Road Safety / Flooding
Low-Water Crossings and Flash Floods Are a Real Danger Here
Val Verde County's canyon terrain makes it prone to fast-rising floodwaters, and many rural roads use low-water crossings that can be dangerous or impassable after rain.
Much of Val Verde County is limestone plateau cut by deep arroyos and river canyons. When rain hits — even miles away — water can rise quickly in crossings and creek beds. Low-water crossings are common on rural roads. A crossing that looks passable can be deadly in a matter of minutes. Texas has a 'Turn Around, Don't Drown' rule: it is illegal to drive around a barricade blocking a flooded road.
Before driving on rural roads or FM roads in the county, especially in summer storm season, check road conditions. The FEMA Flood Map Service Center lets you look up flood zone designations for any address. If you are buying rural land, check whether structures sit in a mapped flood zone, which affects flood insurance requirements.
Source to confirm: FEMA Flood Map Service Center