Flood Plains After Weather Events

The Real Estate Espresso Podcast

Flood Plains After Weather Events

Spotify Google Podcast Apple Podcast Subscribe via RSS Leave a Review

Flood Plains After Weather Events: A Personal Oversight

In today’s article, we dive into the unpredictable wave of major weather events and the implications on flood zone designations.

Understanding Flood Zones and Their Impact on Property Owners

You may likely know what a flood zone is – a low-lying area prone to flooding and one deemed unfit for building. However, what is often overlooked is how these regions become classified as flood zones, and the ramifications for property owners when a serious weather event launches them into these classifications. It’s a complex system of flood maps (officially known as Flood Insurance Rate Maps or FIRM) used by communities to set minimum building requirements, by lenders to establish flood insurance necessities, and by FEMA to determine the cost of your flood insurance.

Flood Hazard Zones: High Risk and Non-Special Flood Hazards

Flood hazard areas come in many forms. These include Special flood hazard areas, which are high-risk and denoted as zones A or V on the flood maps. If you find your property in this category, there’s at least a 1 in 4 chance of flooding during a 30-year mortgage. Hence, property owners here are required to purchase flood insurance.

On the other side, there are the non-special flood hazard areas which are moderate to low-risk, illustrated on the flood map as zones B, C, or X. Despite the diminished risk, these areas still constitute more than 20 percent of National Flood Insurance Program claims. Possessing flood insurance in these areas isn’t a must, but heed my advice – it’s recommended.

Undetermined Flood Hazards and Flood Insurance Rates

Flood insurance rate maps also identify areas with possible but undefined flood hazards. These uncertainties often influence flood insurance rates, reflecting the inconsistency of flooding risk. As undeniable proof of Mother Nature’s unpredictable behavior, floods can happen anywhere.

Revamping of Flood Maps After Weather Events

At this point, you may be asking, “Can these flood maps change?” Well, they do get modified after significant weather occurrences. One prime example was after Hurricane Harvey when part of Texas’ Harris County, home to Houston, became classified as a flood zone. Interestingly, about 12% of the state of Texas is in a flood zone. I’ve seen similar occurrences closer home around the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.

Checklist for Flood Zone Impact
Understand your flood zone categorization
Check flood insurance rates
Confirm with NOAA & Army Corps of Engineer data
Be prepared for encroachments
Monitor for changing floodplain boundaries

Flood zone designations and their implications can be challenging. Still, if you own land near a weather event, it’s crucial to stay on top of them to protect your property. As always, have a fantastic rest of your day, and go make some great things happen. We’ll talk again tomorrow.

Stay connected and discover more about my work in real estate and by visiting and following me on various platforms: