The newly established Texas State International Flash Flood Laboratory hosted about 50 professionals Monday.
The invited guests came from various different fields, including broadcast media, research scientists and government and county officials to discuss the need for a laboratory of this kind, and how it can save lives.
The laboratory also happens to be in the flash flood capital of Texas.
Pam Showalter, with Texas State University, said a deficiency in flash flood studies inspired the laboratory.
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Flash Floods
News 8's Maureen McCann was there Monday for their inaugural workshop.
 
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"What really struck me and my colleagues was the fact that there's nothing like this in the entire world," Pam Showalter said. "You have laboratories and centers dedicated to flooding, hurricanes, tornadoes, etc, but nothing for flash flooding and flash flooding is the one natural hazard that continues to kill more people every year than any other natural hazards."
Showalter said the main goal is to do the research needed to save lives.
"Get the word out, and collect the data and do the research that is necessary to really get the public to pay attention to the fact that when you see water going across a low water crossing, or erode like that, you just don't want to go across it."
Until then, remember "turn around, don't drown."
