Updated Aug. 25, 2017 at 1:16 p.m. 

This story has been updated to reflect additional information as it has been released.

As Hurricane Harvey approaches the Austin area, Williamson County officials are preparing for the effects of flooding that could occur both within and outside of county lines.

No calls for evacuations have been made in Williamson County yet, but a flash flood watch is in effect through Monday morning. Staff members have prepared for worst-case scenarios, county representative Connie Watson said.

“We are actively monitoring the weather, and we do have a road and bridge department that is staging barricades across the county so that they are readily available to close low-water crossings that may flood,” Watson said. “We have our rescue teams that are alerted and ready to participate in any water rescues that may be needed.”

County employees will post to atxfloods.com throughout the weekend so residents can learn the status of water crossings near them as well as throughout the Austin area, and Williamson County's Emergency Operations Center will open Saturday at 6 a.m. to monitor weather and community needs.

There is a possibility of schools within Williamson County being used as shelters for evacuees from the Gulf Coast where Hurricane Harvey is expected to make landfall, she said.

Health district offices will close at 1 p.m. Friday to allow employees to be available to do inspections of shelters. No shelters in Williamson County have been announced yet, Watson said.

Sign up for emergency alerts to your mobile phone at warncentraltexas.com.