As a master planned community located in the greater Houston area, Pomona has gone to great lengths in preparing itself to withstand the challenges posed by hurricanes and flooding. From its detailed floodplain management to its high design standards, the community's proactive approach to flood mitigation and safety measures showcases a commitment to protecting its residents in the face of Texas' storm seasons.
A Proactive Approach
Pomona has already weathered some of the most significant storms in recent history, including Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Beryl, and the streets remained free from flooding during both storms - an impressive feat given the widespread damage seen throughout the region. During these storms, the HOA also went above and beyond by purchasing a generator for Camp Pomona so residents without power were able to cool off and charge electronic devices, and even served lunch one of the days to provide a hot meal for residents without power. The District Operator prepared generators for water and wastewater treatment plants, while the community’s HOA General Manager held strategy sessions to coordinate efforts with builders and vendors in preparation, working to secure outdoor furniture and set up cameras to monitor the bayou in real time. Even as the storm strengthened and water levels rose to record-setting heights, the amenities at Pomona managed to avoid any serious flooding damage.
A significant contributor to this success is Pomona's proactive approach to preparedness - while parts of the community once lay within the 100-year floodplain, the developers undertook rigorous floodplain mitigation efforts. Elevations were raised to make residential construction possible, and a Letter of Map Revision was prepared to ensure the elevation modifications were documented and recognized by FEMA. As a result, Pomona can now proudly say that all of its homes are located outside of the 100-year floodplain.
Designing Homes that are Built to Last
While all slab elevations in the community are built at a minimum of 2 feet above the 100-year floodplain to ensure additional protection against even the most extreme storm events, that’s not the only way Pomona safeguards its homes. In the rare case that a storm surpasses a 100-year event, Pomona's streets are designed to handle a maximum of 9 inches of ponding above the gutter line—significantly less than what could be expected in other areas. Unlike many other Houston-area communities, Pomona does not use streets as detention zones during storms, a decision that further ensures roads remain passable and functional during heavy rainfall.
The design standards within Pomona go above and beyond typical Houston-area requirements - in fact, they surpass those of both the City of Houston and neighboring Pearland. These enhanced standards play a pivotal role in protecting the community from floodwaters and storm damage.
Windstorm-Rated Homes and a Strategic Location
In addition to its flood mitigation measures, Pomona's homes are windstorm-rated to withstand winds up to 120 mph, providing additional peace of mind during hurricane season. This is especially important as the Houston area is more prone to experiencing high winds during storms, often leading to significant structural damage in less-prepared communities.
Likewise, Pomona's location near major hurricane evacuation routes, including highways 288 and 6, ensures that residents have a clear and safe path for evacuation if needed. The proximity to these routes offers a lifeline to safety in extreme circumstances, further enhancing the security of Pomona's residents.
Through strategic elevation adjustments, superior design standards, and proactive community planning, Pomona has created a resilient community that is ready to face the challenges of future storms while keeping its residents safe and secure.
Want to learn more about life at Pomona and everything this one-of-a-kind community has to offer? Contact us today to schedule a tour, or explore our selection of available new homes.