims and assistance programs.


Williamson County’s 2025 flood event highlights the destructive power of nature and the importance of community preparedness. With three missing persons still unaccounted for, emergency responders continue their tireless work amid difficult conditions. Meanwhile, evacuations, boil water advisories, and road closures remain in effect as the county faces ongoing flood risks.

Residents must stay alert, follow official guidance, and support one another through this challenging time. As recovery efforts begin, Williamson County’s resilience will be tested but strengthened by the unity of its community.

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