We live in a very beautiful area with the Hill Country just to our west and lots of creeks and tributaries crisscrossing Central Texas.
But these two factors partner with our geography to earn Central Texas the nickname of "Flash Flood Alley."
"We're in an area where we have steep terrain. We're at the edge of the Hill Country where there is an abrupt change in elevation, so when it starts raining, the rain tends to run off very quickly. Also our soils, especially as you get out to the Hill Country, have very little soil in them, it's mostly rock so there's nothing to hold the water once it starts running," Lower Colorado River Authority Meteorologist Bob Rose said.
So, why do we get so much rain so quickly?
An ample supply of Gulf moisture in addition to Pacific and recycled land moisture all combine and interact with frequent cold fronts to give us rain storms.
Another factor is the uplift created by the nearby Hill Country.
"We tend to see some very high rainfall rates. We can get several inches of rain in just hours. So, you put all those factors together, and we are just prone to lots of floods," Rose said.
Texas leads the nation in flood fatalities with 612, followed by California, 255; South Dakota, 248; Virginia 241; and West Virginia, 240. It is also worth noting that most of these fatalities are vehicle related and are preventable.
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Be careful in storms
Learn how to protect yourself during flooding and lightning.
 
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Although flooding can occur at any time of the year here in Central Texas, it is much more likely to occur in the spring and fall when we get most of our severe weather.
Your best defense against this weather is to stay informed.
Head for higher ground and stay away from flood waters when you hear the following warnings on television or radio: a Flood Watch indicates that flooding is a possibility within the designated area. An Urban and Small Stream Advisory indicates flooding is occurring in small streams and low lying areas. And a Flood Warning means flooding has been reported or is imminent.
"You pick your favorite stream, all of these are hot spots, you know, from Bull Creek to Shoal Creek to even some of the tributaries of the Highland Lakes, Pedernales River, Llano River, all of the creeks in this area are susceptible to quick rises and flash flooding," Rose said.
Lightning comes in second to flooding when it comes to weather-related deaths. Lightning bolts can reach up to 50,000 degrees Farenheit.
What do you do when you're caught at a sporting event and the weather turns nasty? Preparation is the key.
"Get to know the community. What's the frequency of the weather radio in your area? What services are available? These things you have to know," Joe Arrellano of the National Weather Service said.
Have a plan in place. Before heading out the door check the forecast.
If you're caught outside and feel your skin tingle or hair stand on end, squat low to the ground on the balls of your feet. Place your hands on your knees with your head between them to make yourself the smallest target possible.
The 30/30 rule is a simple one to remember. When you see lightning, count the time until you hear thunder. If that time is 30 seconds or less, the thunderstorm is within 6 miles of you and is dangerous. Seek shelter immediately. The threat of lightning continues for much longer period than most people realize. Wait at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder before leaving shelter.
