LLANO, Texas — Widespread floods may factor into the next round of FEMA flood maps.
While this is considered a historic event, data collected about how water flows through Central Texas will help minimize future risks.
“This data is incorporated into flood maps, known as flood insurance rate maps, that support the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and provide the basis for community floodplain management regulations and flood insurance requirements,” said FEMA spokesperson Michael Hart.
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“It’s just unbelievable,” said Darlene Newton, looking at her damage.
Newton lives in a flood zone, but her home is elevated. Still, she’s required to carry flood insurance.
“We argued that,” said Newton.
She said she’s happy now she lost that argument.
Newton will replace everything below her main floor.
“We were watching how deep it was getting by counting the condo steps being covered with water," said Newton.
“While the regulatory flood maps developed as part of FEMA’s mapping program do not reflect the ways in which flood risks may change in the future, information about sea level rise and other future conditions is frequently available through local and regional planning groups, state agencies, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration," said Hart.
FEMA flood maps are updated in three ways: through FEMA's own initiative, a community initiative, and through FEMA partners. Click here for FEMA’s FAQ on how the process works.
Kingsland and most of Central Texas are already involved in new flood map studies.
“Anywhere it can rain, it can flood, which means that areas depicted on firms as having low or moderate flood risk are still at risk of flooding," said Hart.
Newton and her husband didn’t stay for the crest. A swift-water rescue team took them by boat from the home.