Atlas 14: Texas Rainfall Frequency Value Updates

In case you missed it, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released a comprehensive study related to rainfall in Texas and how it impacts flood risks. Known as Atlas 14, the report entails nearly 60 years of new rainfall data consequential to improvements associated with spatial interpolation and mapping, the application of regional frequency analysis, and denser data networks with a greater period of record.

Resource: NOAA

Ultimately, rainfall data from Atlas 14 indicates an increased risk of flooding. Could this new study affect you? If you happen to live or do business near Austin, Houston, or San Antonio, it just might. In light of this new data, city officials have recognized that the increased risk of flooding has a vast impact on varying attributes within their cities, such as: people; property; flood insurance; development; remodeling; pipes; ponds; and flood walls. In accordance with the release of Atlas 14, the city of Austin has taken steps towards redefining their previous definition of the 100-year storm; increasing their rainfall intensity threshold from 10.2 inches to 13+ inches,  which is their current definition of a 500-year storm. In addition, the city of Houston has updated their floodplain maps, and the city of San Antonio has updated their floodplain mapping and guidelines of what is required when developing within the floodplain.

 Westward’s engineers, environmental compliance specialists, and ecologists use this data to help clients in infrastructure design and flood risk management. Click on the link for more details or reach out to us to learn more.