Austin Flood

Central Texas is often called "Flash Flood Alley" because of its frequent, intense storms. The "big ones" seem to happen every decade.

November 15, 2001

A slow-moving storm system stalled over central Texas, west of Austin, and waves of rain and thunderstorms began to sweep up the I-35 corridor. Widespread rainfall totals typically ranged from five to eight inches, but radar based estimates indicate that some areas may have received 15 inches of rain. Much of this rain fell within the space of six hours.

There was one fatality and widespread flood damage both where the drainage capacity of streets and storm drains was exceeded by rainfall and where creeks overflowed their banks in floodplain areas. In total, 860 buildings were reported to have flood damage. Onion Creek suffered the most significant damage, but home and businesses in the floodplains of Slaughter Creek, South Boggy Creek, Williamson Creek, West Boulin Creek, East Bouldin Creek, Shoal Creek and Walnut Creek were also hard hit. There was also some flood damage along other streams.

In this episode, we head back to 2001 and show you the true stories of those who lived to tell their storm stories.

Texas Flood Facts
1. Central Texas has been identified as the most flash-flood prone area in the United States by the National Weather Service

2. Texas holds 6 of 12 world record rainfall rates in 24 hours or less

3. Texas leads the nation in flood-related deaths most every year--averaging twice the next nearest state: California

4. Texas leads the nation in flood-related damages most every year--sharing this distinction with Florida and Louisiana.

5. Some 20 million of Texas' 171 million acres are flood-prone - more than in any other state.

6. Texas has approximately 8 million structures in floodplains. Three million of these have no flood insurance.

7. Texas is among the top four states with repeat flood losses to the same properties.

8. From 1986 to 2000, Texas experienced 4722 flash flood events.

9. Texas has 1.5 full-time employees to administer the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) in 1000 communities.

10. Texas has the fewest numbers of state employees devoted to disaster preparedness of any of the most populous states (according to Tom Millwee, past head of Texas Department of Public Safety and Chair of Blue Ribbon Committee)