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Texas floods overwhelm Lake Travis with over 17 feet of water: See before, after photos

Statesman photographers capture the dramatic change in Travis Lake's landscape in the days after deadly floods overwhelmed Central Texas.

Published July 16, 2025 at 10:02am by Charlie Finnerty


Deadly flooding and heavy rainfall in Central Texas during the Fourth of July weekend caused water levels in Lake Travis to rise over 17 feet.

The lake, which is normally a source of drinking water and recreational activities for Austinites, was closed to boat traffic last week after severe floods brought debris and hazardous conditions to its waters. Nine people in Travis County died in the floods, and four remain missing or unidentified as of Sunday, county officials stated in a news release.

Travis County officials announced Sunday that Travis Lake is now partially open to boat traffic after closing the lake's waters entirely last week.

Statesman photographers captured the dramatic change in Travis Lake's landscape in the days after floods overwhelmed Central Texas.

Lakeway City Park on Lake Travis

Sail & Ski Yacht Club Marina on the Hurst Creek Arm of Lake Travis

Boat docks along Lake Travis

Bob Wentz Park and islands on Lake Travis