New Harris County flood maps will be first in US to show more accurate risks for homes, businesses
Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographerWhen Harris County debuts a massive overhaul of its floodplain maps later this year, the Houston area will be the first in the country to rely on a more accurate assessment of homes and businesses at risk. The update is a direct response to Hurricane Harvey, a storm so ferocious it forced the region to change its understanding of how much rainfall to plan for and which neighborhoods could flood.
FEMA's existing floodplain maps show communities their risk of fluvial, or river flooding, when a bayou, creek or lake overflows its banks and floods nearby structures. What they do not show is the risk of urban flooding, when intense rainfall overwhelms stormwater systems regardless of proximity to a bayou or other channel.
Communities across the United States are going through the process of updating their floodplain maps to align with NOAA's higher rainfall estimates. Nonetheless, Harris County has not had a comprehensive overhaul of all its floodplain maps since 2007. On the new maps, some floodplain areas likely will shrink, such as neighborhoods that benefit from the Project Brays flood mitigation work. Most floodplains, however, will increase substantially because the new rainfall estimates mean the region will be preparing for bigger storms with around 30 percent more rain than before. Harris County now will plan for 17 inches of rain in 24 hours to protect against a 100-year storm, rather than 13.2 inches.
After the new maps are released, the post-preliminary process, including an appeals period, could take up to two years. New flood insurance premiums will not take effect until the maps are complete and finalized, according to a FEMA Region 6 spokesperson.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Wastewater from Ohio derailment has moved through Harris County for more than a week, Hidalgo saysThe extent of hazardous material moving through Harris County was unknown to officials...
Read more »
Harris County police K-9 attack at center of lawsuit for 'violating' man's constitution rightsThe lawsuit says the men set a K-9 officer loose on a suspect, despite him complying with directions.
Read more »
Evening 2-alarm fire in Harris County leaves 3 buildings damagedNo injuries were reported after a 2-alarm fire damaged three structures in Harris County on Thursday night.
Read more »
Dog nursed back to life after being rescued from north Harris County fireA resident said he was working on headlights when something blew up. He and his young son escaped, but his two dogs remained. Later, one dog emerged just fine, but Petey was not.
Read more »