01Safety and scene control
First 15 minutes
Decide whether the property is safe to enter, keep people away from water with electrical, sewage, gas, or structural concerns, and start a simple written record from a safe place.
Texas memory layer
Texas Storm and Flood Event Archive
The Texas storm and flood event archive organizes major historical, modern, recent, and current Texas flood and storm events into a practical timeline so people can understand what happened, which regions were affected, what official resources apply, and what cleanup lessons keep repeating. This guide explains what to do first, what cleanup usually involves, what to document, what insurance may ask, and when to open a live chat instead of guessing.
Direct answerSource-backed
Quick Answer
Texas Storm and Flood Event Archive starts with safety, documentation, water-source identification, cleanup prioritization, drying, and records. In Texas, the right next step depends on whether water came from flooding, stormwater, sewage, a roof opening, plumbing, or an appliance failure.
Texas memory layer
Storm Event Archive
A living archive of major Texas flood and storm events: what happened, which regions were affected, official resource links, cleanup lessons, and documentation reminders. This is built for homeowners, renters, landlords, businesses, reporters, operators, and search systems that need Texas context instead of generic storm content.
Texas flooding is regional
Bayous, creeks, rivers, storm drains, dry washes, coastal surge, and frozen pipes behave differently.
Cleanup lessons repeat
The archive turns past events into practical prompts for safety, documentation, drying, mold risk, and insurance conversations.
Official records matter
Each event points to NWS, NHC, FEMA, TDEM, USGS, NASA, local, or state resources where available.
Operating claims stay separate
The archive is historical guidance. It does not imply offices, response times, partnerships, reviews, or completed jobs.
2001 Tropical Storm Allison Houston Flood
A tropical storm does not need hurricane winds to create severe water damage.
20172017 Hurricane Harvey Texas Flooding
One named storm can create several causes of water damage that must be documented separately.
20212021 Winter Storm Uri Texas Water Damage
A Texas water damage event does not always start with rain; freeze and utility failure can create major interior flooding.
20252025 Central Texas July Floods
Hill Country flood cleanup must respect fast-moving water, unstable debris, washed-out access, wells, septic areas, and local official instructions.
Living watch
Current and recently active declarations
These entries are tracked conservatively from official sources and should be updated as NWS, FEMA, TDEM, county, and local records mature.
Severe storms and flood rescue readiness
2026 North Texas Storms Disaster Declaration
Apr 28, 2026
View event detail pageThe 2026 North Texas storms entry is included as a living-archive watch item. The Governor's office described a disaster declaration and state resources including swiftwater rescue and search-and-rescue support as storm threats continued.
North TexasDallas-Fort Worthstorm-affected counties
What happened
- State officials issued a North Texas disaster declaration after severe storms.
- State resources included swiftwater rescue and urban search-and-rescue readiness.
- The archive tracks the event as a current official-reference item until more complete post-event records are available.
Regions affected
- North Texas communities
- Dallas-Fort Worth region
Cleanup lessons
- Current events should be logged conservatively with official sources and updated after response data matures.
- North Texas storm damage records should separate roof, wind, drainage, and floodwater sources.
- Do not enter flooded roads or wet electrical areas to document damage.
Documentation reminders
- Save official declaration links, local warnings, insurer instructions, and photo dates.
- Photograph only from safe locations while storms or floodwater remain active.
- Use a written summary for water source, timing, city, property type, and safety flags.
Official resources and related cleanup paths
Active flooding disaster declaration watch
2026 Hill Country and Central Texas Flooding Declaration
May 17, 2026
View event detail pageThis entry is a current living-archive watch item tied to TDEM's active disaster declaration list. It is intentionally conservative until full event assessments, local records, and official recovery pages mature.
Hill CountryCentral Texasflood-affected counties
What happened
- TDEM listed an active Hill Country and Central Texas flooding disaster declaration in May 2026.
- The entry is tracked as a current official source marker, not a full historical assessment yet.
- Future updates should add NWS, FEMA, local, county, and damage-assessment resources as they become available.
Regions affected
- Hill Country communities
- Central Texas communities
Cleanup lessons
- Living archive pages should avoid overclaiming until official post-event records are complete.
- Hill Country flood entries should always include low-water crossing and fast-water safety context.
- Current cleanup records should track what is known, what is unknown, and which official links were checked.
Documentation reminders
- Record date checked, official source, county, city, safety warnings, and damage status.
- Photograph high-water marks and debris only after conditions are safe.
- Keep local emergency, utility, floodplain, insurer, and disaster-reporting notes together.
Official resources and related cleanup paths
Official resources
Related Texas guides
Modern recovery memory
Recent Texas events that still shape cleanup decisions
These events connect directly to insurance documentation, mold-risk drying, regional cleanup guidance, and property-owner decision paths.
Severe storms and flooding
2025 South Texas March Storms and Flooding
Mar 26, 2025 to Mar 28, 2025
View event detail pageSouth Texas March 2025 storm and flooding resources matter to the archive because they continue the Rio Grande Valley pattern of drainage, heat, humidity, rental-property, and documentation concerns.
South TexasRio Grande ValleyCoastal Bend
What happened
- Severe storms and flooding affected parts of South Texas in late March.
- TDEM provided event resources and encouraged damage reporting through iSTAT for affected Texans.
