A Serious Concern
Floods have also endangered lives and property in our area at people’s homes. The City of Austin is actively buying out homes in flood-prone areas. Many policies affect flood risk. Flood plains must be respected. We are glad that Austin is working to adopt new Atlas 14 flood regulations which will expand floodplain definitions. This will keep more development out of unsafe areas and encourage safe redevelopment. Increased impervious cover upstream and poor land planning can lead to flooding downstream. That is way it is so critical to pay extra attention to development upstream in flood-prone watersheds.
Flooding in our region is a serious concern. Sloped topography to the West and clay soils to the East, combined with our rainfall patterns, lead to dangerous flooding and put us in “flash-flood alley.” According to the City of Austin’s watershed protection Department “About 75% of flood-related deaths in Texas occur in vehicles.” This is why it is so important to avoid driving in heavy rain conditions. If you must drive beware of excess water on the road and low water crossings. ATXfloods.com gives information about roads that are known to be flooded.