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The Galveston Hurricane (1900) had storm tides (storm surge plus astronomical tides) of eight to 15 feet, which inundated all of Galveston Island, and parts of the Texas coast. The flooding is thought to be largely responsible for the 6,000 to 12,000 deaths attributed to the storm, and property damages of about 30 million dollars. [...]

The wetlands in southern Louisiana act as a buffer to help moderate flooding during storm events. Erosion of the Mississippi delta and sea level rise threaten these wetlands. Louisiana’s coast, which contains 40 percent of US wetlands, is disappearing into the Gulf of Mexico at a rate of 35 square miles per year. That is [...]

In 2005, Hurricane Katrina created storm surge flooding 25 to 28 feet above normal tide levels along the Mississippi coast, and 10 to 20 feet above normal levels along Louisiana’s southeastern coast. Storm surge extended several miles inland in Mississippi, and breached levees in New Orleans. The storm resulted in 75 billion dollars in damages, [...]

In urban areas, stormwater after a rain event poses a threat for abrupt flooding. Paved surfaces, such as concrete and asphalt, do not allow water to infiltrate naturally during a rain event and create overland flow of water. The smooth surfaces also allow rain water to accumulate and travel very quickly. Sudden increases in runoff are [...]

An average of 11 tropical storms develop each year over the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean. While many of those storms stay over the ocean without impacting the U.S., about five hurricanes will strike the U.S. Coastline from Texas to Maine in a given three-year period, with two being Category 3 (winds [...]

One of the greatest possible causes of death during a hurricane is storm surge, when ocean winds create a force that pushes water toward the shore. This causes a tide that can increase the water levels by 15 feet or more, and waves on top of this increased water level can increase flooding. Storm surge [...]

A hurricane can cause severe damage from increased tides, currents and wave action. Erosion and coastal degradation of beaches and highways can weaken building foundations and continuous pounding on these structures can cause them to collapse. The stronger a storm and the closer a community is to its forefront, the larger the area is that must be [...]

Did you know that United States coastline totals around 12,000 miles? Fifty (50) percent of the total US population lives within 50 miles of the sea coast, making half of US residents extremely vulnerable to severe weather events such as hurricanes and floods. Viewer Tip: If you live in a coastal area, don’t forget that [...]

Did you know that 60 percent of flood peaks can be reduced by a wetland that is equal to only 15 percent of the area of the watershed? Wetlands are valuable ecosystems that absorb floodwaters and protect coastal areas. However, many wetland areas are threatened due to developing landscapes and water pollution. Viewer Tip: Preserve [...]

Did you know that Texas suffers significantly more property damage from floods than any other state? Eastern Texas is especially at risk, as rapid coastal development along the Gulf is increasing the size of vulnerable populations. Development includes increased impervious surfaces, like concrete and asphalt, which do not allow water to seep into the ground, [...]

Flooding can occur at any place and any time throughout Texas and San Antonio is in one of the most flood-prone areas of the U.S. In urban areas, where pavement has replaced forests and fields, there can be two- to six-times as much water runoff than would occur in a natural area, which can overwhelm [...]

Flooding can occur at any place and any time throughout Texas and a major flood occurs in Harris County approximately every two years. In urban areas, where pavement has replaced forests and fields, there can be two- to six-times as much water runoff than would occur in a natural area, which can overwhelm local streams [...]

Did you know that from 1990 until 2003 the state of Florida suffered 2.5 billion dollars in losses as a result of flooding? Due to its low elevation, large coastal populations and frequency of storms, Florida is among the top five states with the highest risk of floods. Viewer Tip: Wetlands provide natural protection from [...]

Recent statistics show that nine out of 10 natural disasters experienced worldwide are related to weather, climate, or water. Floods make up 37 percent of natural disasters worldwide and it is estimated that about 1.5 billion people were affected by floods in some way between 1990 and 2000. Viewer Tip: Know where to get quick, [...]

Houston has over 6,000 miles of streets, and about half of those streets drain to underground pipes which carry rain water to local streams and bayous; in other areas, street drainage travels through roadside ditches. In a localized area in Houston, a one-hour downpour can easily overload the capacity of the street drainage systems, causing [...]

The natural flood patterns of the Mississippi have been altered as human development has increased in the watersheds that feed into the river. For example, about 80-90 percent of the wetlands in the Upper Mississippi basin have been drained for agriculture. Because wetlands are able to absorb some floodwaters, the impacts of flooding could be [...]