One Hidden Threat Beneath Texas Is More Common Than You Think

If you live in Texas and are looking for a random reason to be terrified, I’ve got you covered. If not, I suggest you move along, because I’m having a hard time not dwelling on a statistic I came across today. Seriously, though – the boogie man could be right below you as you read this. 

Those of us here in the Lone Star State are well aware of the dangers of severe weather. We’re taught to keep an eye on local weather forecasts, so we know when to be extra vigilant as dark clouds start to roll into the area. I, for one, take every severe thunderstorm or tornado watch very seriously.

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That’s the thing about severe weather – you can see it coming. But sinkholes, not so much. I freak out a little inside every time I see a story about a random sinkhole opening on the news or social media. Those things have been known to suddenly swallow entire houses, like the one that claimed the life of a man in Florida while sleeping in his home in 2013. 

Florida is particularly at risk for sinkholes, but Texas isn’t much better, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS): 

The most damage from sinkholes tends to occur in Florida, Texas, Alabama, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Pennsylvania. 

The good news is that sinkholes are detectable with the LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) system. According to the Texas Geographic Information Office, they, along with their partners, have successfully flown LiDAR to cover the entire state of Texas. Hopefully that bit of knowledge helps you sleep better at night.