This county in Texas ranks No. 1 in top 10 most at risk for flooding in 2024. See list

With hurricane season in effect, Texans should know what mishaps these storms can bring.

Flooding is expected, and many Texas counties are at risk of flooding.

A study from LawnStarter compared over 940 counties in the U.S. with a relatively moderate to very high flood risk, according to FEMA. Texas appeared in the study several times.

Here is a look at counties at high risk for flooding.

Top 10 most flood-prone counties in Texas

1. Harris County
2. Cameron County
3. Galveston County
4. Brazoria County
5. Aransas County
6. Jackson County
7. San Patricio County
8. Orange County
9. Calhoun County
10. Willacy County

Top 10 most flood-prone counties in the U.S.

1. Harris County, Texas
2. Bergen County, New Jersey
3. Ocean County, New Jersey
4. Atlantic County, New Jersey
5. Cape May County, New Jersey
6. Cameron County, Texas
7. Volusia County, Florida
8. Miami-Dade County, Florida
9. St. Johns County, Florida
10. Brevard County, Florida

What is heavy flooding?

Heavy flooding occurs when large volumes of water accumulate in an area, usually as a result of excessive rainfall, rapid snowmelt, storm surges, or dam failures. This water overwhelms the local drainage systems and causes rivers, lakes, or other bodies of water to overflow their banks, leading to widespread inundation of the surrounding land.

According to the National Weather Service, the following types of flooding can be seen from these powerful storms.

Causes of heavy flooding in these counties

• Intense Rainfall: Sudden and heavy rain can overwhelm drainage systems, especially in urban areas, leading to flash floods.
• Prolonged Rainfall: Extended periods of rain can saturate the soil, causing rivers and lakes to swell and flood surrounding areas.
• Storm Surges: Coastal flooding can occur when strong winds from tropical storms or hurricanes push seawater onto land.
• Dam or Levee Failures: Structural failures can lead to sudden release of large volumes of water.
• River Blockages: Landslides or ice jams can block river flow, causing upstream areas to flood.

Plan ahead if you live in a high risk flood zone

Here are some tips from the Texas General Land Office on flooding preparedness:

• Protect your personal documents and special items: Backup all documents in a waterproof bag and store electronic copies. Collect and safeguard critical financial, medical, educational, and legal documents and records.
• Build a disaster evacuation kit: Be equipped with medical supplies to tend to any current or unexpected medical conditions your family may have. Have at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food and water for your family. Remember to pack anything specific to your family’s needs, such as infant formula.
• Buy flood insurance: Most homeowner insurance policies will not cover flood loss. If your home was rebuilt through the Texas General Land Office’s Homeowner Assistance Program, and is located in a floodplain, flood insurance must be maintained in perpetuity to be eligible for future government assistance.

How to prevent flooding around your home

According to FEMA, here’s how to properly floodproof your home in case of flooding.

• Maintain proper water runoff and drainage. “Routinely clean and maintain gutters, downspouts, and splash pads so that rainwater from your roof flows easily away from your home. Also, make sure that any nearby drainage ditches or storm drains are clear of debris and functioning properly.”
• Improve lot grading. “Determine how water flows or accumulates around your home to identify potential trouble spots (often easy to see during an average rainstorm). Stormwater should always drain away from the building; if necessary, change your landscaping to improve runoff.”
• Reduce impervious surfaces around your home. “Water runs off concrete and asphalt almost immediately and can exceed the capacity of storm sewers quickly during heavy rains. Retaining and creating natural green space around your home can help reduce sewer overflows by reducing stormwater runoff. Consider options such as rain gardens, vegetated swales, or pervious pavements, which allow more water to be absorbed by the ground.”
• Install a rain barrel. “A rain barrel is an alternative method for dealing with rainwater. Rain barrels are typically connected to gutter downspouts and collect the runoff from roofs. You can use this stored water for non-potable uses such as watering the lawn and gardens or washing your car.
• Elevate utilities and service equipment. “Raise and anchor air conditioning condensers, heat pumps, water meters and other service equipment onto pedestals or platforms that are at least one foot above the potential flood elevation. For identified high-risk zones this means going to or above the regulatory flood elevation for the property as adopted by the local community. This inexpensive action can help prevent significant damage and disruption following a flood event.”
• Anchor outdoor fuel tanks. “Attach outdoor fuel tanks to a large concrete slab that weighs enough to resist the force of floodwaters, or install inexpensive ground anchors that are connected across the top of the tank with metal straps. Unanchored fuel tanks can be easily moved and ruptured by floodwaters and pose serious threats to people, property, and the environment.”

USA TODAY contributed to this report.