How big a problem is flooding for Houston, according to the state’s plan?

HOUSTON – Already this year we have experienced quite a few strong storms, many of which flooded streets and houses. And sure, Houston is no stranger to flooding issues, but a new statewide flood plan shows how many people are susceptible to them.

WATCH: The story of the violent Houston-area storm told on video

This is the state’s first-ever flood plan. More than 5 million people, or one in six people, live or work in an area susceptible to flooding. In Champion Forest, for example, KPRC 2 reporter Bill Barajas spoke with neighbors Tuesday after storms hit them, causing flooding.

The plan, released earlier this month, estimates that nearly 1.3 million homes in Texas are in flood-prone areas. The Texas Water Development Board developed this plan and says it is an effort to reduce risk for these people (in these flood-prone areas) by providing solutions to protect Texas from more flooding and sea level rise.

MORE: Texas’ first-ever statewide flood plan estimates 5 million people live in flood-prone areas

There are several ideas to help combat flooding. Some of the recommendations include flood mitigation projects. Which could cost as much as $49 billion, but more than half would go to the Ike Dike project, a coastal barrier that would help protect our region from storm surge during hurricanes.

SEE ALSO: How strong were the wind gusts during Tuesday’s severe weather?

Another recommendation is a flood early warning system, which could help people know when to evacuate. This plan has been in the works for several years. The board needed to develop a plan in response to Hurricane Harvey.

The public can provide comments in Austin at a meeting on May 30, 2024, and submit them online. The council will have a plan to submit to the Legislature by September 1.