Wimberley Floods: Better Prediction & Preparation

The Wimberley flooding has caught everyone by surprise.  Earlier this year, rains originating in Blanco, Texas, resulted in flash flooding more than 30 miles downstream in Wimberley.  320 homes were destroyed, an equal number incurred major damage, and 12 lives were lost.  More recently, rainfall in Wimberley caused additional flooding. 

Dr. David Maidment, in the Center for Research in Water Resources at UT Austin, is developing flood forecasting tools that provide more rapid and accurate prediction of extreme flood events in central Texas. He is working with Mr. Harry Evans, former Chief of Staff for the Austin Fire Department, to identify more effective early warning and flood response mapping.  Dr. Calvin Streeter, in the School of Social Work at UT Austin, has been at the forefront of developing new theories for community dynamics and organization in the face of such disasters.  This seminar is a novel and integrated presentation from these three leading experts on how to better predict and prepare for extreme flooding events in central Texas.  The seminar will be opened by the City Administrator of Wimberley, Don Ferguson, who will talk about the devastating effects of the flooding and the overwhelming community response.