SAN ANTONIO – The power of the water that swept through Wimberley in 2015 left a vivid impression on University of Texas San Antonio professor Hatim Sharif.

"It just lifted a bridge of concrete bridge. A very like major bridge. It was just lifted and moved with the water," said Sharif.

The storm left 13 people dead and more than 350 homes destroyed. Sharif is one of two researchers who went back months later to collect data and analyze the storm in hopes of learning from the lessons it left behind.

"Education is a big factor. We need to educate people," said Sharif.

A storm moving downstream and an already saturated ground caused the Blanco River to rise to record levels. Sharif said flooding like the one in Wimberley isn't uncommon in Texas.

According to Sharif, even with all of the past examples, Texas still isn’t as prepared as it could be. He said meteorologists and others should be working more closely together to develop clearer warnings.

"I think if you have more specific warnings the people will listen more. But if you say, Bexar county flood watch or warning, it's not specific. Everyone will think maybe it’s not me," said Sharif. 

First responders should be preparing like they would for any other disaster.

"When we hear about storm coming usually we prepare and have meeting but I think we should have those meetings before hand. First try to understand the previous events beforehand. Build simulation models for training. Build worst case scenarios," Sharif said.

Sharif said since that flood in 2015, other storms have shown the same signs. He said it is up to us to listen and learn.