5/20/24 – A disaster declaration by Governor Abbott that covers May flood and windstorm damage has been partially approved by President Biden. That means FEMA disaster Assistance is now available for people who suffered damage in the Lake Houston Area plus Harris, Montgomery, Liberty and four more counties.
This post explains eligibility, benefits, and how to apply.
After inspection, people can be eligible for a number of benefits, including:
$750 in serious needs assistance
Displacement assistance for temporary housing
Home Repair Assistance
Home damage from East Fork in May 2024flooding
In addition, money may become available to governmental entities for mitigation assistance. Harris County will hold a special session of Commissioners Court tomorrow, in part, to discuss contracts for disaster response, debris removal and more.
Text of FEMA Press Release
AUSTIN – Texans who sustained damage from the recent severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding that began April 26 may be eligible for disaster assistance under FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program. Currently, residents living in Harris, Liberty, Montgomery, Polk, San Jacinto, Trinity and Walker counties may be eligible for disaster assistance.
FEMA’s disaster assistance offers new benefits that provide flexible funding directly to survivors when needed the most. In addition, a simplified process and expanded eligibility allows Texans access to a wider range of assistance and immediate funds for serious needs.
New Benefits for Immediate Funds
Serious Needs Assistance, a $750 payment for households for essential items will now be provided in all disasters receiving Individual Assistanceto help people make ends meet.
Displacement Assistance, a new benefit that will provide people with up-front funds to assist with immediate housing options of their choice, to keep people housed.
Serious Needs Assistance and Displacement Assistance are both funded after a completed inspection confirms eligibility.
Apply to FEMA
Survivors can apply to FEMA in several ways including online at DisasterAssistance.gov, downloading the FEMA App for mobile devices, or calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Calls are accepted every day from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. CDT. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service. To view an accessible video about how to apply visit: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance – YouTube.
Additional Assistance and Benefits
Streamlined Application Requirements so people can apply to SBA and FEMA at the same time.
Support for Underinsured People for the first time to help them cover aspects of home repair that insurance companies won’t pay for, but they can’t afford on their own, up to the full $42,500.
Simplified Assistance for Entrepreneurs by providing self-employed people with some initial financial support to replace disaster-damaged tools and equipment to help them land on their feet.
Ex.: computers if you are a gig worker, lawnmower if you are a landscaper
Expanded Habitability Criteria to help people make their homes safer and cleaner post-disaster and so they can repair all aspects of their home post-disaster.
Previously, if a home had a leaky roof pre-disaster, that area of the home wouldn’t qualify.
Made Accessibility Improvements to help people with disabilities improve their living conditions by making their homes even more accessible than they were pre-disaster.
Streamlined Temporary Housing Assistance Applications by reducing documentation requirements for applicants who need to extend their stay in FEMA-supported temporary housing.
Simplified the Process for Appeals so people who wish to appeal FEMA’s decisions will no longer need to provide a signed, written appeal letter to accompany the supporting documentation.
Computer Assistance for people who need to repair or replace disaster-damaged computers.
Rental Assistance for Temporary Housing
If you currently reside in Harris, Liberty, Montgomery, Polk, San Jacinto, Trinity and Walker counties and suffered damage to your primary residence, FEMA may be able to provide rent for a temporary place to live while you are displaced. Rental assistance is intended to cover monthly rent, security deposit and cost of essential utilities such as electricity and water.
Major Repairs and Out-of-Pocket Expenses
FEMA’s Individuals and Household Program assistance is intended to help jumpstart your recovery. Here are some examples of basic needs:
Home Repair Assistance may be provided to homeowners to repair the structural parts of your home. This includes windows, doors, floors, walls, ceilings, cabinets, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system (HVAC), utilities (electrical, plumbing and gas systems) and entrance ways. FEMA may also reimburse for the actual cost to repair or replace your furnace, private well and septic system that was damaged or destroyed by the disaster.
Here is a PDF of FEMA’s press release that you can print and give to friends, neighbors and family members who may not have power.
Status of Other Counties Affected by Storms
The Governor’s press release states that presidential approval of the disaster request for other counties remains under review. Many counties are still collecting damage estimates.
