As hurricane season begins, flood preparedness is once again top of mind for many Harris County residents. The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 through November 30, and even a quiet season can bring dangerous rainfall, street flooding, and rising water in bayous and creeks.

This year, preparedness also includes a new resource: updated draft floodplain maps from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The maps are part of MAAPnext, a FEMA led effort supported by the Harris County Flood Control District’s local technical expertise. The updated draft maps reflect changing conditions in Harris County, including updated topography, advanced modeling, and rainfall rates that are more than 30 percent higher than previous estimates.

During a recent interview, Emily Woodell, Chief External Affairs Officer for the Flood Control District, said the new maps provide a clearer picture of the risk residents have already been facing.

“We saw flooding happening, the majority of it outside of the mapped floodplain,” Woodell said, referencing major events such as Tax Day, Memorial Day, and Hurricane Harvey. “The last time that our maps were updated was back in 2007.”

Why the Maps Matter During Hurricane Season

Floodplain maps are not hurricane forecasts. They do not show exactly where the next storm will flood. Instead, they help show areas with higher flood risk based on modeling, probability, rainfall data and local conditions.

Woodell emphasized that the maps should be viewed as one tool, not the final word on risk.

“If you live in Harris County, you are at risk of flooding,” Woodell said. “These maps at the end of the day are a risk product.”

That message is especially important at the start of hurricane season. Heavy rainfall from tropical systems can overwhelm streets, storm drains, bayous, and creeks. Flooding can happen inside and outside a mapped floodplain, which is why residents should use the maps alongside other information, including local drainage patterns, street flooding history, and flood insurance options.

The new draft maps also show where flood risk has changed. In some areas, floodplains expanded because the new data reflects heavier rainfall and better modeling. In other areas, floodplains were reduced because completed flood risk reduction projects are now reflected in the maps.

Woodell pointed to Meyerland as one example where flood risk has been reduced because of completed Project Brays work.

“One thing that you will notice is that the new maps are incredibly detailed in a way that the old ones were not,” Woodell said. “It is just better information and a better way to make the decisions that you make.”

The Flood Control District’s Work Continues

The release of the draft maps comes as the Flood Control District continues advancing projects throughout Harris County. Woodell said the Flood Control District has already been designing projects with this level of risk in mind.

“We have been accounting for this type of risk for a long time,” Woodell said. “We know that rain is increasing, that it is raining more intensely and that rain is becoming more unpredictable.”

That work matters because flood risk reduction depends on both large scale infrastructure and everyday maintenance. Bayous and channels must be able to carry stormwater. Neighborhood drainage systems must be able to move water toward those channels. Stormwater detention basins must hold excess stormwater and release it slowly over time.

Woodell also noted that maintenance remains a key priority for the Flood Control District. Since voters approved additional dedicated maintenance funding in 2004, the Flood Control District has been able to increase its maintenance output and respond more quickly to resident concerns.

Stay Engaged and Stay Prepared

The FEMA draft floodplain maps are not final. FEMA is expected to release preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps after its review process, followed by a formal public review and appeal period.

To help residents better understand the draft maps, the Harris County Flood Control District is hosting three virtual information sessions. These Zoom meetings will explain what the draft FEMA floodplain maps are, what they may mean for homes and neighborhoods and what residents can expect next in the process.

The same information will be presented at each session, and all sessions are open to the public. Registration is required.

Virtual Information Sessions

• Monday, June 8, 2026 (12 p.m. to 1 p.m.)
• Tuesday, June 23, 2026 (4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.)
• Wednesday, July 1, 2026 (12 p.m. to 1 p.m.)

Residents can learn more about MAAPnext, view mapping tools and follow public meeting information through the Flood Control District and MAAPnext websites. The Flood Control District encourages residents to stay informed, participate in the process and prepare now for hurricane season.

“These maps are going to be as good as we make them,” Woodell said. “And it takes all of us leaning in to be able to do that.”