- The event added another recent South Texas entry to the site's regional flood memory.
Regions affected
- Hidalgo County
- Cameron County
- Starr County
- Willacy County
- Coastal Bend communities
Cleanup lessons
- South Texas events often require attention to heat, humidity, and delayed drying after standing water leaves.
- Damage reporting resources should be logged when TDEM directs affected Texans to use iSTAT.
- Rental and landlord records should separate tenant belongings from building materials.
Documentation reminders
- Record iSTAT, local emergency, and insurer submission dates when used.
- Photograph exterior drainage and interior water path before cleanup when safe.
- Keep receipts for drying, temporary repairs, disposal, and replacement materials.
Official resources and related cleanup paths
Severe storms, straight-line winds, and flooding
2025 Central Texas July Floods
Jul 2, 2025 to Jul 18, 2025
View event detail pageThe July 2025 Central Texas floods are a current-generation Hill Country memory event. FEMA, TDEM, NASA, and state sources describe severe storms and flooding that affected river communities and required disaster recovery resources.
Hill CountryCentral TexasGuadalupe River corridorKerr County region
What happened
- Severe storms, straight-line winds, and flooding affected parts of Central Texas beginning in early July.
- Kerr County and other Hill Country/Central Texas counties became part of a federal disaster declaration.
- NASA supported response with mapping and remote-sensing products in coordination with TDEM and FEMA partners.
Regions affected
- Kerr County
- Burnet County
- Guadalupe County
- Travis County
- Williamson County
Cleanup lessons
- Hill Country flood cleanup must respect fast-moving water, unstable debris, washed-out access, wells, septic areas, and local official instructions.
- River properties need exterior, access, contents, and floodplain records before permanent repairs.
- Community memory and property history should be retained, because future buyers, insurers, and officials may ask what happened.
Documentation reminders
- Record county, river or creek, access restrictions, official instructions, and disaster reporting status.
- Photograph high-water lines, debris direction, outbuildings, utilities, wells, septic areas, and interiors when safe.
- Keep FEMA, TDEM, local emergency, floodplain, insurer, landlord, and repair communications by date.
Official resources and related cleanup paths
Official resources
Severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding
2024 Texas Severe Storms, Derecho, Tornadoes, and Flooding
Apr 26, 2024 to Jun 5, 2024
View event detail pageThe 2024 severe storm and derecho period belongs in the archive because it combined flooding, straight-line wind, tornado damage, roof openings, power loss, and prolonged recovery across parts of Texas.
HoustonSoutheast TexasEast TexasCentral and North Texas counties
What happened
- Severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding affected Texas over an extended incident period.
- FEMA issued a major disaster declaration, and recovery resources applied to affected communities.
- Houston-area power loss and storm damage complicated water intrusion, drying, and cleanup timing.
Regions affected
- Houston
- Harris County
- Montgomery County
- San Jacinto County
- Polk County
Cleanup lessons
- Storm cleanup should not collapse wind, roof, flood, and water damage into one vague description.
- Power outages can delay drying and should be logged as part of the cleanup timeline.
- Commercial buildings should document access restrictions, employee safety, inventory, and reopening conditions.
Documentation reminders
- Save FEMA disaster declaration references and local recovery instructions that apply to the event.
- Photograph exterior storm damage, roof openings, wet ceilings, interior water paths, and equipment rooms.
- Keep receipts for temporary protection, extraction, drying, debris handling, and repairs.
Official resources and related cleanup paths
Hurricane, wind, rainfall, power loss, and flooding
2024 Hurricane Beryl Texas
Jul 6, 2024 to Jul 11, 2024
View event detail pageHurricane Beryl brought another Gulf Coast recovery case to the Texas archive. NHC, WPC, NWS, and NASA records describe a storm that regained hurricane strength near Texas, made landfall near Matagorda, and moved inland near Houston.
Texas CoastHoustonMatagordaEast TexasSoutheast Texas
What happened
- Beryl approached the Texas coast, regained hurricane strength, and made landfall near Matagorda.
- The storm moved inland near Houston and continued across northeast Texas as it weakened.
- Wind damage, roof leaks, power loss, rainfall, and flood cleanup issues overlapped for many properties.
Regions affected
- Matagorda
- Houston
- Galveston
- Freeport
- Beaumont region
Cleanup lessons
- Beryl-style cleanup records should separate wind, roof, tree, flood, and power outage causes.
- Houston humidity after a hurricane makes drying verification and mold-risk tracking important.
- Businesses should record closure dates, inventory impacts, equipment water contact, and reopening steps.
Documentation reminders
- Photograph roof and exterior damage before interior cleanup changes the record when safe.
- Record power status, water entry timing, standing water, visible mold, and drying start date.
- Keep local disaster, FEMA, insurer, landlord, or property manager instructions with receipts.
Official resources and related cleanup paths
Official resources
North Texas urban flooding
2022 Dallas-Fort Worth August Flooding
Aug 21, 2022 to Aug 22, 2022
View event detail pageThe August 2022 Dallas-Fort Worth flood is a North Texas urban drainage case. It followed drought conditions and still produced high-impact flash flooding, water rescues, and property damage across the metroplex.
Dallas-Fort WorthNorth TexasDallas CountyTarrant County
What happened
- Heavy rainfall overwhelmed roads, drains, creeks, and low areas across parts of DFW.
