Devastating Texas Floods Expose Failures, Real Estate at Risk
Key Takeaways Insurance costs are skyrocketing in flood-prone areas, directly impacting cap rates and resale values. Resilient development, including elevated homes and floodproof materials, may offer new ROI paths. Floodplain zoning and emergency alert reform could redefine property values in Texas and beyond. Texas Floods Cause Heartbreaking Losses, Broken Infrastructure Central and South Texas, especially the Hill Country, were hit by catastrophic flash floods over the July 4 weekend. The Guadalupe River rose to record-breaking levels, overwhelmed by torrential rainfall up to 20 inches in some areas in just hours. The flash flood emergency claimed at least 134 lives and left more than 100 missing. Entire RV communities and trailer parks were wiped out, many with no flood insurance. Systemic Failure in Flood Preparedness Kerr County did not adopt a comprehensive flood alert system, citing cost concerns. That failure delayed warnings. Firefighters reportedly requested aler...