Types of Eligible Expenses
Abbott’s press release also states that qualifying Texans who sustained damage may apply for FEMA Individual Assistance Program funding to assist with expenses, such as “temporary housing, emergency home repairs, uninsured and underinsured personal property losses, disaster legal services, disaster unemployment assistance, and medical, dental, and funeral expenses caused by the disaster.”
Hazard Mitigation Component
President Biden’s approval also authorizes additional FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program resources to be made available. It’s not clear yet where that money would go or how it would be spent.
Harris County Commissioner’s Court will hold a special meeting tomorrow, Tuesday, May 21, 2024. On the Agenda, Lina Hidalgo, Harris County Judge has requested a discussion and possible action related to the disaster.
The discussion will include contracts for disaster response, debris removal, and recovery.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 5/20/24
2456 Days since Hurricane Harvey and two weeks since the last disaster
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/20240518-RJR_3529.jpg?fit=1100%2C733&ssl=17331100adminadmin2024-05-20 11:51:022024-05-20 15:20:01FEMA Disaster Assistance Available
May 19, 2024 – For the second time this month, the West and East Forks of the San Jacinto River are flooding. The East Fork crested last night about 1.5 feet below the prediction. However, the West Fork is still rising at US59. Parts of River Grove Park and the turnaround under US59 are already flooded. And the National Weather Service predicts floodwaters will go even higher.
Meanwhile, the West Fork continues to run through an old Hallett sand pit that was sold in January.
Here’s what you can expect if you live near the rivers.
East Fork Crest Moving Toward Lake Houston
Low-lying areas along the East Fork began flooding yesterday at FM1485. Earlier, the East Fork flooded near Cleveland and Plum Grove. As the crest moves downriver, it is affecting communities differently. Exactly how depends on many factors, such as the conveyance of the river at different points, sediment accumulations, proximity of homes to the river and more.
Yesterday, water was coming across part of FM1485 where it crosses the East Fork and parallels SH99. Today, the entire east bound section of FM1485 was blocked by floodwaters.
East Fork San Jacinto at approximately 4:30 PM on 5.16.24
As of 6 PM, May 19, floodwaters are declining in this reach of the river. The crest has moved downstream toward Lake Houston.
Farther upstream, at FM2090, the river has already returned to its banks.
All this is the result of another 3-5″ of rain falling earlier in the week upstream in the watershed on grounds that were already saturated from torrential rains and flooding earlier this month.
NWS Issues Flood Warning for West Fork until Tuesday Morning
While the East Fork is falling at this hour, the West Fork is still rising. At 1:34 PM Sunday, the National Weather Service issued a flood warning for the West Fork near Humble affecting Harris and Montgomery Counties.
NWS will issue its next statement Monday morning at 7:45 AM CDT.
The FLOOD WARNING WILL REMAIN IN EFFECT UNTIL LATE TUESDAY MORNING.
IMPACTS: At 49.3 feet, minor lowland flooding begins in the vicinity of the gauge at US59. The north side turnaround at US 59 begins to flood. Low points in surrounding areas also begin to flood.
At 12:45 PM CDT Sunday, the river had risen to 49.2 feet.
Bankfull stage is 45.3 feet.
The river will crest at 49.7 feet just after midnight tonight. It will then fall below flood stage late tomorrow evening.
Flood stage is 49.3 feet.
This afternoon, the turnaround under US59 was just beginning to flood. The parking lots and part of the roadway were already underwater.
Far side of sandbar in middle is normally the river bank.
At 5 PM, the soccer fields, picnic area and boat launch at River Grove Park were also partially underwater. And water was rising quickly.
Picnic area and boat docks at River Grove underwater and going deepertonight.Soccer fields, also at around 5PMRiver still rising. Minor flooding expected through Tuesday.
Sand Mine Area Upstream
Farther upstream, the West Fork was still ripping a hole through an abandoned Hallett sand pit that the company sold to a real estate developer in January.
River is now flowing through the abandoned pit (right) instead of following the normal arc of the river (left) around the pit.Note trail of foam.It moved at around 5 mph.
This breach appears to have widened significantly in recent days. If it remains open and this pit becomes the new course of the river, it’s possible that the entire pit could become public property, just like the river is now.
On the other side of the river, Hallett filled in the trench that was releasing sludge from its settling pond last Friday afternoon.
