Yes, Mesquite, Texas, does experience flooding, with certain areas facing notable risks from both surface water accumulation and overflowing rivers.
Understanding Flood Risk in Mesquite
Mesquite residents and property owners should be aware of the potential for flooding. Data indicates that buildings in the area, on average, have a significant likelihood of experiencing a flood event. This risk is quantified over a typical timeframe, giving an estimation of potential impact.
Here's a snapshot of the flood risk in Mesquite:
| Risk Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Average Flood Chance | Buildings in Mesquite face an average of approximately 38% chance of flooding over a 30-year period. |
| Typical Flood Depth | When flooding occurs, the average depth observed is around 1.7 feet. |
| High-Risk Localities | Out of 140 distinct census tracts in Mesquite, at least one tract shows that more than half of its buildings are at significant risk. |
Areas Most Affected
While flooding can occur throughout the city, there are specific pockets where the risk is considerably higher. In one particular census tract within Mesquite, more than 50% of the buildings are identified as having a significant risk of flooding. This highlights the importance of understanding local flood maps and elevation data for specific properties.
Types of Flooding in Mesquite
The flooding risks in Mesquite stem from two primary sources:
- Surface (Pluvial) Flooding: This occurs when heavy rainfall overwhelms drainage systems, and water accumulates on the ground, streets, and low-lying areas, independent of an overflowing body of water.
- Riverine (Fluvial) Flooding: This type of flooding happens when rivers, creeks, or other waterways overflow their banks due to excessive rainfall upstream or within the watershed, impacting adjacent land.
Understanding these different types of flooding helps in recognizing the varied ways water can impact properties in Mesquite.
