2 people missing in Austin floods as storms sweep Texas

AUSTIN, Texas — Five people were rescued from the roof of a home by helicopter and two more are missing after torrential rain caused floods that closed roads and prompted evacuations in the Austin area, an official said Friday.

The storms also hit further east, producing record rainfall in one southeast Texas city and prompting the closure of some schools.

Meteorologist Steve Smith said up to 10 inches of rain fell on counties in the Austin area, leading to several stranded vehicles and swift water rescues.

Lisa Block is an emergency services spokeswoman in Travis County, which includes Austin. Block said up to 9 inches of rain fell in parts of the county overnight. Residents in one neighborhood were asked to evacuate their homes, while those in another neighborhood were advised to shelter in place, she said.

Four adults and a child who climbed onto the roof of their Austin-area home as the floodwaters rose were hoisted to safety by rescuers in a helicopter, Block said.

Floodwaters have started to recede from the area where the two people were reported missing from their vehicle and Block said officials are hopeful that they are safe.

Heavy rains also hit areas north and northwest of Houston, causing some school closures.

Meteorologist Wendy Long said Brenham received 16.62 inches of rain on Thursday, breaking the daily rainfall record for the city located about 70 miles northwest of Houston. The rains washed out some roads in the area, officials said.

While the downpours appeared to be easing up Friday morning, forecasters warned that more rain should be expected in the late afternoon.