FEMA flood maps are essential tools for identifying flood risks, but they have significant coverage gaps, and politics can get in the way.

advertisement 07-16-2025 IMPACT Why FEMA’s flood maps often miss dangerous flash flood risks There are areas of the country that flood, some regularly, that don’t show up on the maps as at risk.

While FEMA has improved the accuracy and accessibility of the maps over time with better data, digital tools and community input, the maps still don't capture everything.

Less than 5% of homes in the county's FEMA floodplain had flood coverage, well below the national average. Uptake was even worse in other areas that flooded.

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As coastal Georgia rapidly develops and approaches an abnormally wet hurricane season, its flood zone maps need an upgrade.

Texas Hill Country flooding exposes the urgent need for voluntary property buyouts to break the costly and dangerous cycle of rebuilding in flood-prone areas.

Flooding is a fact of life around Myrtle Beach, but some areas face higher risks. Here’s which Horry County ZIP codes have the highest rates, according to the National Flood Insurance Program.

FEMA’s maps are essential tools for identifying flood risks, but they have significant gaps that limit their effectiveness.