Latest news with #NationalFlood
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Is your house in a flood zone? This map has the answer
Flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster in the United States, and it doesn't take a major storm to create major problems. Now, a free tool makes it easier than ever to check whether your property is at risk. The FEMA Flood Map Service Center offers an interactive map that allows anyone in the U.S. to enter their address and see if they live in a designated flood zone. The tool can also be used to explore other areas, making it helpful for those planning a move, managing a rental property or checking on family or friends in another region. "The FEMA Flood Map Service Center (MSC) is the official public source for flood hazard information produced in support of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)," FEMA said on its website. "Use the MSC to find your official flood map, access a range of other flood hazard products, and take advantage of tools for better understanding flood risk." Flood maps aren't set in stone. FEMA works with local communities through its Risk MAP program to collect updated data on flood hazards. As weather patterns shift and development continues, flood zones can change, which can put new properties in the path of floodwaters. What to do if you are in a flood zone It doesn't take feet of water to cause thousands of dollars in damage. Even an inch of floodwater inside a home can lead to ruined flooring, structural issues and long-term concerns like mold. "Most homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage," FEMA said. "Flood insurance is a separate policy that can cover buildings, the contents in a building, or both, so it is important to protect your most important assets - your home, your business, your possessions." Flood insurance can be expensive, but it is important when flooding strikes. In Texas, only around 7% of all homes are covered under flood insurance, meaning some people severely impacted by the recent deadly flooding could be responsible for the damage to their properties. If you find your home is in a flood-prone area or you simply want to be better prepared, experts suggest following the RISK framework: •R: Reduce your risk: Take action around your property to lower the chance of flood damage when heavy rain strikes. This ranges from having a working sump pump in your basement to reporting clogged storm drains on your street. •I: Insure your risk: Talk with a representative with your home insurance company to assess your needs. Some homeowners may want to purchase flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). •S: Share information on risk: Talk with your neighbors who may face a similar flood threat. •K: Know your risk: Use tools like FEMA's Flood Map Service Center to understand the risk of flooding in your area. Residents can also contact local officials and emergency management offices for more specific information for their location.
Boston Globe
11-07-2025
- Business
- Boston Globe
Floods come again. Is it time to get flood insurance?
First things first, what is flood insurance? Standard homeowner insurance generally covers water damage, but that's different from flood damage. Flood insurance is offered through a separate policy and specifically covers property damaged by a flood. What's the difference between water damage and flood damage? Advertisement Water damage can be as simple as a pipe leaking or a washing machine breaking and damaging belongings. A flood has a specific description, defined by the National Flood Insurance Program as 'a general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of two or more acres of normally dry land area or of two or more properties.' Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up Do I need to get flood insurance? It depends. People who live in a designated floodplain face higher flood risk and should consider getting flood insurance -- if they don't have it already. The government has created an Even if your house is not within high-risk zones, you might be close to one. In that case, you might still want to get flood insurance. Advertisement In other cases, your house may not be near a high-risk flood zone, but it could still be at risk of flooding if, for example, it's at the bottom of a hill or a cul-de-sac. Again, you might consider flood insurance. How do I get flood insurance? Many homeowners insurance brokers offer flood insurance in a separate policy. If you can't find a reasonable private policy, the federally-run National Flood Insurance Program is an option. The federal insurance is usually cheaper than private policies, but has lower coverage limits. How much does it cost? The average flood insurance cost in Massachusetts is $1,142 per year from the NFIP program, according to the personal finance company, Properties located in flood zones but at higher elevations might qualify for reduced policy rates. You can request an elevation inspection through What about coverage? The downside to purchasing flood insurance through the NFIP is its coverage cap. The maximum building property coverage is $250,000 and content coverage of $100,000. Private insurers can offer a much higher coverage, but it comes with a cost. Motor vehicles are not covered by flood insurance, but auto policies with comprehensive insurance typically cover flood damage. I want to sell my property, should I cancel my flood insurance? Not yet! If you purchased your flood insurance through NFIP, you may be eligible for a grandfather rule. This rule means the agreed policy price is locked and won't increase when transferred to a new homeowner, which could be a selling point. If you cancel your insurance, the next homeowner might have to pay a lot more. Advertisement What about the future? Climate change is accelerating natural hazards. scientists agree. Wildfires, hurricanes, storms and floods are more common and brutal each year. In 2024, Many homeowners insurance companies Yogev Toby can be reached at
