Early results of federal rainfall study show dramatic growth in 100-year storm
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The standard used by area officials to estimate the amount of rain that would fall during a so-called "100-year storm" could be up to five inches short across Harris County, according to preliminary results of a highly anticipated federal study, a finding that promises to spur sweeping changes in development regulations, floodplain maps and infrastructure projects.
Preliminary results released by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association analysis of decades-worth of data show that across the county the "100-year storm" -- or a storm that has a 1 percent chance of occurring in any given year -- has risen by three to five inches in Harris County since the last study was conducted in 2001.