Trench on perimeter of Hallett Mine that was releasing sludge into river on Friday afternoon has been filled in.
Lake Report
As of 7 PM, the SJRA is releasing 5,325 Cubic Feet per Second (CFS) from Lake Conroe. The lake is almost back to its normal level – within .67 feet of 201. And no rain is in sight. That’s good news. Releases should continue to go down.
Throughout this event, SJRA has balanced inflows and outflows to the degree that it can. The rate they show above is about half of what they released earlier in the weekend.
Lake Houston, however, is getting more, not less water. It is still about two feet above normal and discharging water via its gates and spillway. Total discharge is 34,015 CFS. Of that, the gates can release only 10,000 CFS. The other 24,000 CFS goes over the spillway.
Comparing the two numbers on the right, shows us that the flood risk is shifting to the Lake Houston Area now.
Of the 11 watersheds that send water into Lake Houston, SJRA controls only Lake Conroe. The East Fork has no flood control. But that’s a story for another time.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 5/19/24 at 8PM
2455 Days since Hurricane Harvey
The thoughts expressed in this post represent opinions on matters of public concern and safety. They are protected by the First Amendment of the US Constitution and the Anti-SLAPP Statute of the Great State of Texas.
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/20240519-DJI_20240519152922_0708_D.jpg?fit=1100%2C619&ssl=16191100adminadmin2024-05-19 20:02:452024-05-20 21:05:12West and East Forks of San Jacinto Flooding Again
Daniel and Kathleen Moore live with their 8-month old baby near the East Fork San Jacinto in Montgomery County. The young couple desperately wants a buyout after their house on Idle Glen in New Caney flooded three times in seven years. But no buyout is in sight.
When they bought the home, they were told it was in the 500-year floodplain. In fact, Montgomery County flood maps still show their home is in the 500-year (.2% annual chance) floodplain.
However, that determination is based on floodplain data from the 1980’s – before the Moores were even born. And since then, the area upstream from them has boomed with new development.
New Upstream Development Invalidates Old Data
For instance, Colony Ridge, just 2.5 miles to the northeast on the other side of the river, has grown 50% larger than Manhattan since 2010 – with virtually no flood mitigation measures on the East Fork side of the area.
In one seven year stretch (2017 to 2024), the Moores flooded three times. During Harvey, they flooded to nine feet. In Imelda, they got one foot. And in the no-name storm of May 2024, five feet of floodwater destroyed everything in the bottom floor of their home.
Said Daniel, “I figured Harvey was extreme. I didn’t worry too much about that. But the next two storms were different. We just can’t afford to rebuild every two or three years.” Daniel works as a mechanic. “The pay isn’t that great,” he says. “We need to move.”
Rebuilding Without Flood Insurance
After the first two floods, they rebuilt the home with money from their own pockets – without benefit of insurance. But with a new baby, they can no longer afford that.
The Moores’ story underscores how inexperience can hamstring young couples on technical issues, such as floodplain delineation and flood insurance.
The moral of this story: before you invest in a new home, consult with a professional hydrologist about the risk. Talk to neighbors about past flooding. Look for tell-tale signs like mold on neighbors’ homes, rotting wood, and elevated structures.
And buy flood insurance. It’s available through FEMA and the National Flood Insurance Program. Not all agents feel the commission justifies the trouble of handling it, especially if the home has a history of flooding, so you may get mixed signals from them. Shop around.
Moore Photos During and After May 2024 Flood
Daniel tried to return home after spending the first night with his family in a motel. He couldn’t get onto the feeder road from SH99. This picture shows FM1485 totally flooded.
FM1485 on second day of flood.Raging waters reached the top of the street sign and nearly touched the power wires.Floodwater jumbled the living room furniture.Another room totaled.
Cleanup after the Flood
I took the following shots on 5/18/24. As Daniel worked to gut his uninhabitable home once again, his wife tended the baby at her mother’s home.
Living room of Daniel and Kathleen Moore destroyed by flooding in May 2024Daniel points to height of flood waters. For reference, he is 6’5″ tall.Possessions carted to curb and picked over by scavengers.
Scavengers feel, “What difference does it make? They’re throwing this out anyway.” But it makes flood victims feel victimized all over again. Daniel says he’s found people picking through his belongings every day since the flood.
