Could Granbury Be Next? What Texas’s Flash Flooding Means for Our Town
- Aaron Nolan
- Jul 20
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 7
Published by Granbury Grit | July 20, 2025Truth. Grit. Small-Town Power.
When we think of flooding in Texas, we usually imagine the big cities taking the brunt of it — Austin's streets turning into rivers or Houston turning into a bowl of water.
But recently, flash floods have surprised even the “unfloodable” spots, with heartbreaking results.
And now, the questions are flooding in faster than the rain:
Could Granbury be next? Are we in danger? Should we be prepping for flash floods or is this all just city panic?
Let’s dive into it. (Pun intended.)
🌀 What Just Happened in Texas?
If you've seen the news, you've probably felt that pit in your stomach. Several counties across Central Texas were devastated by rapid flooding, turning creeks into whitewater rapids and roads into dangerous traps.
The saddest part? Two sisters — found holding each other in the floodwaters. A gut-punch.
The kind of story that makes you pause, put down your coffee, and stare at your front porch like, Would I have time to get the kids out?
That’s not overdramatic. That’s prepared.
🗺️ Where’s Granbury on the Flood Map?
Okay, so let’s bring it back home.
Granbury is nestled beside Lake Granbury (a dammed portion of the Brazos River). While that sounds picturesque — and it is — it also puts certain parts of our town at risk.
Quick Facts:
✅ Most of Granbury isn’t in a FEMA “high-risk” flood zone.
⚠️ But low-lying areas — especially near creeks, drainage channels, and Lake Granbury — can and have flooded in the past.
⛈️ Flash flooding can happen anywhere, especially during “training storms” (when storms sit and dump rain over one area for hours).
In 2015, Granbury saw street-level flooding. In 2020, a few roads were closed due to water rising fast. So yeah, we’ve danced with danger before.
🔍 Am I in a Flood Zone?
Great question. Let’s find out — no guesswork here.
Step-by-Step:
Go to 👉 FEMA Flood Map
Type in your address.
Look for “Zone AE” or “Zone X.”
Zone AE = higher flood risk
Zone X = moderate or minimal risk
If your property is near a creek, a culvert, or downhill from a bigger neighborhood — that’s a sign to stay alert even if FEMA says you’re fine. Nature doesn’t always ask for permission.
👨👩👧 Real Talk: Could It Happen Here?
Let’s do a little pretend for a second: It’s been raining hard for 5 hours straight. Streets are slick. The lake’s getting choppy. You’re on the back porch, and you hear water rushing in the distance.
Would you know what to do?
Do your kids know?
Would your neighbor check on you, or vice versa?
We don’t need to live in fear. But we do need to live like people who love this town and take care of each other. And that means staying ready.
🧰 7 Smart (and Simple) Steps to Get Flood-Ready in Granbury
Here’s how to be the calm in the storm:
1. Know the High Ground
Figure out where the nearest high ground is. That might be a hill, a church parking lot, or your buddy's house up the ridge.
2. Build a Go-Bag
We’re not talking doomsday bunker here — just:
Phone charger (and backup battery)
Copies of IDs
Meds
Flashlight
Water & snacks
Blanket
Extra clothes
And yes, clean underwear (because… wet jeans = misery)
3. Register for Hood County Alerts
You’ll get texts about floods, tornadoes, and road closures. Do it now. 👉 CodeRED Emergency Alerts – Hood County
4. Check Your Insurance
Did you know flood damage isn’t covered by most basic homeowner policies? Call your agent and ask if you’re covered or if you need a separate plan.
5. Inspect Drainage Around Your Home
Make sure:
Gutters are clear
Drainage ditches aren’t clogged
Water can flow away from your foundation
6. Teach the Kids
If they're old enough to run the microwave, they’re old enough to learn where the emergency kit is and how to call 911.
7. Be a Neighbor, Not a Bystander
Some people will need help evacuating. Elderly folks. People with pets. Parents with babies. Be the person who checks in, not the person who “didn’t want to intrude.”
🌧️ If It Does Happen…
Granbury's got that old-school grit. We help each other. We don’t sit around filming disasters on our phones — we show up with towels, hot coffee, and whatever’s needed.
But that spirit only works if we all know the plan. So, take 20 minutes this week to prep. For yourself. For your family. For your town.
Let’s never see another tragedy like the one in Central Texas and say, “I wish I had known.” Let’s say: “We were ready.”
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No panic. Just presence. No fear. Just facts. That’s the Granbury Grit way.
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