Floods

When Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina in September 2024, 100 lives were lost and thousands of homes were destroyed. Here, reporters dig into where things stand with FEMA payments, housing and roads.

The Texas Water Development Board would have to identify areas that have a history of severe flooding, and the local governments in those regions would be required to install and regularly test the siren systems.

A project to analyze flooding in south Chicago will eventually consist of about 50 sensors transmitting data in real time for analysts and emergency responders.

Gov. Greg Abbott said responding to the devastating July 4 floods is his top priority for a special legislative session that began Monday, including providing relief to victims and improving early warning systems.

Over 38,000 buildings that flooded in North Carolina between 1996 and 2020 were located in areas not identified as high risk — leaving many residents potentially unaware as flooding becomes more frequent and severe.

Plus, a study explores the digital divide for tribal households in Michigan, a report indicates that better broadband data can improve deployment efforts, states are advancing with the BEAD program, and more.

Following the deadly flash floods in Texas and ahead of a flood watch in Pennsylvania, the National Weather Service and FEMA offer tips on what to do before the water rises and how to stay safe when it does.

A preliminary estimate from Accuweather estimates millions of dollars in loss from flash flooding in the Hill Country over the Fourth of July weekend. The death toll now exceeds 100 and search and rescue efforts continue.

Emergency responders are using boats, drones, helicopters and horses to search the devastated Hill Country area. President Donald Trump signed a major disaster declaration Sunday for Kerr County.

The fee charged to residents would add millions to the county budget for cleaning canals and waterways and enhancing the stormwater system. Other Florida counties already charge a similar fee.

Gov. Andy Beshear said rivers and creeks in the state are at or above flood levels, with more rain forecast for later this week. Three storm-related deaths were reported as of Monday afternoon.

The presidential declaration applies to all of Kentucky's 120 counties and allows FEMA to provide emergency assistance. Much of the state is under a flood warning Friday, with rain expected to continue.

In response to widespread flooding last month, FEMA has approved Individual Assistance funding for residents in six West Virginia counties. Some victims may also now be eligible for food assistance from the USDA.

A preparedness exercise last week with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers simulated how the region would respond to a storm as intense as Hurricane Helene, which ravaged communities hundreds of miles from the coast.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said the number of deaths resulting from severe weather earlier this month has risen to 22 as of Monday. The state's application for individual FEMA assistance is pending.

As disasters like severe flooding in Appalachia become more regular occurrences, we must do more than celebrate community resilience. Investments in infrastructure and systems that can withstand major events are essential.

Residents in parts of West Virginia hit by severe flooding last week are encouraged to fill out forms reporting associated property damages. These surveys will help FEMA determine whether it can provide assistance.

Gov. Patrick Morrisey declared a state of emergency in 10 southern West Virginia counties, while Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin has submitted an Expedited Major Disaster Declaration to support ongoing recovery efforts.