At least 38,600 residential structures were within the flood zone during the July 4 Texas floods, where heavy rainfall caused rivers to swell and created flash flooding.

Less than 5% of homes in the county's FEMA floodplain had flood coverage, well below the national average. Uptake was even worse in other areas that flooded.

FEMA’s maps are essential tools for identifying flood risks, but they have significant gaps that limit their effectiveness.

AUSTIN, Texas — Texas lawmakers on Wednesday were set to begin reviewing the July 4 floods that killed at least 135 people, a disaster that put local officials under scrutiny over why residents ...