As sea levels rise and and weather patterns change, flood risks will increase. Approximately 2,039,662 properties are already at risk in Texas, and within 30 years, about 2,160,151 will be at risk. A changing environment means higher seas, new weather patterns, and stronger storms. As the atmosphere warms, there is more evaporation and more water available when it rains. A warmer atmosphere also means warmer oceans, which can intensify flooding from hurricanes and offshore storms. Sea level rise also increases coastal flood risks, as higher seas mean there's more water available when high tides and coastal storms cause flooding.
A property's Flood Factor is an indicator of its comprehensive flood risk, ranging from 1 (minimal) to 10 (extreme). Properties with higher Flood Factors are more likely to flood. Based on the recreated models of 4 floods, approximately 107,916 properties in Texas have been impacted by flooding. Deeper floods from major events, like hurricanes, are less likely to occur, but cause greater damage than more shallow flood events, like heavy rains.
Across the United States, more than 15.1 million properties are already at substantial risk of flooding this year, and approximately 1.15M of those properties are in Texas. Because of changes in the environment, more than 16.7 million properties will have substantial risk in 30 years. Texas will see a 15.9% increase in the number of properties with substantial risk in the next 30 years. Communities that adapt to higher risks can limit damage and lower flood insurance costs. Texas is already investing in flood risk reduction projects, but more may be needed.
[Also see the Fort Bend County coverage (here).]
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