Recent weather events have hit communities across the country, leaving aftermaths of destruction and prompting local governments to reassess their strategies to combat flooding and extreme weather conditions. From Greenville, South Carolina to Carson City, Nevada, cities are taking lessons from recent hurricanes, floods, and changing weather patterns to strengthen their resilience to similar hazards.
Take Greenville, for example. After Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc on the region just this past September, the city realized the need for preparedness was more pressing than ever. The storm coerced local officials to reexamine the City of Greenville Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan, which had been originally crafted back in 2009. The city’s engineer, Paul Dow, emphasized the importance of regularly updating the plan, pointing out how hazards, available technology, and resource management evolve over time.
Paul Dow shared, "It’s important for the city to regularly revise the plan to make sure it is up to date, especially as hazards, technologies, and resources change." The city organized a 24-member disaster-mitigation committee, which brought together representatives from various sectors, including local schools and healthcare services, to assess the city’s risks and develop new mitigation strategies.
This newly revised plan proposes 34 initiatives categorized under prevention, public education, and emergency services, among others. Dow mentioned how valuable insights from Hurricane Helene informed their updates. One of the lessons learned was the necessity of synergy between power utility crews and city workers during event aftermaths, noting, "When Duke Power gets there, they need help with the tree. When the city gets there, they need help with power lines. Now we know immediately to get the two together as opposed to working separately because there was about a day lag in some of these places."
When officials sought community feedback, updates to the plan were unanimously welcomed. Once finalized, the revised plan will be submitted for approval to various emergency agencies, such as FEMA, and will then seek the city council's adoption.
Meanwhile, out west, Carson City is also taking innovative steps to mitigate flooding risks. The city is set to hold the Morgan Mill High-Water Mark Unveiling on November 14. The event aims to communicate to residents the importance of flood awareness and the effectiveness of open floodplain lands. These spaces are not merely absence of buildings; they serve as natural sponges, retaining moisture and minimizing damage during rainy seasons.
A FEMA-funded High-Water Mark Initiative is the backbone of this project, as it encourages communities to acknowledge their flood vulnerabilities and empowers them to plan strategically. According to Carlos Rendo from the Nevada Division of Water Resources, floods are the most common and costly weather-related disasters, exceeding damage from hurricanes, earthquakes, and wildfires combined.
"Floods happen everywhere—not just around oceans, lakes, and rivers. Just six inches of water in a home will cost more than $25,000 to repair," Rendo remarked, emphasizing how even small amounts of water can lead to significant financial burdens.
To combat this reality, Carson City has dedicated approximately 11 miles along the Carson River's banks as open space aimed at flood prevention and habitat preservation. This commitment benefits both the environment and aesthetics of the area, allowing for recreation and fostering wildlife habitats.
Integrative flood management is becoming increasingly important as local governments grapple with fluctuated weather patterns. Communities like Greenville and Carson City are learning to work smarter rather than harder by pooling their resources and knowledge, proving how adaptive planning can lay the groundwork for safer, more sustainable environments.
With comprehensive reviews of risk assessments, the importance of addressing underlying vulnerabilities, and building community relationships, both cities stand set to move forward without repeating the same mistakes they learned from. Whether by updating hazard mitigation plans or investing in open spaces for flood absorption, these municipalities are embracing resilience as necessary to combat future challenges posed by climate change.
It’s clear, as heavy rains continue to fall and storms grow fiercer, communities around the nation are recognizing the pressing need to be prepared for the unpredictable scenario of nature’s wrath. By reevaluations, community involvement efforts, and strategic planning, cities like Greenville and Carson City hope to shield their residents from becoming another statistic linked to flooding and its devastating effects.
