Austin, Texas "One of the most flood-prone regions in North America"

	Austin is a populated area with great runoff potential in one of the most flash-flood prone regions in North America. Flash flooding is the number one natural disaster threat to this entire area. The City of Austin manages a series of programs to help prevent and/or reduce flood problems (See: Watershed Protection / Development Review).
	Austin Streamflow Data: Austin Natural Hazard Map: (PDF)	A brief history of Austin flooding Austin flood photo gallery (by year 1900-2001)

Be careful			Know the risks
Flash Flood Alley - Interactive	All of Texas is in fact, prone to extremely heavy rains and flooding with half the world record rainfall rates (48 hours or less). Central Texas (known as Flash Flood Alley) is particularly vulnerable. See: Flash Flood Alley - Interactive The majority of flood-related deaths are caused by people attempting to drive through moving water. This interactive segment explains the most common ways people die in these situations. See: the interactive segment: See: Austin's last big storm: November 15th, 2001		Low-water crossing interactive segment:

Learn about local flood programs
	Flood-Proofing: This building site had previously been devastated by flood. The new owner worked with the City of Austin to flood-proof the structure. The first line of defense is a 4 foot rubber membrane that was tied into the foundation as it was rebuilt. The glass in the store front is reinforced to prevent breakage. And the electrical systems were elevated for obvious reasons. Another touch is a cable surrounding the parking lot to keep floating cars from washing into Shoal Creek, a major problem in past floods.		Disaster Ready Austin