Author: FCLID

Tropical Storm Nicholas Update

7:00 AM

As of this time, the Brazos River is predicted to stay well below critical levels, (Gauge 45 at Richmond) throughout this event, therefore normal drainage for areas south of SH 6 should not be influenced by river levels.  For areas north of SH 6, Oyster Creek may experience levels higher than normal as local rainfall amounts accumulate.

For all areas within the district, local rainfall may cause street ponding, but can be expected to drain off after rainfall stops.  Use caution when driving near ponded water.  Do not attempt to drive through ponded water above curb height.  Exercise usual preparatory measures, such as stocking water, non-perishable food and medications, and securing loose outdoor items.

Please monitor weather updates/alerts and Fort Bend County Homeland Security and Emergency Management (OEM).

Residents should also monitor their respective city websites and news releases (City of Sugar Land OEM or Missouri City OEM) for safety advisories or evacuation notices, as the situation can change rapidly.

Sugar Land Launching Real-Time Flood Warning System to Help Keep Residents Safe

HOUSTON, Texas (CW39) The City of Sugar Land recently launched a web-based tool, to provide residents and city engineers with real-time information on street flooding. The city hopes this will help residents make more informed decisions to protect life and property.

Called the Integrated Stormwater Management Model (ISWMM), it is a system of integrated drainage models that includes the entire city and its infrastructure assets. It is connected to the 28 rain gauges across the city that report real-time information during weather events which is used to create ponding maps.

The system gives:

  • public access to real-time ponding information;
  • the ability to send notifications about ponding, street flooding and potential street closures;
  • assistance in the planning of evacuation routes; and
  • assistance in evaluating current drainage infrastructure to more efficiently target drainage improvements.

“ISWMM is a sophisticated piece of technology that not many cities have. This technology is a good reflection of the commitment of Sugar Land to provide its residents with useful tools that can keep them out of harm’s way and save time and money for the City. Additionally, having ISWMM as a part of larger system that includes emergency alert and flood gauges will work to keep residents safe as major flood events impact our region and rainfall events continue to change.”

https://cw39.com/news/sugar-land-launching-real-time-flood-warning-system-to-help-keep-residents-safe

ATTN: Changes Coming for NFIP (Flood Insurance)

Should you buy flood insurance or not if you live within the boundaries of First Colony Levee Improvement District (FCLID)?  That is a question that each homeowner must ask themselves.  Whether you already have it or are considering it, here is something you need to know.

FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, is coming out with a new method of rating the flood risk of a property.  Their original method was with a product called Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM).  This methodology has not changed in over 50 years, but change is coming, and it will go into effect October 1, 2021.  This new method called Risk Rating 2.0 utilizes the latest technology available to assess the flood risk of a property.

With Risk Rating 2.0, FEMA estimates that 14% of Texas residents with an existing flood insurance policy will see an immediate decrease in their flood insurance premium; 79% of Texas residents with an existing flood insurance policy will see an immediate increase in their flood insurance premium that could range from $0 to $10 per month; 3% of Texas residents with an existing flood insurance policy will see an immediate increase in their flood insurance premium of $10 to $20 per month; and 4% of Texas residents with an existing flood insurance policy will see an immediate increase in their flood insurance premium greater than $20 per month.

We do not yet know how Risk Rating 2.0 will impact flood insurance prices in FCLID.  We do not know which category of premium change will include us.  However, if you already have flood insurance, you are grandfathered into how fast your flood insurance premium can increase.  It is federally mandated that a flood insurance premium cannot increase by more than 18% per year.

Therefore, we encourage you to get flood insurance. Contact your home insurance provider.  Since a flood insurance policy takes 30 days to go into effect, you must purchase your policy by September 1, 2021, for your policy to become effective prior to the effective date of Risk Rating 2.0.

Click here for additional information regarding Risk Rating 2.0.

Tropical Storm Beta Informational Update

As of Noon Sunday, September 20, 2020, the Brazos River Richmond gauge is at Stage 14.4 and is expected to continue falling over the next several days. Tropical Storm Beta is currently predicted to make landfall west of Fort Bend County on Monday evening, then make a turn to the northeast, with the Sugar Land/Missouri City area inside the cone of impacted areas. Rainfall predictions for the next 3 days are currently for as much as 10 inches, with most of that total predicted to occur on Monday. These conditions can create street ponding during the heavier rain bands, which should subside between bands.

The District’s Operator has implemented the Preparation Phase of the Emergency Action Plan. At this time, with the river predictions to be well below bank-full conditions, the District drainage facilities, both north and south of SH 6, will operate under gravity flow conditions. As conditions warrant, the District will post additional updates through this website and by text messaging for those residents signed up for that service.

Residents should monitor their respective City and County websites for information and news releases:

Critical Elevations within the District are shown on the District’s website.

Tropical Storm Imelda

First Colony LID’s emergency response team is monitoring the Brazos River and local rainfall predictions of this event. As of 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, 9/17/2019, the accumulated rainfall in the FCLID area is less than 1.5 inches. NWS predictions are for several more inches, possibly up to 12 inches in the next two days. With Brazos River at approximately 10 feet, the District will remain in full gravity flow conditions. Should intense cells fall over the area, isolated street ponding may occur, but should clear quickly after the rains ends. All usual precautions for heavy rainfall should be taken by residents. Further postings will be made should the NWS predictions change significantly.

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