Federal funds fuel flood recovery From the cover
What happened
destroyed much of the progress made. “It was devastating,” said Kharley Smith, former Hays County’ emergency management coordinator. “Disaster survivors had done so much work ... only to face destruction again.” Many families, like Gleason’s, had just returned home after months of repairs. “It was a kick in the teeth,” Gleason said.
surged from around 9 feet to 40 feet overnight, rising 5 feet every 15 minutes. In San Marcos, it crested at 43.08 feet, after being below 15 feet just hours earlier. The community began recovery as the county was declared a federal disaster area. Less than six months later, the All Saints flood hit. Thanks to improved efforts, no lives were lost. Still, the flood
The Memorial Day flood struck on May 23-24, 2015, causing the Blanco River to rise rapidly and overflow into the surrounding areas, according to the National Weather Service. Wimberley and San Marcos were among the hardest hit, suffering catastrophic property damage and 11 deaths. Saturated ground turned stormwater into dangerous runoff. In Wimberley, the Blanco River
Blanco River gauges
San Marcos - times during May 24, 2015 Water level
Wimberley - times during May 23-24, 2015 Water level
Record flood stage
Record flood stage
43.08 ft
50ft
50ft
40.21 ft
40ft
40ft
30ft
30ft
20ft
20ft
10ft
10ft
0ft
0ft
NOTE: SAN MARCOS DATA RECORDED AT DIFFERENT INTERVALS SOURCE: NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE/COMMUNITY IMPACT
Next steps
San Marcos homes affected by flooding
Affected
Minor damage
Major damage
Destroyed
Flood debris destroyed homes, blocked drains and uprooted trees. Emergency services were overwhelmed, prompting National Guard deploy- ment and helicopter rescues. Relief groups like the Red Cross and Samaritan’s Purse assisted, with shelters set up in churches, schools and community centers, according to current San Marcos mayor Jane Hughson, then a council member. In response, the Blanco River Regional Recov- ery Team, or BR3T, formed to support long-term recovery. It now serves four counties, helping residents rebuild and access resources, President Earl Bolls said. Hays County has since upgraded emergency infrastructure and now uses the federal Integrated Public Alert and Warning System alert system, Emergency Services Director Mike Jones said. The county installed 30 flood monitors , with plans for more, as well as implementing Perry Weather systems for improved early warnings.
All Saints flood
Memorial Day flood
150
500 400 300
100
200
50
100
0
0
Multifamily homes
Mobile homes
Multifamily homes
Mobile homes
Single-family homes
Single-family homes
Single/multifamily homes Affected: 0-6 in. of water Minor damage: 6-18 in. (may affect electrical, insulation) Major damage: 18-48 in. Further assessment needed: over 48 in. Destroyed: total loss
Mobile homes Affected: water reaches up to 12 in. below floor Minor damage: within 12 in. below to 3 in. above floor Major damage: 3-12 in. above floor Further assessment needed: over 12 in. Destroyed: total loss
SOURCE: CITY OF SAN MARCOS/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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