This metadata record is for Approval for Access product AfA256.

Flood Risk Areas identify locations where there is believed to be significant flood risk. The EU Floods Directive refers to Flood Risk Areas as 'Areas of Potentially Significant Flood Risk' (APSFR).

Flood Risk Areas have been defined by the Environment Agency (main rivers and the sea) and Lead Local Flood Authorities (surface water). Other sources of flooding are not covered. This dataset includes Flood Risk Areas defined for both Cycle 1 (December 2011) and Cycle 2 (December 2018).

The criteria used to determine significance are explained in supporting guidance document supplied with this data.

Flood Risk Areas determine where Flood Hazard and Risk Maps and Flood Risk Management Plans must subsequently be produced to meet obligations under the EU Floods Directive.

INFORMATION WARNING

Flood Risk Areas are designed to meet the needs of the European Floods Directive. They are designed for broad planning purposes only and are not appropriate for any other type of flood mapping. Other flood mapping is available which is more appropriate to showing localised flood risk.

The National Flood Hazard Layer (NFHL) data incorporates all Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map(DFIRM) databases published by FEMA, and any Letters Of Map Revision (LOMRs) that have been issued against those databases since their publication date. The DFIRM Database is the digital, geospatial version of the flood hazard information shown on the published paper Flood Insurance Rate Maps(FIRMs). The primary risk classifications used are the 1-percent-annual-chance flood event, the 0.2-percent-annual-chance flood event, and areas of minimal flood risk. The NFHL data are derived from Flood Insurance Studies (FISs), previously published Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), flood hazard analyses performed in support of the FISs and FIRMs, and new mapping data where available. The FISs and FIRMs are published by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The specifications for the horizontal control of DFIRM data are consistent with those required for mapping at a scale of 1:12,000. The NFHL data contain layers in the Standard DFIRM datasets except for S_Label_Pt and S_Label_Ld. The NFHL is available as State or US Territory data sets. Each State or Territory data set consists of all DFIRMs and corresponding LOMRs available on the publication date of the data set.

The National Flood Hazard Layer (NFHL) is a geospatial database that contains current effective flood hazard data. FEMA provides the flood hazard data to support the National Flood Insurance Program. You can use the information to better understand your level of flood risk and type of flooding.The NFHL is made from effective flood maps and Letters of Map Change (LOMC) delivered to communities. NFHL digital data covers over 90 percent of the U.S. population. New and revised data is being added continuously. If you need information for areas not covered by the NFHL data, there may be other FEMA products which provide coverage for those areas.In the NFHL Viewer, you can use the address search or map navigation to locate an area of interest and the NFHL Print Tool to download and print a full Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) or FIRMette (a smaller, printable version of a FIRM) where modernized data exists. Technical GIS users can also utilize a series of dedicated GIS web services that allow the NFHL database to be incorporated into websites and GIS applications. For more information on available services, go to the NFHL GIS Services User Guide.You can also use the address search on the FEMA Flood Map Service Center (MSC) to view the NFHL data or download a FIRMette. Using the “Search All Products” on the MSC, you can download the NFHL data for a County or State in a GIS file format. This data can be used in most GIS applications to perform spatial analyses and for integration into custom maps and reports. To do so, you will need GIS or mapping software that can read data in shapefile format.FEMA also offers a download of a KMZ (keyhole markup file zipped) file, which overlays the data in Google Earth™. For more information on using the data in Google Earth™, please see Using the National Flood Hazard Layer Web Map Service (WMS) in Google Earth™.

