Catastrophic flooding struck central Texas on Friday as the Guadalupe River surged by more than 20 to 26 feet within 90 minutes, causing widespread devastation and forcing mass evacuations in Texas Hill Country. At least 80 people have been killed in the floods while others remain missing or displaced and more than 850 people required rescuing.

Less than 5% of homes in the county's FEMA floodplain had flood coverage, well below the national average. Uptake was even worse in other areas that flooded.

The bill represents the first of expected flood-related measures as lawmakers prepare to address the July 4 Central Texas disaster that exposed gaps in warning systems across the region.

Many Texas flood victims are now facing the harsh reality of insurance uncertainty, as questions mount over what damages will be covered.

Infrastructure related to flooding and other disasters must be treated as the top priority during the Texas Legislature’s special session that starts

It is not unheard of to have multiple “100-year floods” or "1,000-year floods” in the same year, says John Nielsen-Gammon, the Texas state climatologist.

Gov. Greg Abbott has promised to add flood response to the agenda for the July 21 special session, with an expected focus on alert systems and local recovery.

104 dead as hard-hit areas in Texas face new flooding risks: Recap. ... we know about Texas flood victims. ... organizations are accepting donations to help victims and assist in the recovery effort.

As a desperate search for survivors continues in the areas of Texas walloped by weekend floods, one reality persists: Americans and their properties are not prepared for the severe-weather impacts ...