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.