Engineering for Extreme Weather: Lessons from Texas and North Carolina
As the premier provider of civil engineering, structural engineering, and environmental engineering services in North Carolina and Texas, JRH Engineering & Environmental Services is at the forefront of developing innovative solutions to address the challenges posed by extreme weather events.
Our expertise in both states allows us to draw valuable lessons and implement cutting-edge practices to protect properties and infrastructure from hurricanes, tornadoes, and other severe weather phenomena.
The Growing Threat of Extreme Weather
Recent Weather Events and Their Impact
Both Texas and North Carolina have experienced significant weather-related challenges in recent years.
In September 2024, Eastern North Carolina faced a historic flood event, with some areas receiving over 18 inches of rain in just 12 hours[1].
Similarly, Texas has grappled with repeated flooding of major evacuation routes, such as U.S. Highway 59[1].
Climate Change and Weather Patterns
Climate change is exacerbating the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events in both states.
According to John Nielsen-Gammon, the state climatologist at Texas A&M University, East Texas has seen a substantial increase in extreme rainfall compared to the last century, with climate change intensifying very heavy rainfall across the southern U.S. by nearly 20%[1].
Engineering Solutions for Hurricane Resilience
Coastal Protection Strategies
In Texas, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is implementing the Sabine Pass to Galveston Bay Coastal Storm Risk Management program (S2G).
This comprehensive approach addresses potential flooding, storm surge, shoreline erosion, and coastal wetland degradation[4]. Key components include:
Raising approximately 5.5 miles of existing earthen levees
Replacing 5.7 miles of flood wall
Constructing 1,830 feet of new earthen levee in the Port Neches area
Innovative Structural Solutions
At JRH Engineering, we design and implement advanced structural solutions to protect properties from hurricane-induced flooding, including:
Elevated foundations for new constructions
Flood barriers and levees
Improved drainage systems
Permeable paving solutions to reduce runoff
Tornado and High Wind Mitigation
Fortified Home Engineering
Drawing inspiration from successful examples like the 'Last House Standing' on the Bolivar Peninsula in Texas after Hurricane Ike[9], we incorporate fortified engineering principles into our designs.
This approach ensures that structures can withstand extreme wind events, including tornadoes. Key features include:
Enhanced roof-to-wall connections
Impact-resistant windows and doors
Reinforced garage doors
Strengthened wall systems
Community-Scale Wind Protection
Beyond individual structures, we work with developers and local authorities to implement community-wide wind protection measures, such as:
Strategic placement of wind breaks
Design of safe rooms and storm shelters
Implementation of buried power lines to reduce outages
Flood Mitigation and Stormwater Management
Natural Infrastructure Integration
JRH Engineering recognizes the importance of natural infrastructure in flood mitigation.
We incorporate landscape features such as forests, wetlands, and riparian buffers into our designs to provide water storage and potentially mitigate flooding[1].
Our approach includes:
Strategic implementation of flood control wetlands
Reforestation projects to increase water retention
Water farming techniques to manage excess water
Advanced Stormwater Systems
To address the increasing intensity of rainfall events, we design state-of-the-art stormwater management systems that include:
Bioretention areas and rain gardens
Underground storage and infiltration systems
Smart water management technologies that adjust based on real-time weather data
Regulatory Compliance and Best Practices
Navigating State-Specific Regulations
Both Texas and North Carolina have unique regulatory environments when it comes to extreme weather preparedness.
Our team stays up-to-date with the latest regulations and best practices, including:
Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) building code requirements
North Carolina's Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA) regulations
FEMA floodplain management standards
Implementing Forward-Looking Standards
At JRH Engineering, we don't just meet current standards – we design for the future.
This includes:
Incorporating the latest climate projections into our designs
Advocating for and implementing higher standards than minimum code requirements
Continuously updating our practices based on post-disaster assessments and new research
In conclusion, as the premier provider of civil engineering, structural engineering, and environmental engineering services in North Carolina and Texas, JRH Engineering & Environmental Services is committed to developing and implementing cutting-edge practices to handle hurricanes, tornadoes, and other severe weather events.
Our comprehensive approach, combining innovative design, advanced technology, and a deep understanding of local conditions, ensures that properties and infrastructure in both states are better prepared to withstand the challenges of extreme weather.
By working with JRH Engineering, property owners and developers can be confident that their projects are built with resilience and sustainability in mind, ready to face the weather challenges of today and tomorrow.
Citations: