Author: James R. Elliott, Professor of Sociology, Rice University

What if Texas’ destructive Tax Day storm had centered on inner Houston instead? It’s why cities should plan for the improbable

James R. Elliott, Professor of Sociology, Rice UniversityLeave a Comment on What if Texas’ destructive Tax Day storm had centered on inner Houston instead? It’s why cities should plan for the improbable

Ten years ago, the infamous Tax Day storm swamped the Houston area with off-the-charts rainfall. Nearly 2 feet of rain fell in less than 15 hours in parts of the region, starting on April 17, 2016. The rain flooded thousands of homes and exceeded a 10,000-year event at some gauges. But the storm’s damage could […]

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What if Texas’ destructive Tax Day flood had centered on inner Houston instead? It’s why cities should plan for the improbable

James R. Elliott, Professor of Sociology, Rice UniversityLeave a Comment on What if Texas’ destructive Tax Day flood had centered on inner Houston instead? It’s why cities should plan for the improbable

Ten years ago, the infamous Tax Day storm swamped the Houston area with off-the-charts rainfall. Nearly 2 feet of rain fell in less than 15 hours in parts of the region, starting on April 17, 2016. The rain flooded thousands of homes and exceeded a 10,000-year event at some gauges. But the storm’s damage could […]

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New maps reveal post-flood migration patterns across the US

James R. Elliott, Professor of Sociology, Rice UniversityLeave a Comment on New maps reveal post-flood migration patterns across the US

Dangerous flooding has damaged neighborhoods in almost every state in 2025, leaving homes a muddy mess. In several hard-hit areas, it wasn’t the first time homeowners found themselves tearing out wet wallboard and piling waterlogged carpet by the curb. Wanting to rebuild after flooding is a common response. But for some people, the best way […]

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