Riverine flood hazard: The GAR 15 global flood hazard assessment uses a probabilistic approach for modelling riverine flood major river basins around the globe. The main steps in this methodology consists of: Compiling a global database of stream-flow data, merging different sources gathering more than 8000 stations over the globe. Calculating river discharge quantiles at various river sections. In another word calculating the range of possible discharges from very low to the maximum possible at series of locations along the river. The time span in the global stream-flow dataset is long enough to allow extreme value analysis. Where time series of flow discharges were too short or incomplete, they were improved with proxy data from stations located in the same “homogeneous region.” Homogeneous regions were calculated taking into account information such as climatic zones, hydrological characteristics of the catchments, and statistical parameters of the streamflow data. The calculated discharge quantiles were introduced to river sections, whose geometries were derived from topographic data (SRTM), and used with a simplified approach (based on Manning’s equation) to model water levels downstream. This procedure allowed for the determination of the reference Flood hazard maps for different return periods (6 are shown in the global study: T= 25, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000 years). The hazard maps are developed at 1kmx1km resolution. Such maps have been validated against satellite flood footprints from different sources (DFO archive, UNOSAT flood portal) and well performed especially for the big events For smaller events (lower return periods), the GAR Flood hazard maps tend to overestimate with respect to similar maps produced locally (hazard maps where available for some countries and were used as benchmark). The main issue being that, due to the resolution, the GAR flood maps do not take into account flood defences that are normally present to preserve the value exposed to floods. This can influence strongly the results of the risk calculations and especially of the economic parameters. In order to tackle this problem some post processing of the maps has been performed, based on the assumption that flood defences tend to be higher where the exposed value is high and then suddenly drop as this value reduces. The flood hazard assessment was conducted by CIMA Foundation and UNEP-GRID. The flood maps with associated probability of occurrence, is then used by CIMNE as input to the computation of the flood risk for GAR15 as Average Annual Loss values in each country. Hazard maps for six main return periods are developed and available, and probable maximum loss calculations are underway which will be available within few months of GAR15 launch. For GAR15, the risk was calculated with the CAPRA-GIS platform which is risk modelling tool of the CAPRA suite (www.ecapra.org). More information about the flood hazard assessment can be found in the background paper (CIMA Foundation, 2015).

PLEASE NOTE: This dataset has been retired. It has been superseded by https://environment.data.gov.uk/dataset/04532375-a198-476e-985e-0579a0a11b47.The Flood Map for Planning (Rivers and Sea) includes several layers of information. This dataset covers Flood Zone 2 and should not be used without Flood Zone 3. It is our best estimate of the areas of land at risk of flooding, when the presence of flood defences are ignored and covers land between Zone 3 and the extent of the flooding from rivers or the sea with a 1 in 1000 (0.1%) chance of flooding each year. This dataset also includes those areas defined in Flood Zone 3.This dataset is designed to support flood risk assessments in line with Planning Practice Guidance ; and raise awareness of the likelihood of flooding to encourage people living and working in areas prone to flooding to find out more and take appropriate action.The information provided is largely based on modelled data and is therefore indicative rather than specific. Locations may also be at risk from other sources of flooding, such as high groundwater levels, overland run off from heavy rain, or failure of infrastructure such as sewers and storm drains.The information indicates the flood risk to areas of land and is not sufficiently detailed to show whether an individual property is at risk of flooding, therefore properties may not always face the same chance of flooding as the areas that surround them. This is because we do not hold details about properties and their floor levels. Information on flood depth, speed or volume of flow is not included.NOTE: We have paused quarterly updates of this dataset. Please visit the “Pause to Updates of Flood Risk Maps” announcement on our support pages for further information. We will provide notifications on the Flood Map for Planning website to indicate where we have new flood risk information. Other data related to the Flood Map for Planning will continue to be updated, including data relating to flood history, flood defences, and water storage areas.

This dataset comes from the FEMA S_Fld_Haz_Ar table. The S_Fld_Haz_Ar table contains information about the flood hazards within the flood risk project area. A spatial file with location information also corresponds with this data table. These zones are used by FEMA to designate the SFHA and for insurance rating purposes. These data are the regulatory flood zones designated by FEMA. A spatial file with location information also corresponds with this data table.This information is needed for the following tables in the FIS report: Flooding Sources Included in this FIS report, and Summary of Hydrologic and Hydraulic Analyses.The spatial elements representing the flood zones are polygons. The entire area of the jurisdiction(s) mapped by the FIRM should have a corresponding flood zone polygon. There is one polygon for each contiguous flood zone designated.FEMA Regulatory Floodway are flood zone polygons marked as a regulatory floodway.FEMA 100 year are flood zone polygons where there is a 1% Annual Chance, also known as the 100 year.FEMA 500 year are flood zone polygons where there is a 0.2% Annual Chance, also known as the 500 year.This map is not intended for insurance rating purposes and is for information only. This map is a representation and approximation of the relative location of geographic information, land marks and physical addresses. The map may not be 100% accurate in locating your address. The floodplains shown on this mapping tool are those delineated on the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map (DFIRM or floodplain map) for Montgomery County. This map is not an official FEMA Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map. The effective DFIRMs are produced, maintained, and published by FEMA and not by Montgomery County. Official determinations are provided by FEMA.