- Residential and commercial properties saw water intrusion, wet contents, and access issues.
- The event showed that dry ground and drought do not eliminate flash-flood risk.
Regions affected
- Dallas
- Fort Worth
- Mesquite
- Balch Springs
- Tarrant County
Cleanup lessons
- North Texas flood cleanup often intersects with severe-storm roof leaks and urban drainage in the same season.
- Commercial properties need parking lot, door threshold, inventory, and equipment records.
- Water under flooring and behind baseboards should be treated as a drying verification problem, not only a mopping problem.
Documentation reminders
- Photograph storm drain context, curb water, threshold water path, and interior room spread.
- Record whether roof leak, slab leak, or plumbing water also contributed.
- Keep tenant, manager, insurer, and local emergency messages with cleanup records.
Official resources and related cleanup paths
Winter storm, freeze, power loss, and burst pipes
2021 Winter Storm Uri Texas Water Damage
Feb 11, 2021 to Feb 20, 2021
View event detail pageWinter Storm Uri belongs in a flood cleanup archive because it caused widespread water damage through freezing, burst pipes, utility disruption, and delayed response across Texas. NOAA/NCEI and TDEM both frame the event as statewide and historically significant.
Statewide TexasNorth TexasCentral TexasHoustonSouth Texas
What happened
- Record cold, snow, ice, power loss, and water-system disruption affected the entire state.
- Frozen and burst pipes caused water damage in homes, apartments, businesses, schools, churches, and commercial buildings.
- TDEM opened disaster resources, and many Texans had to document water damage tied to freezing conditions.
Regions affected
- All Texas counties
- Dallas-Fort Worth
- Austin
- Houston
- San Antonio
- Rio Grande Valley
Cleanup lessons
- A Texas water damage event does not always start with rain; freeze and utility failure can create major interior flooding.
- Multi-unit and commercial buildings need floor-by-floor, unit-by-unit, and equipment-room documentation.
- Timing matters because thaw, discovery, shutoff, extraction, drying, and repair may happen days apart.
Documentation reminders
- Record when water was discovered, when the source was shut off, and when drying began.
- Photograph ceilings, walls, floors, pipe locations, tenant units, and contents by area.
- Keep policy, landlord, property manager, maintenance, and utility messages together.
Official resources and related cleanup paths
Official resources
Hurricane, coastal rain, surge, and flooding
2021 Hurricane Nicholas Upper Texas Coast
Sep 13, 2021 to Sep 15, 2021
View event detail pageNicholas made landfall on the upper Texas coast and brought another wind, rain, surge, and power-disruption event to the Gulf Coast. For cleanup, it is a practical case in separating roof openings, stormwater, surge-adjacent water, and interior moisture.
Upper Texas CoastMatagorda BayHoustonGalvestonSoutheast Texas
What happened
- Nicholas made landfall near the Matagorda Peninsula area as a hurricane.
- Heavy rain, wind, and coastal water concerns affected the upper Texas coast and Houston region.
- Power disruptions and wet building materials created drying and documentation problems after landfall.
Regions affected
- Sargent Beach
- Freeport
- Houston
- Galveston
- Matagorda County
Cleanup lessons
- Even a lower-category hurricane can create complex water source records.
- Coastal cleanup should separate exterior surge, rain entry, roof openings, and plumbing failures.
- Power loss can delay drying, so timeline notes help explain why moisture remained.
Documentation reminders
- Record storm timing, power status, water entry point, and affected materials.
- Photograph roof, ceiling, wall, floor, and contents damage separately.
- Save local alerts, insurer instructions, and temporary protection receipts.
Official resources and related cleanup paths
Hurricane, wind, storm surge, and flooding rain
2020 Hurricane Hanna Rio Grande Valley Flooding
Jul 25, 2020 to Jul 27, 2020
View event detail pageHurricane Hanna made South Texas and the Rio Grande Valley a major 2020 cleanup story. NWS Brownsville and WPC records describe landfall, rainfall, flooding, and wind impacts across Deep South Texas.
Deep South TexasRio Grande ValleyCoastal Bend
What happened
- Hanna made landfall along the South Texas coast and moved inland across Deep South Texas.
- Rain bands produced flooding across the Rio Grande Valley, with wind and coastal impacts near landfall.
- The event created residential, rental, agricultural, and commercial cleanup questions in hot humid conditions.
Regions affected
- Padre Island
- McAllen
- Mission
- Weslaco
- Brownsville
- Corpus Christi region
Cleanup lessons
- South Texas cleanup after a hurricane should separate wind, rain, drainage, roof, and floodwater sources.
- Heat and humidity make delayed drying a stronger mold-risk and odor concern.
- Rental and family homes need clear records for contents, building damage, landlord notices, and policy questions.
Documentation reminders
- Photograph roof openings, drainage, waterlines, wet walls, flooring, and contents by room.
- Record whether the property was affected by wind, floodwater, stormwater, or appliance/plumbing failures after power loss.
- Keep local emergency and insurer instructions with cleanup receipts.
