Texas A&M research identifies steps to strengthen extreme weather damage reporting and improve counties’ disaster reimbursement
The findings will be presented at the 106th American Meteorological Society Annual Meeting in Houston.
A Texas flag hangs from a storm-damaged tree on the banks of the Guadalupe River on July 13, 2025, in Center Point, Texas, following a storm that dumped nearly 15 inches of rain.
Texas A&M University researchers will present new findings today showing how local governments can improve storm-damage reporting so losses are documented clearly and in ways that strengthen eligibility for disaster assistance.
While the reporting process can appear technical, the impact of improvements is high. Behind every data point is a family working to rebuild, a first responder on duty through the night and a county official trying to secure the resources needed for recovery. This study identifies practical steps that can help ensure reported losses reflect what Texas communities experienced during an extreme weather event.
At 2 p.m. today, Dr. William J. Baule, research assistant professor in the Department of Atmospheric Sciences and the Office of the State Climatologist at Texas A&M University, will present the findings at the 106th American Meteorological Society Annual Meeting in Houston. Baule co-authored the report with Dr. John Nielsen-Gammon, Regents Professor and Texas State Climatologist, also with atmospheric sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences.
The study, Historical Extreme Weather Damages at the County Scale in Texas: Southeast Texas Pilot Study, examines how losses are recorded and identifies a set of actionable options to strengthen documentation and reduce uncertainty.
“When a storm hits, county officials are focused on saving lives, not paperwork,” said Baule. “Our research shows that with a few practical upgrades, Texas can make it easier for communities to document real damages and secure the funding they need to recover.”
The research team analyzed storm records across seven Southeast Texas counties — Galveston, Harris, Jefferson, Hardin, Liberty, Chambers and Orange — and identified opportunities to reduce confusion and produce clearer information for state and federal reviewers.
Nielsen-Gammon underscored the importance of high-quality reporting. “Reliable storm data is the foundation of sound risk assessment. When counties can provide strong documentation after extreme weather events, the state gains a better understanding of vulnerabilities, and communities are better positioned for future events.”
He emphasized that the recommendations are flexible options, not a uniform checklist. “Some approaches would be more cost-efficient than others but would require cooperation from insurance companies or federal agencies.”
The authors outline several steps Texas counties may adopt individually or in combination:
- Uniform statewide reporting standards so counties record damage in a consistent format
- A structured approach for county damage assessments to make submissions clearer and easier to verify
- A state-level support team to assist counties following significant weather events
- Updated data tools that make reporting faster and reduce administrative burden
- Exploration of partnerships with insurers to incorporate aggregated claims data
- Support for rural counties that may lack staff capacity for detailed assessments
“Any one of these options would improve the quality of storm-damage information for Texas counties and help communities secure the support they need to rebuild,” said Baule.
Following the Texas Legislature’s steps to strengthen flood planning and improve warning capabilities after last year’s Guadalupe River flood, Texas has already begun investing in stronger protections. The reporting improvements outlined in this study would extend those gains by giving local officials the guidance needed to document losses and qualify for reimbursement.
“Texas has made important strides on flood planning and warning systems,” Nielsen-Gammon said. “Strengthening storm reporting is the next step in making sure communities can identify risks and reduce future losses.”
Improved reporting ensures that actual impacts on homes, businesses and infrastructure are reflected in state and federal records. Stronger documentation leads to more equitable distribution of recovery resources and better-informed long-term planning.
By adopting these steps, Texas can build a stronger foundation for resilience, ensuring that when the next storm comes, communities have the information and support they need to recover.
The report was produced by the Office of the Texas State Climatologist at Texas A&M University and supported by the RT Kempner Family Fund.
The full report is available at the Office of the Texas State Climatologist.
