

This could be anything from a major lake to a small creek. How do I know if a home is on a floodplain?įloodplains are usually found near a body of water.
FEMA FLOOD ZONE MAP 78747 HOW TO
To combat this, Austin county officials spend millions on studying how to reduce flood damage and implementing flood safety measures and flood mitigation projects. On top of all this, intense rains have been increasing and likely to continue increasing. Austin rain previously classified as 100-year events are now 25-year events. If a residence is in the 100-year floodplain, there is roughly a 30% chance of flooding during a 30-year mortgage. The City of Austin also uses this model to regulate development. It is important to remember that FEMA uses the 100-year floodplain to administer the federal flood insurance program. However, there are often areas inside of those 100-year zones that could flood during smaller storms. The 100-year floodplain is used by FEMA to administer the federal flood insurance program and the City of Austin to regulate development.Īreas in a 100-year floodplain have a one percent chance or greater of flooding each year.Ī 100-year floodplain means that there is a 1% chance of flooding, every year, during a “100-year storm”. Areas within the 100-year floodplain may flood in much smaller storms as well. You may also hear the 100-year floodplain called the 1% annual chance floodplain or base flood. The 100-year floodplain is the land that is predicted to flood during a 100-year storm, which has a 1% chance of occurring in any given year. You can use this helpful interactive Austin flood map to find out more floodplain information for every Austin neighborhood: What is a 100-year floodplain? Just because a creek is bone-dry when you buy a house, does not mean that it won’t flood in 6 months or a few years. Water levels in Austin will vary greatly depending on the time of year and relative Texas rainfall.
FEMA FLOOD ZONE MAP 78747 FULL
In a sense, the floodplain is the full extension of the creek. The floodplain is the area of land that is likely to be underwater when the creek rushes over its banks. Austin Flooding History: What to Know About Floodplains in Austinĭepending on how much Texas rain there has been, Austin’s creeks may be bone dry, gently flowing, or raging torrents. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about Austin flooding before you buy a home. Still, you should take into account Austin's floodplain map and Austin's flooding history before buying a home. You shouldn't expect torrential downpours requiring you to ax through your attic. Make sure to stay off the road when flash floods are predicted.Īs far as real estate is concerned with Austin flooding, the majority of localized flooding doesn't exceed a few road closures in your neighborhood. In fact, 75 percent of Texas flooding deaths occur in vehicles. Flash floods are generally most dangerous when driving, not at home. Our traffic has gotten pretty bad, summers are hot, and allergies can be tough. A lesser-known concern to be aware of is Austin flooding. Central Texas is such a flash flood-prone region that the National Weather Service sometimes refers to our area as “Flash Flood Alley.” Before moving to Austin from another city, you've probably been told of some of the downsides.