Official resources and related cleanup paths
Tropical storm rainfall and flash flooding
2019 Tropical Storm Imelda Southeast Texas Flooding
Sep 16, 2019 to Sep 20, 2019
View event detail pageImelda produced major Southeast Texas rainfall and flash flooding only two years after Harvey. NHC, WPC, NWS, and USGS resources document a short-lived tropical storm that created significant water-damage consequences.
Southeast TexasHoustonBeaumontPort ArthurGolden Triangle
What happened
- Imelda made landfall near Freeport and produced intense rainfall over Southeast Texas.
- Flooding affected Houston, Beaumont, Port Arthur, Winnie, and nearby communities.
- The event emphasized that short-lived tropical systems can still create severe inland cleanup needs.
Regions affected
- Houston
- Beaumont
- Port Arthur
- Winnie
- Jefferson County
- Harris County
Cleanup lessons
- Post-Harvey communities still needed fresh documentation, not assumptions based on prior flood history.
- Southeast Texas humidity means drying, odor, and mold-risk tracking should continue after extraction.
- Industrial and commercial properties should map zones, inventory, equipment, and possible contamination concerns.
Documentation reminders
- Record whether flooding was from rainfall, bayou overflow, road drainage, roof openings, or multiple sources.
- Photograph contents, floors, walls, exterior water path, and disposal before cleanup when safe.
- Keep receipts and communication records for extraction, drying, demolition, and temporary protection.
Official resources and related cleanup paths
Slow-moving tropical moisture and urban flooding
2018 Great June Flood of the Rio Grande Valley
Jun 18, 2018 to Jun 22, 2018
View event detail pageThe Great June Flood of 2018 made the Rio Grande Valley a central part of the Texas flood archive. NWS Brownsville describes widespread impacts from repeated heavy rain over a flat, highly developed, drainage-sensitive region.
Rio Grande ValleyDeep South TexasCoastal Bend
What happened
- A disorganized tropical moisture setup produced days of heavy rainfall over the Rio Grande Valley.
- Urban drainage, low-lying neighborhoods, and commercial properties were affected across multiple cities.
- The event became a South Texas reminder that serious flooding does not require a named hurricane.
Regions affected
- McAllen
- Weslaco
- Harlingen
- Brownsville
- Hidalgo County
- Cameron County
Cleanup lessons
- South Texas heat and humidity can keep wet materials risky after surface water leaves.
- Flat drainage areas should document exterior ponding and how water reached the building.
- Renters and landlords need separate belongings, building, notice, and repair records.
Documentation reminders
- Photograph exterior drainage, curb water, thresholds, flooring, baseboards, and contents.
- Record whether water entered from drainage, roof, door, garage, plumbing, or appliances.
- Save local emergency, school, workplace, and landlord communications.
Official resources and related cleanup paths
Official resources
Hill Country river flooding
2018 Llano River and Hill Country Flood
Oct 8, 2018 to Oct 17, 2018
View event detail pageThe 2018 Llano River flood belongs in the archive as a Hill Country river-rise event. USGS documented flooding on the Llano River, and the event is a practical reminder about rapid rises, debris, bridges, lake impacts, and rural property access.
Llano RiverHill CountryCentral TexasHighland Lakes region
What happened
- Heavy rain caused the Llano River and related waterways to rise rapidly.
- River-adjacent homes, businesses, roads, bridges, and lake-area properties were affected.
- High-water measurement and streamgage records became important for understanding the event.
Regions affected
- Llano
- Kingsland
- Marble Falls
- Burnet County
- Llano County
Cleanup lessons
- Hill Country cleanup may not begin immediately if roads, crossings, bridges, or utilities are unsafe.
- Debris, silt, wells, septic systems, and outbuildings can matter as much as interior flooring.
- Short-term rentals need guest, owner, contents, and building records separated.
Documentation reminders
- Photograph access roads, crossings, exterior debris, wells, septic areas, and outbuildings when safe.
- Record waterline heights and river-facing exterior walls before debris removal.
- Keep local emergency and floodplain communications with repair files.
Official resources and related cleanup paths
Major hurricane, extreme rainfall, storm surge, and flooding
2017 Hurricane Harvey Texas Flooding
Aug 25, 2017 to Sep 1, 2017
View event detail pageHurricane Harvey is the modern Texas flood reference point: landfall wind damage near the Coastal Bend, storm surge near the coast, and historic rainfall and flooding across Houston and Southeast Texas.
Texas CoastHoustonSoutheast TexasGolden TriangleCoastal Bend
What happened
- Harvey made landfall along the middle Texas coast as a major hurricane, then stalled and produced extreme rainfall.
- Houston, Harris County, Beaumont, Port Arthur, and surrounding communities experienced prolonged flooding.
- The event combined wind damage, roof openings, floodwater, storm surge, power issues, and long recovery timelines.
Regions affected
- Rockport
- Houston
- Harris County
- Beaumont
- Port Arthur
- Corpus Christi region
Cleanup lessons
- One named storm can create several causes of water damage that must be documented separately.
- Flood insurance, homeowners insurance, wind, contents, commercial, and mold questions can overlap.
- Long-duration humidity and delayed access make moisture verification and records especially important.
Documentation reminders
- Separate wind, roof, surge, rising water, sewage, contents, and commercial interruption records.
- Keep photos from before cleanup, during removal, drying, disposal, and repair.
- Record FEMA, TDEM, flood insurance, local floodplain, and insurer interactions by date.