The Flood Map for Planning Service includes several layers of information. This includes the Flood Zones data which shows the extent of land at present day risk of flooding from rivers and the sea, ignoring the benefits of defences, for the following scenarios:

• Flood Zone 1 – Land having a less than 0.1% (1 in 1000) annual probability of flooding. • Flood Zone 2 – Land having between 0.1% - 1% (1 in 100 to 1 in 1000) annual probability of flooding from rivers or between 0.1% - 0.5% (1 in 200 to 1 in 1000) annual probability of flooding from the sea, and accepted recorded flood outlines . • Flood Zone 3 – Areas shown to be at a 1% (1 in 100) or greater annual probability of flooding from rivers or 0.5% (1 in 200) or greater annual probability of flooding from the sea.

Flood Zone 1 is not shown in this dataset, but covers all areas not contained within Flood Zones 2 and 3. Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) use the Flood Zones to determine if they must consult the Environment Agency on planning applications. They are also used to determine if development is incompatible and whether development is subject to the exception test. The Flood Zones are one of several flood risk datasets used to determine the need for planning applications to be supported by a Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) and subject to the sequential test.

The Flood Zones are a composite dataset including national and local modelled data, and information from past floods.

The Flood Zones are designed to only give an indication of flood risk to an area of land and are not suitable for showing whether an individual property is at risk of flooding. This is because we cannot know all the details about each property.

FEMA provides access to the National Flood Hazards Layer (NFHL) through web mapping services. The maps depict effective flood hazard information and supporting data. The primary flood hazard classification is indicated in the Flood Hazard Zones layer.The NFHL layers include:Flood hazard zones and labelsRiver Miles MarkersCross-sections and coastal transects and their labelsLetter of Map Revision (LOMR) boundaries and case numbersFlood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) boundaries, labels and effective datesCoastal Barrier Resources System (CBRS) and Otherwise Protected Area (OPA) unitsCommunity boundaries and namesLeveesHydraulic and flood control structuresProfile and coastal transect baselinesLimit of Moderate Wave Action(LiMWA)Not all effective Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) have GIS data available. To view a list of available county and single-jurisdiction flood study data in GIS format and check the status of the NFHL GIS services, please visit the NFHL Status Page.Preliminary & Pending National Flood Hazard LayersThe Preliminary and Pending NFHL dataset represents the current pre-effective flood data for the country. These layers are updated as new preliminary and pending data becomes available, and data is removed from these layers as it becomes effective.For more information, please visit FEMA's website.To download map panels or GIS Data, go to: NFHL on FEMA GeoPlatform.Preliminary & Pending DataPreliminary data are for review and guidance purposes only. By viewing preliminary data and maps, the user acknowledges that the information provided is preliminary and subject to change. Preliminary data are not final and are presented in this national layer as the best information available at this time. Additionally, preliminary data cannot be used to rate flood insurance policies or enforce the Federal mandatory purchase requirement. FEMA will remove preliminary data once pending data are available.Pending data are for early awareness of upcoming changes to regulatory flood map information. Until the data becomes effective, when it will appear in FEMA's National Flood Hazard Layer (NFHL), the data should not be used to rate flood insurance policies or enforce the Federal mandatory purchase requirement. FEMA will remove pending data once effective data are available.To better understand Preliminary data please see the View Your Community's Preliminary Flood Hazard Data webpage.FEMA GeoPlatformFEMA's GIS flood map services are available through FEMAs GeoPlatform, an ArcGIS Online portal containing a variety of FEMA-related data.To view the NFHL on the FEMA GeoPlatform go to NFHL on FEMA GeoPlatform.To view the Preliminary and Pending national layers on the FEMA Geoplatform go to FEMA's Preliminary & Pending National Flood Hazard Layer.Technical InformationFlood hazard and supporting data are developed using specifications for horizontal control consistent with 1:12,000–scale mapping. If you plan to display maps from the NFHL with other map data for official purposes, ensure that the other information meets FEMA’s standards for map accuracy.The minimum horizontal positional accuracy for base map hydrographic and transportation features used with the NFHL is the NSSDA radial accuracy of 38 feet. United States Geological Survey (USGS) imagery and map services that meet this standard can be found by visiting the Knowledge Sharing Site (KSS) for Base Map Standards (420). Other base map standards can be found at https://riskmapportal.msc.fema.gov/kss/MapChanges/default.aspx. You will need a username and password to access this information.The NFHL data are from FEMA’s FIRM databases. New data are added continually. The NFHL also contains map changes to FIRM data made by LOMRs.The NFHL is stored in North American Datum of 1983, Geodetic Reference System 80 coordinate system, though many of the NFHL GIS web services support the Web Mercator Sphere projection commonly used in web mapping applications.Organization & DisplayThe NFHL is organized into many data layers. The layers display information at map scales appropriate for the data. A layer indicating the availability of NFHL data is displayed at map scales smaller than 1:250,000, regional overviews at map scales between 1:250,000 and 1:50,000, and detailed flood hazard maps at map scales of 1:50,000 and larger. The "Scalehint" item in the Capabilities file for the Web Map Service encodes the scale range for a layer.In addition, there are non-NFHL datasets provided in the GIS web services, such as information about the availability of flood data and maps, the national map panel scheme, and point locations for LOMA and LOMR-Fs. The LOMA are positioned less accurately than are the NFHL data.Layers in the public NFHL GIS services:Use the numbers shown below when referencing layers by number.0. NFHL Availability1. LOMRs2. LOMAs3. FIRM Panels4. Base Index5. PLSS6. Toplogical Low Confidence Areas7. River Mile Markers8. Datum Conversion Points9. Coastal Gages10. Gages11. Nodes12. High Water Marks13. Station Start Points14. Cross-Sections15. Coastal Transects16. Base Flood Elevations17. Profile Baselines18. Transect Baselines19. Limit of Moderate Wave Action20. Water Lines21. Coastal Barrier Resources System Area22. Political Jurisdictions23. Levees24. General Structures25. Primary Frontal Dunes26. Hydrologic Reaches27. Flood Hazard Boundaries28. Flood Hazard Zones29. Submittal Information30. Alluvial Fans31. Subbasins32. Water Areas

