A newly released study from Texas A&M University's Institute for a Disaster Resilient Texas (IDRT) reinforces a key message behind the Harris County Flood Control District's MAAPnext initiative: flood risk in Harris County extends beyond the boundaries shown on today's effective Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) flood maps. While the two efforts use different methodologies—the…
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:…
You’re invited! Join the Harris County Flood Control District for the first in a series of virtual information sessions about the recently released draft floodplain maps from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
If you’ve wondered what the updated draft maps show for your home or neighborhood, this session will help you understand where to…
Officials in West University Place recently received a briefing on potential updates to FEMA flood maps that could affect how flood risk is represented in the area. The presentation to the West University City Council focused on how updated rainfall data, improved terrain modeling, and completed flood risk reduction projects are influencing the next generation…
Updated draft FEMA floodplain maps show that thousands of Harris County residents are now mapped out of high-risk floodplain areas because of completed flood risk reduction projects.
During a recent Harris County Commissioners Court meeting, Harris County Flood Control District leadership highlighted an important milestone: Updated draft FEMA floodplain maps now reflect the real impact…
Yesterday, the Harris County Flood Control District provided an update to the Harris County Commissioners Court on newly released Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) draft floodplain maps. This morning, the conversation continued on local television.
On February 13, 2026, Emily Woodell, Chief External Affairs Officer for the Flood Control District, joined FOX 26 Houston to…
Draft floodplain maps for Harris County have officially been released, marking a major milestone in the MAAPNext mapping effort. During today’s Harris County Commissioners Court meeting, Dr. Tina Petersen, Executive Director of the Harris County Flood Control District, emphasized that while the maps are early in the process, the community will have time, access, and…
Last week, FEMA released draft floodplain mapping information to the 34 floodplain administrators in Harris County as part of the MAAPNext effort. MAAPNext is a FEMA-led initiative, supported by the Harris County Flood Control District to provide local expertise. These maps reflect changing conditions in Harris County, including a more than 30% increase in rainfall rates, updated topography and advanced modeling. These updates are…