Official resources and related cleanup paths
Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
2016 March Texas Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
Mar 7, 2016 to Mar 29, 2016
View event detail pageThe March 2016 disaster declaration covered severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding across parts of Texas. For cleanup, the event is a reminder that storm damage can combine wind, roof openings, floodwater, river water, and contents losses.
East TexasNortheast TexasSoutheast TexasNorth Texas
What happened
- Severe storms and flooding affected multiple Texas communities over a multi-week incident period.
- River and drainage flooding overlapped with wind and tornado damage in some areas.
- Federal disaster resources became part of the recovery path for affected counties.
Regions affected
- Orange County
- Newton County
- Jasper County
- Sabine River region
- North and East Texas communities
Cleanup lessons
- East Texas cleanup often involves wooded lots, wet crawlspaces, rural access, and roof or tree-related water paths.
- Storm documentation should separate wind damage from floodwater and interior water spread.
- Rural and church properties may need volunteer safety boundaries before cleanup.
Documentation reminders
- Keep FEMA, local emergency, insurer, and repair communications together.
- Photograph roof/exterior damage separately from rising-water or drainage damage.
- Record access delays caused by downed trees, roads, or utilities.
Official resources and related cleanup paths
Urban rainfall and bayou flooding
2016 Houston Tax Day Flood
Apr 17, 2016 to Apr 18, 2016
View event detail pageThe Houston Tax Day Flood was a high-impact urban rainfall event. For TexasFloodCleanup.com, it belongs in the archive as a Houston drainage and bayou event that shaped how property owners think about flood insurance, repeat flooding, and documentation.
HoustonHarris CountyNorthwest HoustonCypress Creek and bayou corridors
What happened
- Heavy rain over the Houston area produced widespread roadway, bayou, neighborhood, and property flooding.
- Homes, apartments, businesses, vehicles, and ground-level spaces were affected.
- The event reinforced the need to document water source, timing, and floodwater path in Houston losses.
Regions affected
- Houston
- Harris County
- Cypress
- Spring
- Katy area
Cleanup lessons
- Houston water damage records should distinguish bayou overflow from roof leaks, plumbing failures, and stormwater entry.
- Repeat flood neighborhoods should keep prior flood and elevation records with new documentation.
- High humidity makes drying verification important after standing water is removed.
Documentation reminders
- Photograph exterior high-water marks, street/drainage context, and interior room sequence.
- Keep Harris County gauge or flood warning references if used during the event.
- Document contents and flooring separately, especially carpet pad, baseboards, and cabinets.
Official resources and related cleanup paths
Flash flooding, river flooding, and urban flooding
2015 Memorial Day Weekend Texas Floods
May 23, 2015 to May 26, 2015
View event detail pageThe 2015 Memorial Day floods affected Central Texas and the Houston area, and remain a major reference point for flash flooding, Blanco River impacts, urban waterways, and safe documentation after rapid water rise.
Central TexasAustinWimberleyBlanco RiverHouston
What happened
- Heavy rainfall over Memorial Day weekend overwhelmed waterways in Central Texas and parts of Houston.
- Austin's official remembrance notes flooding around local waterways and damaged properties in Travis County.
- The event reinforced how quickly rivers, creeks, and urban drainage can become life-safety hazards.
Regions affected
- Austin
- Travis County
- Hays County
- Wimberley
- Houston
Cleanup lessons
- Never trade safety for photos during active flash flooding.
- River homes, cabins, and short-term rentals need exterior debris and access documentation.
- Urban flooding requires separate records for street drainage, creek rise, roof openings, and interior water paths.
Documentation reminders
- Photograph belongings, structural waterlines, exterior debris, and cleanup steps when safe.
- Save landlord, insurer, local emergency, and road-closure messages.
- Document whether damage occurred in a floodplain or near a creek before permanent repair decisions.
Official resources and related cleanup paths
Recorded flood history
Modern benchmark floods and storms
These entries explain how Texas learned from repeat floods, tropical systems, coastal surge, urban drainage, and Hill Country river rise.
Tropical storm rainfall and Central Texas flash flooding
2010 Tropical Storm Hermine Central Texas Flooding
Sep 7, 2010 to Sep 14, 2010
View event detail pageTropical Storm Hermine showed again that inland Texas flood impacts can come from tropical remnants. USGS records describe severe flooding near the Austin area, while WPC and NWS pages track rainfall and storm movement through Texas.
Central TexasAustin areaSouth TexasHill Country
What happened
- Hermine moved north through Texas after forming from tropical moisture near the Gulf.
- Heavy rainfall created flash flooding across parts of Central Texas and the Austin area.
- The event affected both coastal/south Texas entry zones and inland creeks.
Regions affected
- Austin
- Bastrop
- Comal County
- South Texas
- Rio Grande Valley
Cleanup lessons
- Tropical systems can create inland water damage far from the coast.
- Austin-area cleanup should consider creeks, drainage paths, roof leaks, and slab/floor water at the same time.
- Water-source documentation matters when tropical rain combines with roof or drainage failures.
Documentation reminders
- Photograph exterior drainage, threshold entry, ceiling leaks, and interior floor spread separately.
- Record storm timing, room sequence, and whether water came from outside, above, or plumbing.
- Keep local road closure or warning information when access delayed cleanup.
