News
Why FEMA’s flood maps often miss dangerous flash flood risks
Even in areas that are mapped, like the Camp Mystic site in Kerr County, Texas, that was hit by a deadly flash flood on July 4, 2025, the maps may underestimate their risk because of a reliance on historic data and outdated risk assessments.
Free FEMA map provides insight into flood-zone risks
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.
Climate change has made extreme rainfall more common and more intense. But many flood risk maps have yet to catch up.
Since 1968, FEMA has calculated and mapped flood risk for communities across the country. The agency uses these maps to set rates for its National Flood Insurance Program.
The risk of the catastrophic flooding that struck Texas Hill Country as people slept on July 4 and left at least 120 dead was potentially underestimated by federal authorities, according to an ABC ...
At least 27 campers and counselors at Camp Mystic perished in Friday's floods, with the total death toll in the floods now ...
The FEMA flood risk maps do not consider clogged culverts or bridges as the recovery maps did. They also do not consider a burned watershed, which would create higher peak flows, Griffin ...
Results that may be inaccessible to you are currently showing.
Hide inaccessible results
Feedback