As part of a soon-to-launch dashboard of interactive maps combining a variety of data sources that users can test out now, Zhang created a map that layers data on emergency shelters, traffic information, grocery store locations and more as Houston continues to recover. While the entire Houston metropolitan area, and beyond, will feel the impact of the storm, some are more vulnerable than others.Īn interactive map of median household income by census tract, according to 2015 Census estimates, reveals which neighborhoods might be the most vulnerable, particularly when looked at side by side with these others maps.Īnd finally, another interactive map, this time courtesy of Kinder Institute research analyst Mingming Zhang. The term natural disaster belies the often very man-made realities that help both shape the disaster itself and its outcomes. The map below just shows Harris County, but surroundings counties were also affected, including Fort Bend County where several communities were forced to evacuate. But many are flooding because they are in an area that the Army Corps actually considers to be inside the reservoirs." Some are flooding because of bad drainage in the neighborhood. "Some of them are flooding because they're along creeks and bayous that have also been overwhelmed. "Thousands of homes and structures surrounding the reservoirs have indeed already flooded," explained the Texas Tribune. As of Tuesday, though, they were not at risk of failing but that doesn't mean they weren't experiencing unprecedented water levels that forced controlled releases and pushed water around the auxiliary spillovers into nearby neighborhoods. There was also concern that the two major dams on the reservoirs - Barker and Addicks, both west of downtown - might fail. Green squares mean the water was in its banks while blue squares indicate an unknown status. The red markers indicate a spot where the water was over its banks, while the yellow warns of a potential breach. There's a lot more green on today's map showing the channel status of waterways across Harris County but on Sunday, not so much. The totals were record-breaking in some areas. Though hurricanes can bring damaging winds, one of the biggest dangers to Houston with Harvey was the overwhelming rainfall, measured in inches below, that quickly filled up reservoirs and bayous. But for folks who already understand some of the basics about Houston, these maps help illustrate what happened during Harvey and provide resources for people still in need.įirst, a look at rainfall totals over the past several days in Harris County from the Harris County Flood Control District. Emergency shelters are still providing relief for people displaced from the storm and the total impact of the storm has yet to be calculated.įor Houston beginners, maps showing just how many other cities could fit inside Houston's more than 600 square miles of land are a helpful way to put things in perspective when both talking about the scale of devastation from Harvey and the difficulty of rescue and cleanup efforts. As Harvey makes its way east, Houston is starting to see some sunshine and waters are receding from some roadways and bayous.
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