Texas is one of the largest states in the country, with 367 miles of coastline along the Gulf of Mexico. If you’re considering moving to or visiting Texas, you may have some concerns about all this coastline, especially when you consider the possibility of floods. Which parts of Texas experience the least amount of flooding?
There are several cities in Texas that are not prone to flooding, including Amarillo, Loredo, and El Paso. These cities experience less flooding due to their elevation and low risk of severe weather.
Below, we’ll discuss more information on the best areas of Texas to visit if you want to avoid floods. Keep reading to learn where to go, where to stay away from, and how to keep yourself safe if you’re caught in a flood!
What Parts of Texas Don’t Flood?
Texas, the Lone Star State, is known for its rambling ranches full of long-horned cattle. It’s also home to the Dallas Cowboys and “Texas tea,” or oil!
Unfortunately, many areas in Texas experience frequent flooding. This is sometimes due to their proximity to the beach. Other times, it’s because of outdated drainage systems in the area.
Luckily, however, there are also cities in Texas that are not prone to flooding. These include:
- Amarillo
- Rockwall
- El Paso
- Laredo
- Victoria
- College Station
Below, we’ll discuss more information about these cities.
Amarillo
Amarillo, Texas, a popular stop along Route 66 and home of the Big Texan Steak Ranch, is one of the safest cities in the country as far as flooding concerns go. It has a flood risk score of zero, and it’s also quite safe from things like lightning and hail.
Rockwall
Rockwall is famous for its underground stone formations. Like Amarillo, Rockwall has a flood risk score of zero, as well as low risk rates for tornadoes, hail, and other severe weather.
El Paso
Known as “Sun City,” El Paso is located at the state’s tip and is the largest city on this list. It averages 302 days of sun each year and has a low risk of tornadoes, lightning, and, most importantly, flooding.
Laredo
Laredo is another large city in Texas and the home of Casa Ortiz, the oldest continuously occupied residence in the state.
Located in Southwestern Texas and covering 90 square miles of Webb County, Laredo has a very low risk for flooding.
Victoria
Victoria, Texas is named after General Guadalupe Victoria, the first president of Mexico after the country gained its independence. This is a great city to live in or visit due to its low risk of tornadoes and flooding.
College Station
College Station is home to Texas A&M University, making it a great city to live in or visit if you enjoy college football. This college town is also one of the safest cities in Texas due to its low flood risk.
Which Areas in Texas Are Most Prone to Flooding?
While there are many areas in Texas perfect for anyone who wants to avoid flooding, there are also a few cities to avoid.
Austin, an up-and-coming city that lies in Central Texas, has the highest flood risk of any city in the state. It’s in the heart of what’s known as “flash flood alley” due to its rocky terrain, clay-rich soil, and steep hills, making it the perfect setup for flooding.
San Antonio, Texas is another area to avoid if you don’t want to get caught in a flood. Home to the San Antonio River, this city is also part of Texas’s flash flood alley. The San Antonio Tunnels, completed in 1997, were even built to reduce flood damage in the city.
Tips for Staying Safe in a Flood
If you do live in or visit an area of Texas known for flooding, keeping yourself prepared is essential. Floods can be extremely dangerous, especially flash floods,
Here are a few safety tips to follow to stay safe if you get caught in a flood:
- Move to higher ground immediately. If you can, evacuate and move to a higher part of town. If a flash flood occurs, move to a higher floor in your building.
- Do not attempt to drive through a flooded road. It only takes a foot of water to sweep a car off the road.
- Do not drive around a barricade. Barricades are put in place because the route beyond it has already been deemed unsafe.
- Place sandbags around all doors in your home. These will prevent water from flooding your home for as long as possible.
Keeping these tips in mind can not only save your vehicle or vacation, but save your life as well.
In Conclusion
Flash floods are a common danger in certain parts of Texas. But, a few areas are less prone to flooding than others.
If you want to avoid flooding in Texas, consider visiting a city like Amarillo, El Paso, or College Station. Avoid areas around Austin and San Antonio, which are part of Texas’s “flash flood alley.”