USA Today
09-06-2025
- Climate
- USA Today
Storm tracker: NHC tracks 2 tropical storms in Pacific near Mexico
The National Hurricane Center in Miami is tracking two tropical storms in the Pacific Ocean. Tropical Storms Barbara and Cosme are being tracked through the Pacific, off the coast of southwestern Mexico, according to the NHC. Barbara is "near hurricane strength," but there are no coastal watches or warnings in effect, the NHC stated Monday morning. Tropical Storm Barbara is expected to dissipate in the ocean by Tuesday night, while Tropical Storm Cosme is expected to dissipate by Wednesday morning. Another area of low pressure off the coast of Mexico is expected to develop into a tropical depression later this week as "environmental conditions appear conducive for some gradual development of this system," according to the NWS. Pacific storm tracker This forecast track shows the most likely path of the center of the storm. It does not illustrate the full width of the storm or its impacts, and the center of the storm is likely to travel outside the cone up to 33% of the time. How do hurricanes form? Hurricanes are born in the tropics, above warm water. Clusters of thunderstorms can develop over the ocean when water temperatures exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit. If conditions are right, the clusters swirl into a storm known as a tropical wave or tropical depression. A tropical depression becomes a named tropical storm once its sustained wind speeds reach 39 miles per hour. When its winds reach 74 mph, the storm officially becomes a hurricane. Prepare now for hurricanes Delaying potentially life-saving preparations could mean waiting until it's too late. "Get your disaster supplies while the shelves are still stocked, and get that insurance checkup early, as flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period," NOAA recommends. Develop an evacuation plan : If you are at risk from hurricanes, you need an evacuation plan. Now is the time to begin planning where you would go and how you would get there. : If you are at risk from hurricanes, you need an evacuation plan. Now is the time to begin planning where you would go and how you would get there. Assemble disaster supplies : Whether you're evacuating or sheltering-in-place, you're going to need supplies not just to get through the storm but for the potentially lengthy aftermath, NOAA said. : Whether you're evacuating or sheltering-in-place, you're going to need supplies not just to get through the storm but for the potentially lengthy aftermath, NOAA said. Get an insurance checkup and document your possessions : Contact your insurance company or agent now and ask for an insurance check-up to make sure you have enough insurance to repair or even replace your home and/or belongings. Remember, home and renters insurance doesn't cover flooding, so you'll need a separate policy for it. Flood insurance is available through your company, agent, or the National Flood Insurance Program. Act now, as flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period. : Contact your insurance company or agent now and ask for an insurance check-up to make sure you have enough insurance to repair or even replace your home and/or belongings. Remember, home and renters insurance doesn't cover flooding, so you'll need a separate policy for it. Flood insurance is available through your company, agent, or the National Flood Insurance Program. Act now, as flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period. Create a family communication plan : NOAA said to take the time now to write down your hurricane plan, and share it with your family. Determine family meeting places, and make sure to include an out-of-town location in case of evacuation. : NOAA said to take the time now to write down your hurricane plan, and share it with your family. Determine family meeting places, and make sure to include an out-of-town location in case of evacuation. Strengthen your home: Now is the time to improve your home's ability to withstand hurricane impacts. Trim trees; install storm shutters, accordion shutters, and/or impact glass; seal outside wall openings. Contributing: Jay Cannon, USA TODAY Julia is a trending reporter for USA TODAY. Connect with her on LinkedIn,X, Instagram and TikTok: @juliamariegz, or email her at jgomez@
Newsweek
27-05-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
Florida Bill Could See Higher Flood Insurance Costs This Year
