RECORD RAINFALL SWAMPS BRAZOS FLOODPLAINS

Historic rainfall made a significant impact on areas of the Brazos River basin and statewide both this spring and in 2015, and the impact was especially felt in the basin’s floodplains, those low- lying areas adjacent to a river or stream that exist as a result of previous floods throughout history and that remain prone to flooding.

In Fort Bend County alone, the impact was overwhelming.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott declared 46 Texas counties disaster areas following the flooding in June, including 22 Brazos basin counties: Austin, Brazoria, Brazos, Burleson, Comanche, Eastland, Erath, Falls, Fort Bend, Grimes, Hood, Lee, Leon, Lubbock, Madison, Palo Pinto, Parker, Robertson, Somervell, Stephens, Waller and Washington.

Excessive rain, especially when it falls very fast over prolonged periods of time, causes areas to flood. However, the dangers are compounded when the water flows into an occupied floodplain.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, states that one of its missions is floodplain management, “a decision-making process that aims to achieve the wise use of the nation's floodplains.” The agency defines wise use as an emphasis on reduced flood losses and protection of the natural resources and function of floodplains.

What exactly is a flood plain and why are people allowed to build there? A flood plain is generally a flat area of land next to a river or stream. Flood plains are natural flooding outlets for rivers. Areas of the floodplain close to rivers and streams may flood routinely while other areas further away and at higher elevations may flood less often; however, it’s not a matter of if these areas will flood, but when and to what extent. People, agriculture, and businesses in flood plains are always at some risk.

Because of the threat of severe damage to property in flood plains, if a person chooses to build a permanent structure in an established floodplain, flood insurance is normally required by mortgage companies and/or city or county zoning or planning entities. Since standard home insurance policies do not cover flood damage, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) underwrites flood insurance coverage but only in communities that adopt and enforce floodplain management regulations through an ordinance that meets or exceeds NFIP criteria. But you do not have to live in a floodplain to purchase flood insurance. Floodsmart.gov notes that 30 percent of flood insurance claims, come from areas determined to be outside the 100-year flood plain.

In addition to FEMA’s involvement, local flood control districts and floodplain managers also provide data that helps to determine floodplain maps. These urban planners at times limit building in certain areas, may require structures be built on stilts or that ground floor areas be limited to parking or storage. In most cases, any development within the 100-year flood plain is regulated by local city or county authorities, even if the developer or owner is not obtaining a loan or mortgage.

The best time to purchase flood insurance, of course, is well in advance of any potential problems. The policies take 30 days from the purchase date to go into effect. The best way to deal with potential disaster is to be as prepared as possible before the threat arises. Tips on flood safety and preparation, as well as how to purchase flood insurance, are available at https://www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart. Those without flood insurance, must rely on their own resources for repairs and rebuilding.

Construction upstream can also have an impact on people living downstream, so cities and counties often require flood impact studies before new structures are built.

These concerns often result in builders having to construct detention ponds and comply with other regulations to offset risks.

Central Texas has been labeled by the National Weather Service as one of the most flood prone areas of the United States. In fact, a portion of the state stretching from the Dallas-Fort Worth area through Central Texas down to San Antonio is referred to as Flash Flood Alley by weather watchers and NWS personnel.

Here are some other interesting – and sobering – facts about Texas as listed on floodsafety.com:

• Texas holds 6 of 12 world record rainfall rates for events in 24 hours or less - source United States Geological Survey.
• Texas usually leads the nation in flood-related deaths -- averaging twice the next nearest state: California.
• About 20 million of Texas' 171 million acres are flood-prone - more than in any other state. (Source: 2001 Blue Ribbon Committee Study -- Texas Senate Concurrent Resolution 68)
• Texas has approximately 8 million structures in floodplains. 3 million of these have no flood insurance. (Source: Blue Ribbon Study)
• Texas is among the top four states with repeat flood losses to the same properties. (Source: Blue Ribbon Study)
• "Texas has the fewest numbers of state employees devoted to disaster preparedness of any of the most populous states," said Tom Millwee, past head of Texas Department of Public Safety and Chair of Blue Ribbon Committee.

For those living in Texas, the Texas Agrilife Extension Office provides information through the Extension Disaster Education Network. Specific information related to flooding, including recovery resources and precautions to take in the aftermath of floods, can be found at http://texashelp.tamu.edu/004-natural/floods.php.

You can find out if your home is in a flood zone by visiting http://msc.fema.gov/portal. If you do live in a floodplain or own property located in one, the Texas Water Development Board has information about risks, planning and recovery at http://www.twdb.texas.gov/flood/doc/084_LivinginaFloodplain_handout.pdf.

Nature’s cycles of drought and flooding have occurred since time immemorial. It isn’t easy to cope with these difficulties, but planning and risk assessment can help you make the best out of a difficult situation.

The FEMAs Flood Mapping Service has flood hazard information including maps that access a range of other flood hazard products. To view this services go to: http://msc.fema.gov/portal