Floods

HOW DO FLOODS OCCUR?

The two key elements to flooding are rainfall intensity and duration. Intensity is the rate of rainfall. Duration is how long the rain lasts.

Rivers, bayous, and streams may overflow their channels and banks. Streets and areas which are normally dry may be submerged. Flooding can be brief, or last for an extended period of time. Rivers and streams can flood areas downstream where there may not have been any particularly heavy rainfall. Storms may continue to develop and travel across the same area repeatedly, causing localized flooding. A single slow moving storm cell may produce very local street flooding in a short period of time, when other areas only a few miles away have no rain at all!

KNOW YOUR AREA'S FLOOD RISK
Contact your insurance agent, or visit www.tsarp.org to use the interactive mapping tool. You can view the new Preliminary FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) in two different ways at www.tsarp.org. The Floodplain Administrator for your community also has official copies of the maps that you can view.

It is important to note that FEMA Preliminary FIRMs do not affect Flood Insurance requirements or costs at this time. However, there are benefits to purchasing flood insurance now because of the grandfathering provision which can help reduce an individual's insurance rate.

When a Flood WATCH is Issued...

• Be alert to signs of flash flooding and be ready to relocate on a moment's notice.
• Fill your car's gas tank, in case relocation becomes necessary.
• Listen to local radio and TV stations for information and advice. If told to evacuate, do so as soon as possible. If you think flooding has already started, evacuate immediately. You may have only seconds to escape. Act quickly!