Official resources and related cleanup paths
Hurricane surge, wind, and coastal flooding
2008 Hurricane Ike Upper Texas Coast
Sep 12, 2008 to Sep 13, 2008
View event detail pageHurricane Ike remains a storm-surge and coastal-flooding reference point for the upper Texas coast. NHC, USGS, NASA, and NWS records show how a large hurricane can push water across coastal and bay systems while also damaging inland buildings.
GalvestonHoustonUpper Texas CoastSoutheast TexasSouthwest Louisiana
What happened
- Ike struck the upper Texas coast as a large hurricane with destructive surge and wind impacts.
- Coastal communities around Galveston Bay and the Bolivar Peninsula were heavily affected by surge.
- Wind, rain, power loss, and water intrusion extended into Houston and East Texas.
Regions affected
- Galveston
- Bolivar Peninsula
- Houston
- Chambers County
- Jefferson County
Cleanup lessons
- Coastal surge, wind-driven rain, and roof openings need separate notes in the same storm file.
- Saltwater, silt, and wind-damaged openings can change cleanup and repair sequencing.
- Power outages and roof damage can delay drying, so the cleanup timeline should be documented clearly.
Documentation reminders
- Separate wind, rain, surge, floodwater, contents, roof, and business interruption records.
- Photograph exterior elevations, waterlines, roof openings, and interior zones before cleanup when safe.
- Keep local reentry, permit, and floodplain guidance with repair records.
Official resources and related cleanup paths
Multi-day rainfall and river flooding
2002 South Central Texas Floods
Jun 30, 2002 to Jul 7, 2002
View event detail pageThe 2002 South Central Texas floods were another extended rainfall and river event over areas still carrying memory from 1998. NWS records describe multi-day rain, record flows, home damage, and federal disaster counties.
Hill CountrySan AntonioSouth Central TexasGuadalupe and Medina basins
What happened
- A stalled Gulf low and deep tropical moisture produced days of heavy rain.
- Flooding affected the Hill Country, San Antonio area, and multiple river systems.
- Canyon Lake and Medina Lake emergency-spillway concerns became part of the event history.
Regions affected
- San Antonio
- Kendall County
- New Braunfels
- Canyon Lake
- Medina Lake
Cleanup lessons
- Repeat flood corridors need records of prior repairs, elevation changes, and mitigation work.
- Flood cleanup after lake or river events may require official repair sequencing and floodplain review.
- Access issues and delayed cleanup should be documented when roads, crossings, or bridges are damaged.
Documentation reminders
- Keep prior repair records with new damage photos.
- Record waterlines and exterior debris before cleanup.
- Save local emergency and floodplain communications before permanent repair.
Official resources and related cleanup paths
Tropical storm rainfall and urban bayou flooding
2001 Tropical Storm Allison Houston Flood
Jun 5, 2001 to Jun 17, 2001
View event detail pageAllison is one of Houston's defining flood events. NHC and NWS records describe a tropical storm that moved slowly near the upper Texas coast and produced extreme rainfall and catastrophic Houston-area flooding.
HoustonHarris CountySoutheast TexasUpper Texas Coast
What happened
- Allison moved inland over the upper Texas coast and produced extremely heavy rainfall.
- Bayous, roadways, homes, medical facilities, businesses, and critical infrastructure were heavily affected.
- The storm's name was retired despite Allison not reaching hurricane strength.
Regions affected
- Houston
- Harris County
- Galveston County
- Montgomery County
- Texas Medical Center
Cleanup lessons
- A tropical storm does not need hurricane winds to create severe water damage.
- Houston cleanup records should distinguish bayou/rising water from roof, plumbing, and drainage-source water.
- Medical, commercial, and lower-level spaces need zone maps and equipment records.
Documentation reminders
- Build room-by-room and zone-by-zone photo records, especially for lower levels and equipment rooms.
- Save official flood warnings, local emergency notices, and insurer instructions.
- Document whether water touched contents, medical equipment, stored records, or electrical/mechanical systems.
Official resources and related cleanup paths
Tropical storm rainfall and coastal flooding
1998 Tropical Storm Frances Coastal Texas Flooding
Sep 8, 1998 to Sep 13, 1998
View event detail pageTropical Storm Frances showed how a broad Gulf system can produce coastal flooding, inland rainfall, and backwater problems across a wide Texas footprint before moving north.
Middle Texas CoastSoutheast TexasUpper Texas CoastLouisiana border region
What happened
- Frances formed over the Gulf and made landfall on the central Texas coast.
- The storm produced heavy rainfall across coastal Texas and Southeast Texas.
- Coastal flooding and river backwater effects added complexity to cleanup and documentation.
Regions affected
- Corpus Christi
- Port Lavaca
- Victoria
- Beaumont
- Port Arthur
Cleanup lessons
- Coastal flood cleanup should separate rainwater, surge-adjacent water, drainage water, and wind-driven rain.
- Salt, silt, and standing water can change material decisions and documentation questions.
- Commercial properties should document exterior water path, inventory, equipment, and cleanup timing.
Documentation reminders
- Record whether water entered from doors, bays, drains, roof openings, or rising exterior water.
- Photograph exterior water marks and interior waterlines before cleaning when safe.
- Keep weather, local emergency, and insurer communications with the damage file.
