Would a flood scale like those used for hurricanes and tornadoes have prompted different actions by Texas officals and the public before July 4th flooding?

Floodwaters be contaminated with debris as well as high levels of bacteria, chemicals, waste and other pollutants, which can cause prolonged health risks, experts say.

The conditions are life threatening and could flood creeks, streams, streets, highways, underpasses and "urban areas," according to the NWS.

KHOU 11 Meteorologist Pat Cavlin says it's impossible to determine exactly where the heaviest of rain will fall, but everyone in risky areas should stay aware.

Catastrophic flooding struck central Texas on Friday as the Guadalupe River surged by more than 20 to 26 feet within 90 minutes, causing widespread devastation and forcing mass evacuations in Texas Hill Country. At least 80 people have been killed in the floods while others remain missing or displaced and more than 850 people required rescuing.

Texas has identified more than $50 billion in flood control needs, but lawmakers have devoted just $1.4 billion to address them

Some regions in the mid-Atlantic are also facing risks of flooding. On Sunday, Tropical Storm Chantal flooded parts of North Carolina, where more than 10 inches of rain fell near the Chapel Hill area. The Haw River, near Bynum, North Carolina, crested to nearly 22 feet, the highest crest on record there, as a result of those heavy rains.

Kerr County failed to secure a warning system, even as local officials remained aware of the risks and as billions of dollars were available for similar projects.

A National Weather Service advisory warned of another 2-4 inches of rain falling in the region − and isolated areas could see 9-12 inches.