Floodwater reached the top of Kathleen’s Tahoe. It floated during the flood and turned 90 degrees. No one knows where the phone pole came from.Daniel, tired, bewildered, and still a bit dazed.
But the Moores’ trials and tribulations are not over.
Buyout Chances
The Moores have had a hard time connecting with anyone in Montgomery County who will offer them a buyout.
Ironically, the fact that they are in a 500-year floodplain that hasn’t been updated in 40 years could hurt their buyout chances. FEMA scoring generally favors those with higher risk.
FEMA also favors homeowners with flood insurance. That’s because buying out the homeowners would likely save FEMA money on insurance reimbursements after multiple floods.
But that’s not all.
River Rising Again
Before leaving the Moores’ home, I put my drone up and saw this.
East Fork rising again. Out of banks and flooding FM1485 (right) near 1 PM on May 18, 2024. Looking E.Note river on middle right already had risen over one road in the neighborhood.Daniel says FM1485 is totally under water now.
As of 6 PM, the National Weather service shows the river is still rising. They predict it will crest tonight just under major flood stage near 69 feet.
NWS prediction as of 5:52 PM on 5/28/24 for gage within blocks of Moore home.
That should bring the water close to the Moores’ front door again.
As I drove around his neighborhood, I marveled at the number of abandoned and flooded homes. One can only wonder whether this neighborhood will survive.
Please pray for the safety of all who live there.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 5/18/24
2454 Days since Hurricane Harvey and 2 Weeks since the No-Name Flood of 2024
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/20240518-RJR_3527.jpg?fit=1100%2C733&ssl=17331100adminadmin2024-05-18 19:28:082024-05-18 20:51:01Flooded 3 Times in 7 Years in 500-Year Floodplain, But No Buyout
FEMA Disaster Assistance Available
5/20/24 – A disaster declaration by Governor Abbott that covers May flood and windstorm damage has been partially approved by President Biden. That means FEMA disaster Assistance is now available for people who suffered damage in the Lake Houston Area plus Harris, Montgomery, Liberty and four more counties.
This post explains eligibility, benefits, and how to apply.
After inspection, people can be eligible for a number of benefits, including:
In addition, money may become available to governmental entities for mitigation assistance. Harris County will hold a special session of Commissioners Court tomorrow, in part, to discuss contracts for disaster response, debris removal and more.
Text of FEMA Press Release
AUSTIN – Texans who sustained damage from the recent severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding that began April 26 may be eligible for disaster assistance under FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program. Currently, residents living in Harris, Liberty, Montgomery, Polk, San Jacinto, Trinity and Walker counties may be eligible for disaster assistance.
FEMA’s disaster assistance offers new benefits that provide flexible funding directly to survivors when needed the most. In addition, a simplified process and expanded eligibility allows Texans access to a wider range of assistance and immediate funds for serious needs.
New Benefits for Immediate Funds
Serious Needs Assistance and Displacement Assistance are both funded after a completed inspection confirms eligibility.
Apply to FEMA
Survivors can apply to FEMA in several ways including online at DisasterAssistance.gov, downloading the FEMA App for mobile devices, or calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Calls are accepted every day from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. CDT. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service. To view an accessible video about how to apply visit: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance – YouTube.
Additional Assistance and Benefits
Rental Assistance for Temporary Housing
If you currently reside in Harris, Liberty, Montgomery, Polk, San Jacinto, Trinity and Walker counties and suffered damage to your primary residence, FEMA may be able to provide rent for a temporary place to live while you are displaced. Rental assistance is intended to cover monthly rent, security deposit and cost of essential utilities such as electricity and water.
Major Repairs and Out-of-Pocket Expenses
FEMA’s Individuals and Household Program assistance is intended to help jumpstart your recovery. Here are some examples of basic needs:
For the latest information visit fema.gov/disaster/4781. Follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6 or on Facebook at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/.
Here is a PDF of FEMA’s press release that you can print and give to friends, neighbors and family members who may not have power.
Status of Other Counties Affected by Storms
The Governor’s press release states that presidential approval of the disaster request for other counties remains under review. Many counties are still collecting damage estimates.