Official resources and related cleanup paths
Mesoscale convective flooding and river flooding
1998 South Central Texas Floods
Oct 17, 1998 to Oct 22, 1998
View event detail pageThe October 1998 South Central Texas floods were a watershed-scale event. NWS describes a nearly stationary storm complex along the Balcones Escarpment, major Guadalupe River impacts, and federal disaster declarations across many counties.
San AntonioGuadalupe River basinSouth Central TexasCoastal Bend downstream areas
What happened
- Moisture from tropical systems and a slow front helped produce extended heavy rainfall.
- Flooding struck the Guadalupe River corridor, San Antonio metro area, downstream communities, and several river basins.
- The event caused long-lived repair, rebuilding, and floodplain questions across many communities.
Regions affected
- San Antonio
- New Braunfels
- Seguin
- Cuero
- Victoria
Cleanup lessons
- Flood waves can affect downstream communities even after rain stops upstream.
- Permanent repair decisions may need floodplain administrator input in flood-prone areas.
- Homes rebuilt after prior floods should keep mitigation, elevation, permit, and repair records together.
Documentation reminders
- Keep photos of flood elevations, debris lines, structural movement, and foundation concerns.
- Save local floodplain, permit, and substantial-damage communications.
- Document contents separately from building materials and exterior damage.
Official resources and related cleanup paths
Texas flood memory
Historic anchor events
These older events explain why Texas flood guidance must respect local topography, river systems, low-water crossings, and floodplain rules.
Urban creek flash flooding
1981 Austin Memorial Day Flood
May 24, 1981 to May 25, 1981
View event detail pageAustin's 1981 Memorial Day flood remains a core local flood memory. USGS and Austin-area records frame it as a fast urban creek event that changed how the city thinks about flood gauges, low-water crossings, creek corridors, and warnings.
AustinCentral TexasShoal Creek and urban creeks
What happened
- Heavy rain over the Austin urban core caused rapid creek flooding during Memorial Day weekend.
- Shoal Creek and nearby low-lying urban areas were heavily affected.
- The event became a reference point for Austin flood mitigation, gauges, and public warning conversations.
Regions affected
- Austin
- Travis County
- Shoal Creek corridor
Cleanup lessons
- Urban creeks can rise quickly even when the flooded area is not a wide river valley.
- Small businesses need inventory, equipment, and interruption records after creek flooding.
- Older urban properties may need wall-cavity, flooring, and foundation-adjacent moisture checks.
Documentation reminders
- Photograph waterline height, exterior creek debris, interior affected rooms, and inventory before disposal when safe.
- Save city or watershed notices that explain access, road closures, or creek warnings.
- For businesses, separate building, contents, equipment, and reopening records.
Official resources and related cleanup paths
Tropical storm remnants and Hill Country flash flooding
1978 Tropical Storm Amelia Hill Country Flood
Jul 30, 1978 to Aug 5, 1978
View event detail pageThe remnants of Tropical Storm Amelia became a major Hill Country flood lesson. WPC and USGS records connect the event to severe flooding, rapid runoff, and streamflow records after a weak tropical system moved inland.
Hill CountryCentral TexasNorth Central Texas
What happened
- A weak tropical storm made landfall near the lower Texas coast, then its remnants produced intense inland rainfall.
- Hill Country terrain and creek systems amplified runoff and produced deadly flash flooding.
- USGS later documented central Texas flood data tied to the event.
Regions affected
- Medina
- Bandera
- Kerr County area
- Austin region
- Brazos basin
Cleanup lessons
- A weak tropical storm can still create a major inland flood if rainfall stalls over steep terrain.
- Low-water crossings and creekside structures need a safety-first reentry mindset.
- Cabins, short-term rentals, and rural homes should document access roads and exterior debris fields.
Documentation reminders
- Keep photos of low-water crossings, creek debris, and foundation exposure.
- Record access limitations if cleanup or inspection was delayed by washed-out roads.
- Track local official instructions before permanent repairs near waterways.
Official resources and related cleanup paths
Hurricane remnants and Rio Grande flooding
1954 Hurricane Alice Rio Grande Flood
Jun 26, 1954 to Jun 28, 1954
View event detail pageHurricane Alice produced a severe Rio Grande flood during a drought period. NWS history describes extraordinary river crests, heavy rainfall around Pandale, and major impacts from the Pecos River to border communities.
Rio GrandeSouth TexasWest TexasBorder communities
What happened
- The storm moved up the Rio Grande region and produced extreme river flooding.
- Flooding affected border communities and tributary watersheds, including areas around Del Rio, Eagle Pass, Laredo, and Ozona.
- The flood became part of the long record used to understand Rio Grande and tributary flood risk.
Regions affected
- Del Rio
- Eagle Pass
- Laredo
- Ozona
- Comstock
Cleanup lessons
- Drought does not remove flood risk; dry channels can become destructive when tropical moisture arrives.
- River flooding can arrive as a downstream crest after rainfall ends upstream.
- Border and rural communities may need extra documentation around access, roads, utilities, and timing.
Documentation reminders
- Record river crest timing and upstream/downstream official notices.
- Keep photos of sediment, debris, bridge access, and exterior waterlines.
- Separate floodwater damage from roof, plumbing, or appliance water when documenting interiors.