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A bill trying to "bolster hurricane relief and recovery" in Florida could end up increasing the cost of flood insurance for thousands of homeowners in the state, experts warned, adding more weight to their growing financial burden. Senate Bill 180, which has already passed both the Florida House and Senate with nearly unanimous support, is now heading to Governor Ron DeSantis' desk. The bill aims to help homeowners in the Sunshine State rebuild more quickly after natural disasters, which are becoming more frequent and destructive due to climate change. However, in its attempt to expedite these efforts, critics argue that the legislation may hinder residents from implementing key changes that would enhance their homes' resilience to extreme weather events. Why It Matters Florida homeowners have seen the cost of home insurance skyrocket in recent years due to a combination of more frequent and severe natural disasters, widespread fraud, and excessive litigation. Although the market has stabilized over the past year, homeowners in the state continue to pay some of the highest premiums in the country. At $2,625 per year, the average cost of home insurance in the state is 24 percent higher than the national average of $2,110, according to NerdWallet. Flood insurance, which is not required by law, is an additional cost on top of the standard property insurance policy for homeowners in the state. According to NerdWallet, the average annual cost of flood insurance in the state is $865 for a National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policy. Changes introduced by SB 180 could increase the cost of flood insurance even further for Florida homeowners, potentially discouraging some from obtaining coverage for their homes at all—a risky proposition in such a disaster-prone state. What To Know SB 180 has been celebrated by sponsor Nick DiCeglie, a Republican state senator representing Indian Rocks Beach, as legislation that would offer Florida homeowners "a clear path to recovery" after being hit by a storm. "We're fighting for families to focus on rebuilding without additional delays or burdens, especially for those who sustained damage or lost their homes," the senator said in a press release. "Working with our state and local emergency responders, we can streamline restoration efforts and improve emergency response coordination, fortifying and strengthening our communities before the next storm." Newsweek reached out to DiCeglie via email for comment on Monday. A worker helps raise a home with jacks and framing material in Treasure Island, Florida, on May 23, 2025. A worker helps raise a home with jacks and framing material in Treasure Island, Florida, on May 23, bill's efforts to streamline rebuilding after a hurricane, however, include a two-year freeze on the adoption of stricter building codes that could strengthen Florida homes, a measure that critics say would prevent local governments from introducing important reforms. It would also make it easier for homeowners whose properties have been destroyed or damaged in a natural disaster to avoid elevating their homes once they rebuild—an improvement that experts consider crucial to strengthen residences against more frequent and more severe extreme weather events. Under the proposed legislation, only homes that have suffered storm damage equal to more than 50 percent of their value must be demolished and rebuilt entirely—the minimum requirement set by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Strengthening a home exposed to potentially devastating natural disasters not only makes this property more resilient, protecting the owner and their assets, but it also makes coverage more affordable. Insurers often offer discounts to policyholders who make efforts to strengthen their homes against extreme weather events under programs such as FEMA's Flood Mitigation Assistance Grant and the Sunshine State's Elevate Florida. This state-run program, launched last year, offers to cover at least 75 percent of the cost of mitigation projects, including elevating a home damaged in a storm, which promises to lower insurance costs and increase the property's value. A study conducted by the state and cited by several local newspapers found that 44 out of the 122 communities that currently elevate their homes after an impactful natural disaster would lose points toward discounts on flood insurance premiums due to SB 180. Twelve would no longer qualify for the level of discount they currently benefit from: Bay County, Leon County, Orange County, Dania Beach, Jupiter Beach, Palm Springs, Estero, Lake Mary, Hialeah, Bonita Springs, Hollywood and the Pensacola Beach Santa Rosa Island Authority. According to the study's estimates, approximately 44,000 Florida homeowners would end up paying more for flood insurance coverage as a result of the bill taking effect, resulting in a total annual increase of $1.6 million statewide, or $36 per person. What People Are Saying Florida state Senator Nick DiCeglie, who sponsored the bill, in a statement: "If we can keep one more person in their home to keep them out of the 50 percent rule, that's one person that does not have to deal with the incredibly stressful situation of tearing down their home and elevating." Del Schwalls, a floodplain management consultant, told the Tampa Bay Times: "It's really frustrating. It prevents anyone from trying to fix this flood, repair, flood, repair cycle." Kimberleigh Dinkins, policy and planning director of advocacy group 1000 Friends of Florida, in a statement: "A lot of times, a local government can evaluate the impact that a storm has on their community, and make adjustments to their land development code to make themselves more resilient. Under this scenario, they wouldn't be able to do that." She added: "It's removing one of the tools in the toolbox to increase resiliency. It basically is saying: okay, you have more opportunities to build back in a way that's resulting in flooding." What Happens Next The bill is now awaiting the governor's signature, but DeSantis has not yet indicated whether he will sign the legislation. If signed, the bill's provisions could take effect during the upcoming hurricane season, potentially affecting insurance premiums and building standards statewide amid ongoing market volatility.
