Texas Flood Damage Survey: Harris County Official Describes Unprecedented Devastation

Surveying Unprecedented Flood Damage

• 🎯 Jeff Lindner, a flood control official from Harris County, surveyed flood damage in Kerrville, Texas.
• ⚠️ He described the devastation as among the worst he has ever seen, noting it was unlike typical Harris County flooding.

Comparing Hill Country vs. Southeast Texas Flooding

• 🏞️ Lindner highlighted that the steep terrain and grade in the Hill Country (5 to 11 feet slopes) contribute to different flooding behaviors compared to southeast Texas.
• ⚡ These geographical factors result in incredible rates of rise of water on streams and creeks.

Factors Contributing to Devastation

• 💨 Speed was another major factor, with early estimates suggesting the Guadalupe River may have flowed as fast as 20 feet per second.
• 💥 This speed generated immense pressure (approximately 9,000 lbs against an 8x3 door), explaining why some buildings were wiped away entirely.
• 🧱 In contrast to Harris County, where structures often remain after flooding, the Hill Country experienced destruction where buildings were completely removed.

Lessons from the Flood

• 💡 Lindner emphasized that such extreme events can happen on any river and stressed the importance of knowing the knowledge and history of these rivers.
• 📊 His team collected data on 150 high water marks along the Guadalupe River during their survey.