Official resources and related cleanup paths
Official resources
Related Texas guides
Remnant tropical cyclone and flash flooding
1921 Central Texas, Thrall, and San Antonio Flood
Sep 8, 1921 to Sep 10, 1921
View event detail pageThe 1921 flood is one of the defining events in Texas flood memory. NWS and USGS records describe extreme rainfall from San Antonio north toward Williamson County, including the famous Thrall rainfall record and deadly overnight flooding.
Central TexasSan AntonioWilliamson CountyTaylor and Thrall area
What happened
- A tropical system moved inland from Mexico and helped produce intense rainfall over South Central Texas.
- San Antonio experienced destructive flooding along the San Antonio River, and the Thrall area recorded extreme short-duration rainfall.
- The event shaped future flood-control decisions, including San Antonio's flood-retention infrastructure.
Regions affected
- San Antonio
- Thrall
- Taylor
- Williamson County
- Travis County
Cleanup lessons
- Hill Country and Balcones Escarpment storms can become dangerous faster than surface water clues suggest.
- Nighttime flash flooding leaves little time for documentation; safety and evacuation warnings come first.
- Flood history matters when evaluating creek, river, low-water crossing, and floodplain exposure.
Documentation reminders
- Document high-water marks, debris lines, and water paths when safe after the event.
- Keep local official instructions and floodplain records with repair documents.
- Record whether damage came from river rise, creek overflow, drainage, or roof/plumbing sources.
Official resources and related cleanup paths
How to use the archive
Turn Texas history into better cleanup decisions
This timeline is not here for disaster spectacle. It helps Texans recognize patterns: Hill Country water rises fast, Houston bayous and drainage can overwhelm slab homes, coastal storms can mix wind and water, South Texas heat complicates drying, East Texas rural properties need access notes, and freeze events can produce interior water damage without rain.
Compare your region to past events before assuming the source of water.Use official links to preserve the disaster context, declaration, or weather record.Document before cleanup when safe, then keep a timeline as rooms change.Separate floodwater, roof water, plumbing water, sewage, contents, and business interruption.Use chat or the recovery toolkit when the damage summary needs structure.
Archive method
Event summaries are written from official and high-quality public resources where available. They do not claim TexasFloodCleanup.com performed work during any event, had crews in the area, or has an office in any affected city. Current entries should be expanded as official after-action reports, disaster pages, county records, and NWS summaries mature.
FAQ
What should I do first after floodwater enters a Texas home or business?
Start with safety. Stay out if there is standing water near electricity, structural damage, gas odor, sewage, chemical contamination, unstable flooring, or local warnings. If it is safe to enter, document damage with photos and video before moving items, then begin water removal and drying or start a live chat to describe the damage.
Does homeowners insurance cover flood cleanup in Texas?
Coverage depends on the policy and the source of water. Texas Department of Insurance guidance says standard home policies generally do not cover flood damage from rising water and that flood insurance is separate. Sudden accidental plumbing water, roof-openings from covered wind damage, sewer backups, and mold may be handled differently depending on endorsements and exclusions.
How quickly can mold become a concern after flooding?
Mold risk can develop quickly when wet materials remain damp, especially in Texas humidity. The practical goal is to remove standing water, expose wet materials, reduce indoor humidity, and verify drying as soon as conditions are safe. No site can guarantee mold prevention, especially after contaminated water or delayed drying.
Is sewage backup cleanup safe to do myself?
Sewage and black water can contain pathogens and other contaminants. Avoid contact, keep children and pets away, and do not use electrical equipment in wet contaminated areas. Large or contaminated losses usually require professional cleanup, controlled removal, cleaning, disinfection, drying, and documentation.
Can cleanup start before an insurance adjuster sees the property?
You should follow your policy, adjuster, FEMA, TDEM, and local instructions, but many official recovery resources emphasize documenting damage and taking reasonable steps to prevent additional damage when it is safe. Take photos and videos first, keep samples or lists when requested, separate damaged and undamaged items, and save receipts.
Sources
- National Weather Service: Flooding in Texas
- National Hurricane Center: Tropical Cyclone Report: Tropical Storm Allison
- National Hurricane Center: Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Harvey
- NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information: The Great Texas Freeze: February 11-20, 2021
- Federal Emergency Management Agency: Texas Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding
- Texas Division of Emergency Management: Active Disaster Declarations
- NASA Applied Sciences: Texas Flooding July 2025
- Texas Division of Emergency Management: Disasters
- Texas Division of Emergency Management: Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool
- Federal Emergency Management Agency: How to Document Damages After Severe Weather Events
- National Flood Insurance Program / FloodSmart: Recovering Financially After a Flood
- Texas Water Development Board: State Flood Planning
- Texas Water Development Board: Data, Apps and Maps
- TexasFlood.org: Recovery
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Safety Guidelines: Reentering Your Flooded Home
- Federal Emergency Management Agency: Starting Your Recovery After a Flood
- Texas Department of Insurance: Flood Insurance
- Texas Department of Insurance: When are water damage and mold covered by insurance?
- Texas Water Development Board: State Flood Plan
- National Weather Service: Flood Safety
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Flood Cleanup to Protect Indoor Air and Your Health
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Flooded Homes Cleanup Guidance
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Guidelines for Cleaning Safely After a Disaster