Floods occur when land is inundated by the rise and overflow of a body of water. They usually come about when water from heavy rainfall or from melting ice and snow exceeds the carrying capacity of the river system, lake or ocean that carries the water.

In some cases, the combined flow of several swelled rivers causes flooding along the river bank or shoreline; in others, hurricane-propelled storm surges push water onshore. Flash floods occur when intense, brief rainstorms or dam or levee bursts result in torrential flows of water..

The presence of the San Jacinto River System, Lake Conroe, other manmade lakes and a climate characterized by rainy periods combine to make Montgomery County highly susceptible to flooding.

Montgomery County was part of the Southeast Texas region affected by torrential downpours in mid October 2006.  Four Houston residents died in the storm's floods, and Conroe topped the area rainfall, 11.71 inches.

For information about how to prepare for floods and other natural hazards, consult the Montgomery County Emergency Management web site: www.co.montgomery.tx.us/mctxoem