FEMA and New Flood Hazard Maps

FEMA has been updating the flood plane maps for Washington County. Most homes in Springdale have not seen a change, but, if concerned, the preliminary maps are done and can be seen at Town Hall in the Community Development Department, or online here:

https://hazards-fema.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=5852ea902db44e55bfce395799315f9c

The two acres next to Town Hall still has a significant portion in the 1% annual chance flood hazard.

A 1% annual chance flood hazard, commonly known as a "100-year flood," indicates that there is a 1 in 100 chance of a flood of a certain size occurring in any given year. This designation is crucial for understanding flood risk and insurance requirements.

Implications of the 1% Annual Chance Flood Hazard

• Significant Risk: Properties located in this flood hazard zone face a considerable risk of flooding.
• Flood Insurance Requirement: Homeowners in these areas may be required to purchase flood insurance, especially if they have a mortgage from a federally-backed lender.

Understanding the Statistics

• The term "100-year flood" does not mean that such a flood will only occur once every 100 years. Instead, it reflects the statistical probability of flooding, meaning that multiple floods of this magnitude could occur in a short period.
• Over a 30-year mortgage, there is approximately a 26% chance of experiencing flood damage in a 100-year flood zone.

Conclusion

Being aware of the 1% annual chance flood hazard is essential for property owners, as it affects both financial planning and insurance obligations. Understanding this risk can help in making informed decisions regarding property purchases and flood preparedness.