As the climate changes, so do the patterns of extreme weather, and 2024 has proven to be a year of record-breaking storms and unexpected flood damage. A striking trend has emerged: many homes that flooded during hurricanes this year were located outside designated hazard flood zones. This development has left thousands of homeowners unprepared for the costly aftermath, as many did not carry flood insurance. Let’s dive into how many homes were affected and why flood insurance is essential—even for those who think they’re “safe” from floodwaters.
The Numbers: How Many Homes Flooded Outside Hazard Zones?
In 2024, several hurricanes, including Hurricane Helene and Tropical Storm Debby, led to massive flooding in areas that were not officially designated as high-risk flood zones. In the case of Hurricane Helene, approximately 34% of the flooding occurred outside FEMA’s Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs), the zones typically deemed at the highest risk of flooding
This trend was mirrored by other storms, with towns in Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas seeing catastrophic water damage in areas previously thought to be safe.
For example, Bradenton, Florida, saw major flooding from Tropical Storm Debby, particularly when the Manatee River Dam overflowed, inundating homes that were not within FEMA’s designated floodplain
This has been a wake-up call for homeowners, as outdated and incomplete flood maps failed to account for these risks.
Why Flood Insurance is Critical for Every Homeowner
Many homeowners mistakenly believe they don’t need flood insurance if they live outside of a hazard flood zone. However, the reality is that 25% of all flood claims come from homes that are located outside high-risk areas. As we’ve seen in 2024, even those who consider themselves safe can face devastating losses when extreme weather hits.
- Flood Maps are Outdated: FEMA’s flood maps, while periodically updated, often fail to capture recent changes in risk. Many maps are over 15 years old, meaning they don’t reflect current climate conditions, take into account development of new homes or the increased intensity of storms due to global warming
This leaves homeowners vulnerable, especially in areas that are seeing increased rainfall and more frequent storms.
- Inland Flooding is Increasing: Hurricanes and tropical storms are not only coastal problems. Inland flooding has become more common as storms slow down and drop more rain over wider areas. This was evident during storms like Helene, where states such as North Carolina and Georgia experienced significant flooding far from the coast
Without flood insurance, homeowners are left to cover repair costs out of pocket.
- Affordable Coverage: Many homeowners assume flood insurance is prohibitively expensive, but this isn’t always the case. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) offers coverage, and while it is required for homes in high-risk zones, it’s available at much lower rates for those in low- or moderate-risk areas. Investing in coverage can save thousands of dollars in repair and recovery costs in the event of an unexpected flood.
The Bottom Line
2024 has been a stark reminder that flooding can happen anywhere, and homeowners need to be prepared, no matter where they live. Relying on outdated flood maps or assuming that you’re safe because you live outside a designated flood zone can lead to costly consequences. Flood insurance provides peace of mind and financial protection when the unexpected happens.
If you live outside of a high-risk flood zone, now is the time to reconsider flood insurance. As the climate continues to change, no area is completely immune from flooding. Taking proactive steps today can make all the difference when the next storm hits.