Neches River, Texas Flood Stages

Defining Flood Stages

• The U.S. National Weather Service defines flood stages according to how far over the river's banks flood waters rise. Different sections of one river can have moderate or major flooding. For example, the Neches River near Beaumont, Texas floods at only 4 feet, but near Town Bluff the flood stage begins at 64 feet. Flood impacts are defined by how flooding affects dams, bridges and other structures near the river.

Action Stage

• The action stage of flooding means that an action needs to be taken by a government agency to prevent or repair damage due to flooding. This stage doesn't necessarily indicate a level of flooding, but action stages can be put into effect by a weather service before or after flooding. On the Neches River in Texas, action stages are generally at the same level or just below the flood stage.

Flood Stage

• The flood stage, sometimes called a bankful, is when water flows over the river's banks and possibly into low-lying fields. Generally, the flood stage is the least severe stage of flooding and simply indicates that flooding has occurred. This stage can occur several times in a year, but the flood stage generally doesn't cause damage to businesses, public roads or private homes.

Moderate Flood Stage

• A moderate flood stage generally means that lowland areas will flood, including boat ramps near lakes, private homes near the river and roadways in low-lying areas. During moderate flood stages, ranchers near the Neches River are advised by weather services to move farm equipment and livestock to higher ground. Some roadways may be underwater.

Major Flood Stage

• The major flood stage indicates that severe flooding has occurred near the Neches River in Texas. A major flood stage means that homes and ranches near the river will be flooded, and individuals should move private property and livestock to higher ground, if possible. Many roads, such as Highway 21, will also be closed due to high water, as will state and national parks. A major flood stage can also be declared if moderate flooding occurs for several days.