Types of Eligible Expenses
Abbott’s press release also states that qualifying Texans who sustained damage may apply for FEMA Individual Assistance Program funding to assist with expenses, such as “temporary housing, emergency home repairs, uninsured and underinsured personal property losses, disaster legal services, disaster unemployment assistance, and medical, dental, and funeral expenses caused by the disaster.”
Hazard Mitigation Component
President Biden’s approval also authorizes additional FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program resources to be made available. It’s not clear yet where that money would go or how it would be spent.
Harris County Commissioner’s Court will hold a special meeting tomorrow, Tuesday, May 21, 2024. On the Agenda, Lina Hidalgo, Harris County Judge has requested a discussion and possible action related to the disaster.
The discussion will include contracts for disaster response, debris removal, and recovery.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 5/20/24
2456 Days since Hurricane Harvey and two weeks since the last disaster
West and East Forks of San Jacinto Flooding Again
May 19, 2024 – For the second time this month, the West and East Forks of the San Jacinto River are flooding. The East Fork crested last night about 1.5 feet below the prediction. However, the West Fork is still rising at US59. Parts of River Grove Park and the turnaround under US59 are already flooded. And the National Weather Service predicts floodwaters will go even higher.
Meanwhile, the West Fork continues to run through an old Hallett sand pit that was sold in January.
Here’s what you can expect if you live near the rivers.
East Fork Crest Moving Toward Lake Houston
Low-lying areas along the East Fork began flooding yesterday at FM1485. Earlier, the East Fork flooded near Cleveland and Plum Grove. As the crest moves downriver, it is affecting communities differently. Exactly how depends on many factors, such as the conveyance of the river at different points, sediment accumulations, proximity of homes to the river and more.
Yesterday, water was coming across part of FM1485 where it crosses the East Fork and parallels SH99. Today, the entire east bound section of FM1485 was blocked by floodwaters.
As of 6 PM, May 19, floodwaters are declining in this reach of the river. The crest has moved downstream toward Lake Houston.
Farther upstream, at FM2090, the river has already returned to its banks.
All this is the result of another 3-5″ of rain falling earlier in the week upstream in the watershed on grounds that were already saturated from torrential rains and flooding earlier this month.
NWS Issues Flood Warning for West Fork until Tuesday Morning
While the East Fork is falling at this hour, the West Fork is still rising. At 1:34 PM Sunday, the National Weather Service issued a flood warning for the West Fork near Humble affecting Harris and Montgomery Counties.
Communities affected include: Porter, Sendera Ranch Road, Conroe, Kingwood, Humble, Sheldon.
NWS will issue its next statement Monday morning at 7:45 AM CDT.
The FLOOD WARNING WILL REMAIN IN EFFECT UNTIL LATE TUESDAY MORNING.
IMPACTS: At 49.3 feet, minor lowland flooding begins in the vicinity of the gauge at US59. The north side turnaround at US 59 begins to flood. Low points in surrounding areas also begin to flood.
At 12:45 PM CDT Sunday, the river had risen to 49.2 feet.
Bankfull stage is 45.3 feet.
The river will crest at 49.7 feet just after midnight tonight. It will then fall below flood stage late tomorrow evening.
Flood stage is 49.3 feet.
This afternoon, the turnaround under US59 was just beginning to flood. The parking lots and part of the roadway were already underwater.
At 5 PM, the soccer fields, picnic area and boat launch at River Grove Park were also partially underwater. And water was rising quickly.
Sand Mine Area Upstream
Farther upstream, the West Fork was still ripping a hole through an abandoned Hallett sand pit that the company sold to a real estate developer in January.
This breach appears to have widened significantly in recent days. If it remains open and this pit becomes the new course of the river, it’s possible that the entire pit could become public property, just like the river is now.
On the other side of the river, Hallett filled in the trench that was releasing sludge from its settling pond last Friday afternoon.
Lake Report
As of 7 PM, the SJRA is releasing 5,325 Cubic Feet per Second (CFS) from Lake Conroe. The lake is almost back to its normal level – within .67 feet of 201. And no rain is in sight. That’s good news. Releases should continue to go down.
Throughout this event, SJRA has balanced inflows and outflows to the degree that it can. The rate they show above is about half of what they released earlier in the weekend.
