Austin lies in the heart of Flash Flood Alley. Whether or not you live in a floodplain, it is critical that you be alert to the dangers of flooding both in your home or around town. Since 1960, 54 people have died in flash floods in Travis County.
It may surprise you to learn that Texas leads the nation in flood-related deaths and holds about half of the world records for rainfall rates in less than 48 hours. No one can stop a flood, but there are many things that you can do before, during and after a storm to protect your family and keep property damage to a minimum.
Turn Around – Don’t Drown
About 75% of flood fatalities occur in vehicles. Don’t drive during heavy rainfall. If you must, look for water over the road, avoid low water crossings, and turn around if a road is barricaded or if there is water over the roadway. Keep in mind that at night, during heavy storms, it may be difficult to see that a road is flooded.
There are many other dangers during a flood as well. In general, stay away from creeks and drainage infrastructure during rainfall. If you live in a flood-prone area, monitor the weather and move to higher ground if floodwaters start approaching your house.
Low Water Crossings
In the right circumstances, almost any road can flood. The ones listed below flood most frequently:
