How the City of Austin tracks flood potential, low water crossings

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- There is a program in the City of Austin that tracks rainfall in the area to keep people safe on the roads if a flood risk occurs.

The Flood Early Warning System, or FEWS, monitors rainfall, water levels and low water crossings in Austin 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, according to the city's website.

FEWS has a network of gauges that includes the following monitoring tools:

• 130 rain or creek level gauges
• Flashing lights or automated barricades at 15 low water crossings
• Gauge adjusted radar rainfall
• Cameras at low water crossings
• Predictive modeling and mapping

Scott Prinsen, the director of FEWS, joined KXAN Tuesday to explain why flash flooding is one of the biggest weather threats in Central Texas and talked about the system.

Prinsen said the Austin area is one of the most flood-prone areas in North America due to the geography and topography. He also said though a major flood hasn't occurred in a while, it's not a matter of if but when one hits again, and that Central Texans should be ready. Two good sources are

"Flooding is a fact of life here, and a big [flood] will come someday. So, the best way to get prepared is to just have a plan," Prinsen said.

He recommended that people visit ATXFloodSafety.com for a comprehensive list of links on everything to know about flooding and how to prepare.