How to Prepare for Fort Worth Flash Floods

Fort Worth, Texas, is a vibrant urban center known for its rich history, booming economy, and expansive parks. But beneath its lively surface lies a hidden threat: flash floods. Located in the heart of North Texas, Fort Worth sits within a region prone to sudden, intense rainfall events—especially during spring and early summer. The city’s topography, with its rolling hills, narrow creek beds, and aging drainage infrastructure, makes it particularly vulnerable to rapid water accumulation. Flash floods can strike with little warning, turning streets into rivers, sweeping away vehicles, and endangering lives in minutes. Unlike slow-rising river floods, flash floods develop within minutes or hours of heavy rain, leaving residents with minimal time to react. Preparing for these events isn’t just advisable—it’s essential for survival. This guide provides a comprehensive, actionable roadmap to help Fort Worth residents understand, prepare for, and respond to flash floods with confidence and clarity.

Step-by-Step Guide

Understand Your Risk Level

Not all neighborhoods in Fort Worth face the same flood risk. The first step in preparation is determining whether your home, workplace, or frequent destinations lie within a flood-prone zone. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) maintains Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), which classify areas into different risk categories: low, moderate, and high. Visit FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center and enter your address to view your official flood zone designation. Pay special attention to zones labeled AE, VE, or X (shaded)—these indicate moderate to high risk. Even if you live outside a designated floodplain, don’t assume safety. Many flash floods occur in areas previously considered low-risk due to changes in land use, drainage patterns, or climate conditions. Local government resources, including the City of Fort Worth’s Public Works Department, also provide interactive flood hazard maps that highlight known flood-prone corridors such as the Trinity River tributaries, Clear Fork, and the West Fork of the Trinity.

Build a Flood Emergency Kit

When a flash flood warning is issued, you may have only minutes to evacuate or shelter in place. A well-stocked emergency kit ensures you can survive for at least 72 hours without external assistance. Your kit should include:

• Water: One gallon per person per day for drinking and sanitation. Store a minimum of three days’ supply.
• Non-perishable food: Canned goods, energy bars, dried fruits, and ready-to-eat meals. Avoid items requiring refrigeration or cooking.
• Flashlight and extra batteries: Power outages are common during floods. LED flashlights are energy-efficient and reliable.
• First aid kit: Include bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, prescription medications, and any personal medical supplies.
• Important documents: Store copies of identification, insurance policies, property deeds, and medical records in a waterproof container or sealed plastic bag.
• Portable phone charger: A solar-powered or hand-crank charger ensures communication remains possible.
• Blankets and warm clothing: Even in summer, floodwaters can cause rapid drops in body temperature.
• Tools: A multi-tool, wrench (to shut off utilities), and duct tape.
• Sanitation items: Wet wipes, garbage bags, toilet paper, and hand sanitizer.

Store your kit in an easily accessible location—preferably on an upper floor or elevated shelf—to prevent water damage. Check and replace items every six months to ensure freshness and functionality.

Develop a Family Communication Plan

In the chaos of a flash flood, communication can break down quickly. Establish a clear plan with all household members. Designate a primary and secondary meeting point outside your neighborhood—such as a relative’s home in a higher-elevation area or a community center. Choose an out-of-town contact person who can relay messages if local lines are overwhelmed. Ensure every family member knows how to send a text message (texts often work when calls don’t) and how to use emergency alert apps. Teach children how to call 911 and recite their full name, address, and emergency contact. Practice your plan quarterly so it becomes second nature. Include pets in your plan—know which shelters accept animals and have carriers, food, and leashes ready.

Prepare Your Home for Flood Events

Structural modifications can significantly reduce flood damage. Start by elevating critical utilities: relocate furnaces, water heaters, and electrical panels at least one foot above the base flood elevation. Install check valves in plumbing to prevent floodwater from backing up into drains. Seal basement walls with waterproofing compounds and install sump pumps with battery backups. Consider installing flood barriers—portable or permanent—over doorways and basement windows. If you live near a creek or drainage ditch, clear debris from gutters, downspouts, and storm drains regularly to maintain water flow. Avoid landscaping that directs water toward your foundation; instead, use grading techniques to slope soil away from your home. For long-term resilience, consider raising your home on piers or converting your basement into a dry storage area rather than living space.

