When you think of flood risk reduction, trees might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but they play a surprisingly critical role in Harris County’s efforts to manage stormwater and reduce the risk of flooding for our communities. The Harris County Flood Control District’s mission is not only to implement effective stormwater…
After enduring the impact of Hurricane Harvey, Tropical Storm Imelda, and other intense storms, Harris County faced more than 800 damaged sites across its drainage infrastructure. In response, the Harris County Flood Control District, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), launched a large-scale Disaster Recovery Program to restore…
When it comes to flood protection in Harris County, most people think about big infrastructure, channels, bayous, and detention basins. But keeping all that land in working order takes careful oversight. That’s where the Property Management Program at the Harris County Flood Control District comes in.
Harris County’s flood control network is massive. The District…
Residents tuning in to the Harris County Flood Control District’s recent virtual meeting got an inside look at one of the county’s most significant flood mitigation projects currently in design: the Cypress Creek Channel Rehabilitation and Stormwater Detention Basin, Main Stem, Batch 5. It’s a long name, but the goals are simple: stabilize the channel,…
Houston is experiencing a stretch of familiar summer weather, heavy rain, afternoon thunderstorms, and flash flood warnings. On Monday, another round of storms made the evening commute tricky, and the rain isn’t over yet. Expect more daily showers, especially in the afternoons and evenings, at least through midweek.
By the middle of the week, we…
This Sunday July 13, at 2:33 p.m., the National Weather Service issued a flood advisory for Houston, in effect until 4:30 p.m. The advisory warns of minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas due to excessive rainfall. As always, officials remind drivers: “Turn around, don’t drown.” Most flood-related deaths happen in vehicles attempting to…
The Harris County Flood Control District is a special purpose district established by the Texas Legislature in 1937, following major floods in 1929 and 1935. It operates under the governance of the Harris County Commissioners Court and serves the entirety of Harris County, including the City of Houston, home to over 4.7 million residents according…
The Modeling, Assessment and Awareness Project (MAAPnext) is a collaborative initiative between the Harris County Flood Control District and FEMA to deliver the most advanced flood hazard mapping effort in the county’s history. Leveraging new hydrologic and hydraulic modeling technologies, the project will update how flood risks are understood and communicated across all 22 watersheds…
A new wave of environmental action is underway in Harris County with the launch of the Regional Public Education Services Program, led by the Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD). This initiative tackles water pollution and flood risks by empowering the community with knowledge, and calling for shared responsibility.
Flooding isn’t just about rising water…
The White Oak Bayou watershed is a vital part of Harris County’s drainage system, stretching from central to northwest portions of the county. It encompasses key urban areas, including the City of Jersey Village and parts of Houston itself. Covering 111 square miles, the watershed captures rainfall across a large area and channels it into…
