Flooding in Texas

It’s true: everything is bigger in Texas – including the floods. The Lone Star State has experienced multiple devastating, record-breaking floods in the past decade. If you’ve been affected by phrases like “Hundred Year Flood” or “Turn Around, Don’t Drown,” contact All Dry USA today! Our team of experienced professionals can help you get your home back to pre-flood conditions – just in time for the game.

How Common Is Flooding in Texas?

The majority of flooding events in Texas occur along the coast, but flooding can and does occur throughout the state. In fact, flooding is the most common type of disaster in Texas. All areas of the state are at risk for flash flooding, typically when heavy rain falls over a short period.

Many Lone Star State areas have been affected by floods multiple times over the past 30 years. For example, Houston has been hit by a whopping five major floods since 1981! The city has also flooded once every two years between 1997 and 2015 – and that’s merely an average! In short, flooding is a problem.

What Types of Flooding Affect Texas?

Texas is a large state with a diverse geography. While it features beautiful mountains, wide plains, unique river systems, and a long seaboard, these features also create extreme flooding conditions. Below are the most common types of flooding that Texans face:

• Flash Flooding: Flash flooding is defined as flooding that occurs within six hours of heavy rainfall and is common in urban areas. It often happens without warning and is a leading cause of water-related deaths in Texas. If you see standing water, do not attempt to drive or cross, even if it looks shallow.
• River Flooding: Too much water in a river can cause the banks to overflow. This flooding is especially common after heavy rainfalls when the cumulative water overcomes a river system’s capacity – burdening homes and ecosystems.
• Tropical Systems: Tropical storms and hurricanes in Texas can cause catastrophic floods. The long seaboard along the Gulf of Mexico puts most of the state at risk during hurricane season. The flat plains, low-lying areas, and urban development contribute to massive, sustained floods reaching several miles inland.
• Burn Scars: Wildfires destroy absorbent vegetation and cause soil to become water-repellant. Water runs off a burn scar during a storm and can carry soil and debris with it, causing floods and even dangerous mudslides.
• Dry Wash: Arid farmland land gets a lot of dry wash, which occurs when it rains too quickly for water to absorb into the ground. The water flows towards low-lying areas like ditches and gullies – potentially outbursting into unsafe raging rivers.
• Dam Breaks and Levee Failure: Dams and levees are man-made walls that hold water behind them. Dams are usually inland on rivers, and dam failures can flood low-lying river valleys. Levees are mainly built naturally by the ocean to contain seawater during hurricanes; levee failure leads to catastrophic tropical flooding.

What Parts of Texas Are Most at Risk From Flooding?

“Flash Flood Alley” is most at risk for flooding, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. This area of the Lone Star State sits between the Gulf Coast and the Oklahoma Panhandle; it stretches from Victoria to Dallas and up through Waco. The Hill Country is another flood-prone area, including Austin and San Antonio, as well as Fredericksburg, Wimberley, and other vulnerable towns.

Houston has been hit by massive floods twice in recent years — once during Tropical Storm Allison in 2001 and again during Hurricane Harvey in 2017. The city’s floodplain maps show that more than 1 million people live in areas at high risk of flooding.

South Texas is also prone to flash floods and flooding, as it sits on a flat plain with few hills or mountains to slow down or divert storm runoff from populated areas. Texas as a whole remains vulnerable to minor home inconveniences and hyperbolically large floods.

What Are the Main Hazards Associated With Flooding?

Flooding in the Lone Star State can be incredibly damaging to homes and businesses, leaving behind a wide range of damage. Here are the four most significant hazards associated with flooding:

Polluted Floodwater

Floodwater gets around. This rushing water can include dangerous chemicals, debris, toxins, and waste. It’s best to assume all floodwater is polluted and to avoid as much contact with the water as possible.

Health Hazards

Polluted water doesn’t just carry dangerous substances; it also deposits them. If you’ve had floodwater inside your home, it may have left behind nasty contaminants that can make you and your loved ones sick. Water damage also often leads to mold and mildew growth.

Disruption of Services

Storms and floods often cause power outages, road closures, and temporary government and business closures. These situations can become quite dangerous for some people, especially vulnerable populations like children, the elderly, and people with disabilities or illness.

Property Damage

Floods can cause a lot of damage to your home or business. In some cases, entire homes have been swept away by the floodwaters! Even minor property damage – perhaps just a few inches of floodwater – can cause many issues. After a flood, our team can help you assess and repair interior property damage.

How Do I Keep My Family Safe During a Flood in Texas?

Floods don’t just cause property damage; in fact, floods in Texas are one of the leading causes of water-related injuries and deaths. Floods can happen in the blink of an eye, so it’s best to remain prepared. Planning ahead is key! Follow these tips on how to prepare before a flood strikes, how to stay safe during a flood, and the best safety practices after the storm is over:

Before the Flood

• Prepare an emergency kit with food, lights, radios, and any medications
• Plan safe means of escape
• Stay alert for evacuation warnings
• Use sandbags
• Shut off utilities

During the Flood

• Follow evacuation orders
• Stay out of standing water
• Move away from low-lying areas
• Do not drive through water
• Be prepared to move to higher ground

After the Flood

• Don’t go in standing water
• Stay away from wet items
• Don’t turn the power back on until the water is gone
• Never drink floodwater
• Professionally clean your home before resuming everyday use

Common Types of Property Damage Caused by Floods in Texas

Floods can cause a lot of damage to your property—and your wallet.

Water damage, leaks, sewage backup, and mold are merely a few things that can happen when dealing with a flood. Here’s a quick rundown of the four main types of damage that may appear after a flood:

Interior Water Damage

This one is fairly obvious: if there’s water inside your home, then there’s likely interior damage. This may include wet carpet, damaged furniture, and so on. Interior water damage occurs when floodwater enters the home through the walls or floor through cracks, windows, and doors that aren’t watertight. Interior water damage can lead to many other problems like mold and rot, so it’s best to take care of it as soon as possible.

Leaks

Leaks usually occur in two ways. First, they may be caused by burst pipes or broken toilets. Alternatively, they can come from outside sources, such as rainwater seeping into cracks in the foundation of your home. Either way, leaks need to be addressed quickly because they can cause more severe mold and structural damage if left untreated for too long.

Sewage Backup

Sewage backup happens when a toilet overflows, or a sewer line breaks due to flooding conditions outside your home – or even within. Sewage backup creates a dangerous situation for anyone who comes into contact with it. Fortunately, you can avoid it by installing flood vents on your property before any severe weather events like hurricanes strike near you!

Mold

Mold grows on damp interior surfaces such as wood, drywall, and carpeting exposed to floodwaters. Mold releases toxic spores that can lead to many health problems and quickly become dangerous.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which City in Texas Has the Most Floods?

Houston is one of the most flood-vulnerable cities in the U.S., with an estimated 1,000 miles of bayous, tributaries, and creeks running through the city. The city experienced its highest rainfall ever recorded when Harvey made landfall in 2017 — more than 60 inches in some areas!

What is Flash Flood Alley?

Flash Flood Alley is another term for the Blanco River Basin. This low-lying area stretches across the entire state from San Antonio to Dallas and is a natural reservoir for rain and floodwater. Unfortunately for the seven major cities in the basin, the geography and urbanization contribute to severe flash flooding.

Suffering From Flooding Damage in Texas? ADU Can Help

Water damage issues only get worse over time. After a flood, don’t wait to get the help you need. All Dry USA is here 24/7 to help you and your family whenever disaster strikes. Our team of experienced professionals can help you get your home or business back to pre-flood conditions quickly and easily. Contact us today and get the help you need to rebuild your home and your life.