Millions of Homes at Risk of Flooding Beyond FEMA Maps
Millions of Homes at Risk of Flooding Beyond FEMA Maps
US · Published Nov 9, 2026
• Recent research highlights that approximately 14.6 million properties in the United States are at risk of flooding, significantly more than indicated by FEMA's 100-year flood maps.
• These maps, often outdated and based on historical data, fail to account for future risks and do not assess individual home vulnerabilities.

Impact & Risks

The findings suggest that many homes outside FEMA-designated flood zones remain vulnerable to flooding, leaving residents unprepared and uninsured. Older homes in poor condition, located in low-lying areas, are particularly at risk. The lack of accurate flood risk assessments can lead to inadequate preparation and recovery efforts, especially in communities with limited resources. This disparity in risk levels within the same neighbourhood underscores the need for more granular data to guide flood mitigation and recovery strategies effectively.

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