New maps suggest 7,000 Henrico homes face some flooding risk

New flood hazard maps from the Federal Emergency Management Agency indicate that about 7,000 Henrico homes could be at some risk from flooding.

The maps, released March 1, show updated data on water flow and drainage patterns and designate areas that are at low, moderate and high risk of flooding. Owners of homes located within high-risk areas (primarily along waterways) are required by law to purchase flood insurance if they carry a mortgage from a federally regulated or insured lender, but those in other areas are not (although mortgage lenders still may require flood insurance as a condition of the mortgage).

Henrico officials are sending letters early this month to homeowners at each of the affected addresses to explain how their parcels have been impacted. The new maps already are in effect for regulatory purposes but take effect April 25 to determine where flood insurance is legally required.

High-risk flood areas are identified as Special Flood Hazard Areas, which means the flood elevation has a 1% chance of being equaled or exceeded each year. March 10-16 is National Flood Awareness Week.

"These FEMA map changes are another step in our ongoing efforts to build a resilient community that values safety, equity, and sustainability," said Kristin Owen, Henrico's floodplain and dam safety manager.

Citizens who have questions about how the new maps may impact them should contact the Henrico Department of Public Work's help desk at (804) 501-7463, email flood@henrico.gov or visit henrico.us/works/design/floodplain/map-updates. Translation services are available.

Flood insurance is available through the National Flood Insurance Program, as well as private insurance carriers. To help reduce the financial impact of the increased flood risk, the NFIP offers a discount for flood insurance premiums in the first year that buildings are added to an SFHA. Visit floodsmart.gov for details.