Water Damage Restoration in Austin, TX
Austin by the numbers: 59 flood report days from 2016 to 2025, 12 freezing nights a year, 10 federal disaster declarations since 2016. Below: first steps, the records, Texas insurance rules and costs.
Updated October 31, 2026
First Steps for Water in a Home in Austin
- Burst pipe: shut the main water valve, then open the lowest faucet to drain the lines (burst pipe steps).
- Stay clear of wet outlets and cords.
- Photograph the damage, then call your insurer.
Austin Flood Record
NOAA has 216 flood and flash flood reports for the 5 counties of the Austin metro area from 2016 to 2025, on 59 separate days; May had the most.
At the Austin-Camp Mabry gauge, May is the wettest month with 5 inches on average.
Hurricanes, tropical storms or storm surge added 1 report day.
| Month | Flood report days | Normal precipitation (in) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 1 | 2.6 |
| February | 0 | 1.9 |
| March | 2 | 2.9 |
| April | 7 | 2.4 |
| May | 16 | 5 |
| June | 6 | 3.7 |
| July | 3 | 2 |
| August | 8 | 2.7 |
| September | 6 | 3.5 |
| October | 6 | 3.9 |
| November | 1 | 2.9 |
| December | 3 | 2.7 |
| County | Flood report days | Reports |
|---|---|---|
| Travis County | 38 | 82 |
| Hays County | 24 | 38 |
| Williamson County | 18 | 43 |
| Caldwell County | 13 | 25 |
| Bastrop County | 11 | 28 |
Freezing Nights in Austin
Austin averages 12 nights a year at or below 32°F (Austin-Camp Mabry station). NOAA counted 16 winter storm, ice or extreme cold days in the 5 counties of the Austin metro area from 2016 to 2025.
Unheated crawl spaces, attics and garages freeze first (Red Cross); keep the heat at 55°F or more (IBHS).
Storms and Disasters in Austin
The 5 counties of the Austin metro area were named in 10 federal weather or fire declarations since 2016 (OpenFEMA).
Notable NOAA storm reports
- July 5, 2025: Flash flood (Williamson County)There was extensive flooding along the San Gabriel River across the county. In Georgetown two apartment complexes were evacuated. Flood waters knocked trees and damaged light poles in San Gabriel Park. Flooding at College St. and W.
- March 21, 2022: Tornado, EF2 (Bastrop County)The Elgin tornado began roughly 9 miles southwest of Elgin near Dry Creek Road and Union Lee Church Road. It moved northeast and crossed into Bastrop County near the end of Ingrid Dr.
- March 18, 2018: Hail, 5.5 inch hail (Bastrop County)A thunderstorm produced four to five inch hail south of Smithville. Several locations on the south side of Smithville from Hwy 95 to CR 230 posted pictures of giant hail.
- August 26, 2017: Tropical storm (Bastrop County)Hurricane Harvey moved onshore as a Category 4 hurricane over San Jose Island east of Rockport during the late evening of August 25th.
- February 20, 2017: Thunderstorm wind, 115 mph gust (Williamson County)A thunderstorm produced wind gusts estimated at 115 mph that significantly damaged a metal building system, at least 10 homes, at least a dozen farm buildings, mobile homes, and RVs north of Thrall.
Federal disaster declarations
- July 6, 2025: Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, And FloodingFlood, FEMA DR-4879
- May 17, 2024: Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, And FloodingFlood, FEMA DR-4781
- April 21, 2023: Severe Winter StormWinter Storm, FEMA DR-4705
- February 19, 2021: Severe Winter StormsSevere Ice Storm, FEMA DR-4586
- February 14, 2021: Severe Winter StormSevere Ice Storm, FEMA EM-3554
- August 24, 2020: Tropical Storms Marco And LauraHurricane, FEMA EM-3540
Austin Housing at a Glance
Census figures for the city of Austin (American Community Survey, 2020 to 2024): 483,071 housing units, a median build year of 1994, 28% built before 1980, 15% before 1970, 43% owner occupied.
Texas Insurance Rules for Water Claims
Texas law gives an insurer 15 business days to confirm it received a claim and, once it has what it needs, 15 business days to decide whether to pay, extendable by 45 days with a reason (Texas Department of Insurance, claim deadlines).
Claim problems in Texas go to the Texas Department of Insurance.
Flood damage needs a separate flood policy, which typically starts 30 days after purchase (FloodSmart). Look up Austin flood zones on FEMA's flood maps.
Restoration Cost Guide for Austin
| Typical range (national) | Cost |
|---|---|
| Most jobs | $1,305 to $5,707 |
| Sewage, per sq ft | $7 to $7.50 |
| Average insurer payout, water or freeze claim | $15,400 |
Sources: Bob Vila, May 2023; III, 2019 to 2023.
Areas Served Around Austin
The same 24/7 line covers the Austin metro area, including:
- Austin
- Round Rock
- Georgetown
- Leander
- Cedar Park
- San Marcos
- Pflugerville
- Kyle
- Hutto
- Manor
Other Texas city guides
Questions
When is the first freeze in Austin?
The median first night at or below 32°F is December 3 and the median last is February 20 at the Austin-Camp Mabry station (NOAA normals, 1991 to 2020).
Does Texas license mold assessment or remediation?
Yes. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation licenses mold assessment and mold remediation, and its rules require contractors doing that work to be licensed (TDLR, mold assessors and remediators FAQ).
How fast does mold start?
Dry wet materials within 24 to 48 hours (EPA).
Sources: NOAA Storm Events, NOAA normals, OpenFEMA, Census ACS, Texas Department of Insurance, claim deadlines, TDLR, mold assessors and remediators FAQ, EPA mold guide.