Know Your Evacuation Routes

Never rely on a single route during a flood emergency. Identify at least two primary and one alternate evacuation path from your home. Use the City of Fort Worth’s official transportation maps to identify major roads that remain passable during heavy rain—typically higher-elevation arteries like I-35, I-820, and State Highway 121. Avoid low-lying streets such as those along the Clear Fork of the Trinity, Richland Creek, or the West Fork. Practice driving these routes during daylight hours to familiarize yourself with landmarks and potential hazards. Keep your vehicle’s gas tank at least half full at all times during flood season. If you live in a multi-story building, know the location of stairwells and emergency exits. Never use elevators during a flood or power outage.

Monitor Weather Alerts Reliably

Flash floods often develop too quickly for traditional weather forecasts to provide adequate lead time. Rely on multiple real-time alert systems. Enable Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) on your smartphone—they are automatically sent during flash flood warnings issued by the National Weather Service. Download trusted weather apps such as the National Weather Service app, Weather Underground, or AccuWeather, which offer hyperlocal radar and minute-by-minute precipitation tracking. Subscribe to Fort Worth’s emergency notification system, CodeRed, which sends alerts via phone, text, or email. Tune into local radio stations like KERA 90.1 or WBAP 820 AM during severe weather—they provide continuous updates and safety instructions. Never wait for rain to start before taking action. If a flash flood watch is issued, begin preparing immediately. If a warning is issued, act without delay.

Practice Safe Evacuation and Sheltering

If evacuation is ordered, leave immediately. Do not delay to gather belongings. Turn off utilities at the main switches if time permits, but never risk your life to do so. If you are unable to evacuate, move to the highest floor of your home and avoid basements. Do not climb into attics unless you are certain the roof will hold. Stay away from windows and exterior walls. If floodwaters rise rapidly, move to the roof only as a last resort and signal for help using a flashlight, brightly colored cloth, or whistle. Never attempt to walk, swim, or drive through floodwaters. Just six inches of moving water can knock an adult off their feet; twelve inches can carry away most cars. Remember: “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”

Best Practices

Stay Informed Year-Round

Preparation isn’t a seasonal task—it’s a continuous habit. Attend community preparedness workshops hosted by the Fort Worth Fire Department or Tarrant County Emergency Management. Subscribe to newsletters from local emergency agencies. Follow official social media accounts for real-time updates during events. Review your flood plan every spring before the rainy season begins. Update your emergency kit, test your sump pump, and check your insurance coverage. Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme rainfall events in North Texas. What was once a rare occurrence is now becoming more common. Staying informed ensures your preparedness evolves with the threat.

Insurance Is Not Optional

Standard homeowners’ insurance does not cover flood damage. You must purchase a separate policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private insurer. If you live in a high-risk zone, your mortgage lender may require it. Even if you’re in a low-risk area, nearly 25% of NFIP claims come from properties outside mapped floodplains. Review your policy annually. Ensure it covers both structural damage and personal property. Document your belongings with photos or video before a flood occurs. Store digital copies in the cloud. Understand your deductible and coverage limits. Filing a claim after a flood is stressful enough—don’t add the burden of inadequate coverage.

Protect Your Vehicle

During flash flood season, park your car on higher ground. Avoid parking in low-lying areas, under bridges, or near drainage channels. If you live near a creek or river, consider storing your vehicle in a garage or elevated lot. If floodwaters surround your vehicle, do not attempt to start it. Water in the engine can cause catastrophic damage. If you must drive through standing water, proceed slowly and steadily to avoid creating a bow wave that could flood your engine. Never drive through flooded roadways—most flood-related fatalities occur in vehicles.

Teach Children and Elderly Family Members

Children and seniors are among the most vulnerable during emergencies. Teach children simple flood safety rules: “Never play near water during storms,” “Stay away from downed power lines,” and “Tell a grown-up if you see water rising.” Use age-appropriate books or videos to reinforce these messages. For elderly relatives, ensure they have access to emergency alerts via phone or tablet. If they have mobility challenges, arrange for neighbors or friends to assist during evacuations. Keep a printed copy of the emergency plan in large print near their bed or favorite chair.

