Austin is in the middle of Central Texas’ “flash flood alley,” where there is a higher potential for high-magnitude flooding than in any other region of the United States.

Central Texas is in the path of weather from the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific coast of Mexico, as well as cold fronts that blast in from the Arctic and clash with the moisture from the Gulf. The Balcones Escarpment that runs through Austin also intensifies the effects of these weather conditions.

When Austin has heavy rainstorms, creeks often flood. There also may be flooding in streets, buildings and yards not from creeks, causing “local” or “localized” floods. All flooding can be hazardous for people and property. The goals of Austin’s flood control programs are to promote flood safety and to reduce the impacts of flooding to protect, lives, property and the environment.

Congress Avenue Bridge underwater during flood of April 23, 1915