After a tragedy, records from local archives can help us understand how a community understands itself. Here’s some of what we learned following the devastating July 4 flooding in Texas.

The first State Flood Plan, published last year, identified $54 billion in flood mitigation, warning and data needs. The state has awarded around $660 million since the plan was published, with a special legislative session coming.

After hours of waiting and praying in the attic, the water stopped rising and the family was rescued. A first responder helped Matteson, wearing a navy and pink floral dress and quilted white jacket, into the back of a car. Her family survived. Their home was not so lucky.

After recent flooding tragedies in Texas, New Mexico and North Carolina, St. Johns River Water Management District officials say that won't happen here.

The National Weather Service urged people to avoid travel if a flash flood warning was in place for their area.

While FEMA has improved the accuracy and accessibility of the maps over time with better data, digital tools and community input, the maps still don't capture everything.

Kerr County failed to fund a life-saving flood warning system due to denied grants and federal cuts, exposing residents to rising risks from extreme weather. The post Kerr County Struggles With Funding As Flood Risks Rise appeared first on weather-fox.