Community Resilience Matters

Preparedness is stronger when shared. Form or join a neighborhood watch focused on flood safety. Share resources, check on vulnerable neighbors, and organize drills. Report blocked drains or damaged culverts to the City of Fort Worth’s 311 service. Advocate for improved drainage infrastructure and green spaces that absorb rainfall. Participate in community clean-up days to remove trash from waterways—debris contributes to flooding by clogging storm systems. Collective action reduces risk for everyone.

Maintain Mental and Emotional Readiness

Floods are traumatic events. The loss of property, displacement, and uncertainty can lead to anxiety and depression. Prepare emotionally by discussing potential scenarios with your family. Practice mindfulness or breathing techniques to manage stress. Know where to find mental health support after a disaster—local nonprofits like the American Red Cross and Tarrant County Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services offer post-event counseling. Recognize that recovery takes time. Prioritize rest, connection, and professional help when needed.

Tools and Resources

Official Government Platforms

• FEMA Flood Map Service Center: https://msc.fema.gov/portal — Access official flood zone maps and risk assessments.
• City of Fort Worth Public Works: https://www.fortworthtexas.gov/departments/public-works — View drainage projects, report clogged drains, and access flood preparedness guides.
• Tarrant County Emergency Management: https://www.tarrantcounty.com/en/emergency-management.html — Get county-wide alerts, evacuation routes, and shelter locations.
• National Weather Service – Fort Worth: https://www.weather.gov/fwd/ — Real-time forecasts, flood watches, and warnings specific to the region.

Mobile Applications

• National Weather Service App: Official alerts with push notifications for flash floods, tornadoes, and severe thunderstorms.
• MyRadar: Live radar with precipitation tracking and storm cell movement for North Texas.
• CodeRed: Fort Worth’s emergency notification system—sign up at https://www.fortworthtexas.gov/311/codered.
• Red Cross Emergency App: Includes safety tips, first aid instructions, and shelter locators.

Community and Educational Materials

• Ready.gov Floods: https://www.ready.gov/floods — Comprehensive federal guide on flood preparedness.
• Texas A&M AgriLife Extension: Offers free downloadable flood preparedness checklists and workshops for residents.
• Fort Worth Public Library: Hosts seasonal preparedness events and provides access to printed emergency guides.

Drainage and Infrastructure Tools

Use the City of Fort Worth’s Stormwater Management Dashboard to view active drainage projects and upcoming infrastructure improvements in your neighborhood. The city has invested in over $1 billion in flood mitigation projects since 2015, including channel widening, detention basins, and green infrastructure. Knowing where these projects are located helps you anticipate improvements and understand long-term risk reduction efforts.

Real Examples

The June 2019 Flash Flood Event

On June 1, 2019, Fort Worth experienced one of its most destructive flash flood events in recent memory. Over six inches of rain fell in less than four hours across the southern and eastern parts of the city. Clear Fork Creek overflowed, inundating neighborhoods near the Fort Worth Botanic Garden and the Tarrant County College Southeast Campus. More than 200 homes were damaged, and dozens of vehicles were swept away. Emergency crews rescued over 70 people from submerged vehicles and homes. One of the most telling stories came from a family in the Westover Hills area who had heeded a prior flood warning and moved their car to higher ground. When water rose to their front porch, they were able to safely evacuate on foot. Meanwhile, neighbors who ignored the warnings lost their vehicles and suffered thousands in water damage. This event underscored the life-saving value of preparation.

The May 2021 Storms and the I-35 Corridor

In May 2021, a series of thunderstorms dumped up to eight inches of rain in a 12-hour window. The I-35 corridor became a bottleneck of stalled vehicles as water pooled on the highway. Emergency responders reported that nearly every rescue involved a driver who attempted to cross a flooded overpass. One woman, trapped in her sedan near the I-35 and I-820 interchange, was rescued after using her phone’s flashlight to signal for help. She later credited her survival to a prior community workshop she attended, which emphasized never driving through floodwaters. Her story was featured in local news and became a cornerstone of the city’s “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” public awareness campaign.

