Mecklenburg County Crews Study Flooding Patterns

As floodwaters gushed from Charlotte homes, Mecklenburg County engineers worked to measure every inch of it.

Those crews are using Tuesday's water levels to redraw floodplain maps. The maps will not only help decide zoning ordinances but also flood insurance guidelines.

One flooding victim, Celia Flock, said she has to replace the duct work under her Myers Park home after Tuesday's flooding near Park Road. She lives in an area where several homes have already been bought out.

"They say you'll have a flood every 100 years. Well, this is the third 100-year flood I've had since 1991," she said.

County officials admit sprawling development does play a role in increased flooding.

"The more concrete you put on the ground, the less place there is for (the water) to go, so we're bearing the brunt of it being downstream," said homeowner Marie Winget.

Engineers said it's not only development that adds to flooding, but also simple weather patterns.

Tim Trautman with Stormwater Services said that is why new floodplain maps are needed so badly.

“Flooding is not going to go away anytime soon. It's a real issue for Charlotte and for many other areas across that country. That's why it is important we have accurate information for the public," he said.

To prevent more flood damage down the road, county engineers will try to learn from every severe weather event.

The county is coming out with preliminary maps in August or September. Then there will be a series of public meetings.