100-Year-Floods. What are They?

4/30/2018 (Permalink)

Almost everyone is susceptible to flooding, especially those who live in low lying areas near bodies of water – especially during storm season. Flooding can happen at almost any time, and anywhere, in the United States. Coastal cities like Houston or Corpus Christi are especially at risk during hurricane season which happens from June to November, but peaks in August and September. Here in Grapevine/NE Tarrant County, we are more at-risk for flooding during the spring months.

When a flood does happen, you may hear reporters talk about a 100-year-flood, so what is it? We assume that it means the flood of the century. A historical flood only seen once within the last 100 years – even though they can occur two or three years in a row. The 100- year-flood is more about probability than it has to do with historical record.

The phrase ‘100-year-flood’ means that there is a 1 in 100 chance of a flood of that size occurring that year. It was a term made up in the 70's for insurance purposes, and is used to calculate who is required to get flood insurance and who isn’t. If you want to know if you live in a 100-year floodplain, you can check out a map here.

If you happen to live in a 100 year flood plain, and a flood does happen – give SERVPRO of Grapevine/NE Tarrant County a call! We can make it like it never happened with our 24/7 emergency services! 817.595.2506