The 2023 Spring Flooding in the Trinity River Basin

Spring 2023 brought record rainfall to the Trinity River watershed. The city’s new green infrastructure—bioswales, permeable pavement, and restored wetlands—helped mitigate flooding in areas like the Near Southside and River North. Residents who had installed rain gardens and disconnected downspouts from storm sewers reported significantly less water intrusion into their basements. This demonstrated the effectiveness of long-term, nature-based solutions. Meanwhile, older neighborhoods without modern drainage systems suffered repeated flooding, highlighting the disparity in resilience across the city. The event prompted renewed calls for equitable investment in flood infrastructure.

FAQs

How quickly can a flash flood develop in Fort Worth?

Flash floods in Fort Worth can develop in as little as 10 to 30 minutes after heavy rainfall begins. Areas near creeks, culverts, and low-lying streets are especially vulnerable. Rainfall rates exceeding one inch per hour are enough to trigger dangerous conditions.

Can I rely on my home insurance to cover flood damage?

No. Standard homeowners’ insurance policies exclude flood damage. You must purchase a separate flood insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program or a private insurer. Coverage must be in place for 30 days before it becomes effective.

What should I do if I’m trapped in my car during a flash flood?

Stay calm. If water is rising slowly, exit the vehicle immediately and move to higher ground. If water is rising rapidly, try to open the door. If water pressure prevents this, break a side window with a tool like a window punch or hammer. Do not wait for the car to fill with water—escape as soon as possible. Call 911 once you are safe.

Are some neighborhoods in Fort Worth safer than others?

Yes. Neighborhoods located on higher elevations—such as North Richland Hills border areas, parts of Haltom City, and the western edges near the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport—generally experience less flooding. Low-lying areas near creeks like Clear Fork, West Fork, and the Trinity River mainstem are at highest risk. Always check your specific address on FEMA’s flood maps.

Should I evacuate if a flood watch is issued, or wait for a warning?

A flood watch means conditions are favorable for flooding—begin preparing. A flood warning means flooding is imminent or occurring—evacuate immediately. Do not wait for water to rise before acting. The safest approach is to evacuate as soon as a watch is issued if you live in a high-risk zone.

How do I know if my sump pump is working properly?

Test your sump pump monthly by pouring a bucket of water into the pit. It should activate within seconds and pump water out efficiently. Check that the discharge pipe is clear and directs water at least 20 feet away from your foundation. Install a battery backup to ensure operation during power outages.

Can I use sandbags to protect my home?

Yes. Sandbags are an effective temporary barrier if placed correctly. Fill bags halfway with sand, stack them in a pyramid shape, and overlap each row like bricks. Seal gaps with soil or clay. Place them around doorways, basement windows, and garage entries. Purchase sandbags from hardware stores or order through the city’s emergency distribution program.

What should I do after a flood?

Do not return home until authorities declare it safe. Wear protective gear—gloves, boots, and masks—when entering flooded areas. Avoid electrical hazards—do not touch switches or outlets if they are wet. Document all damage with photos before cleaning. Contact your insurance provider immediately. Disinfect everything that came in contact with floodwater, as it may contain sewage and toxins. Seek professional help for mold remediation.

Is flooding becoming more common in Fort Worth?

Yes. Climate data shows that extreme rainfall events have increased by over 40% in North Texas since the 1950s. Warmer air holds more moisture, leading to heavier downpours. Urban development has also reduced natural absorption areas, worsening runoff. Fort Worth is experiencing more frequent and intense flood events than in previous decades.

Where can I get free flood preparedness materials?

The City of Fort Worth, Tarrant County, and the American Red Cross offer free printed guides, checklists, and workshops. Visit your local public library, community center, or check the websites listed in the Tools and Resources section.

Conclusion

Preparing for flash floods in Fort Worth is not a matter of if—but when. The city’s geography, climate patterns, and growing population make it increasingly vulnerable to sudden, life-threatening flooding. But with knowledge, planning, and community action, residents can dramatically reduce risk and protect what matters most. From understanding your flood zone and building an emergency kit to knowing evacuation routes and advocating for smarter infrastructure, every step you take builds resilience. Flash floods don’t discriminate—they can strike any neighborhood, any time of year. But preparedness is a choice, and that choice saves lives. Don’t wait for the next storm to remind you. Start today. Review your plan. Check your kit. Talk to your family. Share what you’ve learned. In the face of nature’s unpredictability, preparedness is your greatest defense. Fort Worth’s future depends not on perfect weather, but on people who are ready.