December 2015.
Dallas now has a new annual and monthly rainfall record – we can at once welcome the end of drought conditions and wonder will the record soon be broken again, and what the consequences would be.
With the 50th anniversary of the April 1966 Joe’s Creek flood approaching, this month would be a good time for homeowners whose property is located on or near the creek to check the updated flood maps.
Maps can be viewed online at www.floodsmart.gov, which also has information regarding flood insurance.
The 1966 flood washed out the bridge at Royal Lane, and caused extensive erosion and property damage along the creek west and south of Northaven Park.
A longtime Dallas resident, who was 19 years old then, recalled “in 1966 we lived on Kincaid Circle, south of Royal Lane and West of Marsh Lane. Our house flooded and we lost everything including 2 cars that ended up at Calvary Hill. We had to swim across the circle to get to the neighbor’s house.”
We are fortunate that Northaven Park is situated near the headwaters of Joe’s Creek, and also benefit along with all Dallas residents from flood control improvements that have been made over the years. Yet we are advised to continue to be watchful for obstructions in the creek or storm drains that could cause water to back up in a storm.
Vince Punaro, Creek Event Leader