Lake Houston, however, is getting more, not less water. It is still about two feet above normal and discharging water via its gates and spillway. Total discharge is 34,015 CFS. Of that, the gates can release only 10,000 CFS. The other 24,000 CFS goes over the spillway.
Comparing the two numbers on the right, shows us that the flood risk is shifting to the Lake Houston Area now.
Of the 11 watersheds that send water into Lake Houston, SJRA controls only Lake Conroe. The East Fork has no flood control. But that’s a story for another time.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 5/19/24 at 8PM
2455 Days since Hurricane Harvey
The thoughts expressed in this post represent opinions on matters of public concern and safety. They are protected by the First Amendment of the US Constitution and the Anti-SLAPP Statute of the Great State of Texas.
Flooded 3 Times in 7 Years in 500-Year Floodplain, But No Buyout
Daniel and Kathleen Moore live with their 8-month old baby near the East Fork San Jacinto in Montgomery County. The young couple desperately wants a buyout after their house on Idle Glen in New Caney flooded three times in seven years. But no buyout is in sight.
When they bought the home, they were told it was in the 500-year floodplain. In fact, Montgomery County flood maps still show their home is in the 500-year (.2% annual chance) floodplain.
However, that determination is based on floodplain data from the 1980’s – before the Moores were even born. And since then, the area upstream from them has boomed with new development.
New Upstream Development Invalidates Old Data
For instance, Colony Ridge, just 2.5 miles to the northeast on the other side of the river, has grown 50% larger than Manhattan since 2010 – with virtually no flood mitigation measures on the East Fork side of the area.
In one seven year stretch (2017 to 2024), the Moores flooded three times. During Harvey, they flooded to nine feet. In Imelda, they got one foot. And in the no-name storm of May 2024, five feet of floodwater destroyed everything in the bottom floor of their home.
Said Daniel, “I figured Harvey was extreme. I didn’t worry too much about that. But the next two storms were different. We just can’t afford to rebuild every two or three years.” Daniel works as a mechanic. “The pay isn’t that great,” he says. “We need to move.”
Rebuilding Without Flood Insurance
After the first two floods, they rebuilt the home with money from their own pockets – without benefit of insurance. But with a new baby, they can no longer afford that.
The Moores’ story underscores how inexperience can hamstring young couples on technical issues, such as floodplain delineation and flood insurance.
The moral of this story: before you invest in a new home, consult with a professional hydrologist about the risk. Talk to neighbors about past flooding. Look for tell-tale signs like mold on neighbors’ homes, rotting wood, and elevated structures.
And buy flood insurance. It’s available through FEMA and the National Flood Insurance Program. Not all agents feel the commission justifies the trouble of handling it, especially if the home has a history of flooding, so you may get mixed signals from them. Shop around.
Moore Photos During and After May 2024 Flood
Daniel tried to return home after spending the first night with his family in a motel. He couldn’t get onto the feeder road from SH99. This picture shows FM1485 totally flooded.
Cleanup after the Flood
I took the following shots on 5/18/24. As Daniel worked to gut his uninhabitable home once again, his wife tended the baby at her mother’s home.
Scavengers feel, “What difference does it make? They’re throwing this out anyway.” But it makes flood victims feel victimized all over again. Daniel says he’s found people picking through his belongings every day since the flood.
But the Moores’ trials and tribulations are not over.
Buyout Chances
The Moores have had a hard time connecting with anyone in Montgomery County who will offer them a buyout.
Ironically, the fact that they are in a 500-year floodplain that hasn’t been updated in 40 years could hurt their buyout chances. FEMA scoring generally favors those with higher risk.
FEMA also favors homeowners with flood insurance. That’s because buying out the homeowners would likely save FEMA money on insurance reimbursements after multiple floods.
But that’s not all.
River Rising Again
Before leaving the Moores’ home, I put my drone up and saw this.
As of 6 PM, the National Weather service shows the river is still rising. They predict it will crest tonight just under major flood stage near 69 feet.
That should bring the water close to the Moores’ front door again.
As I drove around his neighborhood, I marveled at the number of abandoned and flooded homes. One can only wonder whether this neighborhood will survive.
Please pray for the safety of all who live there.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 5/18/24
2454 Days since Hurricane Harvey and 2 Weeks since the No-Name Flood of 2024