Set of shapefiles defining Indicative Flood Risk Areas for local risk. Indicative Flood Risk Areas are provided by the Environment Agency for use by Lead Local Flood Authorities in England in their review during 2017 of Preliminary Flood Risk Assessments and Flood Risk Areas under the Flood Risk Regulations. The Indicative Flood Risk Areas are primarily based on an aggregated 1km square grid Updated Flood Map for Surface Water (1 in 100 and 1000 annual probability rainfall), informally referred to as the “blue square map”. These are 1km grids across England and consist of the following data layers: • Surface Water Flood Risk Exposure Grid – 1km square grid that shows places above the flood risk threshold defined, using the 1 in 100 and 1000 annual probability (deep) Flood Map for Surface Water. • Flood risk thresholds used to generate the “blue Squares”: - Number of people > 200 - Number of critical services, including electricity and water > 1 - Number of non-residential properties > 20 • Cluster Maps – are aggregations of 3km by 3km squares that each contain at least 5 touching "blue squares" (i.e. 1km grid squares where one of the thresholds above is exceeded) • Communities at Risk by Lead Local Flooding Authority • People Sensitivity Map by Lead Local Flood Authority. Attribution statement: © Environment Agency copyright and/or database right 2016. All rights reserved. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence

The Flood Map for Planning (Rivers and Sea) includes several layers of information. This dataset covers Flood Zone 2 and should not be used without Flood Zone 3. It is our best estimate of the areas of land at risk of flooding, when the presence of flood defences are ignored and covers land between Zone 3 and the extent of the flooding from rivers or the sea with a 1 in 1000 (0.1%) chance of flooding each year. This dataset also includes those areas defined in Flood Zone 3.This dataset is designed to support flood risk assessments in line with Planning Practice Guidance ; and raise awareness of the likelihood of flooding to encourage people living and working in areas prone to flooding to find out more and take appropriate action.The information provided is largely based on modelled data and is therefore indicative rather than specific. Locations may also be at risk from other sources of flooding, such as high groundwater levels, overland run off from heavy rain, or failure of infrastructure such as sewers and storm drains.The information indicates the flood risk to areas of land and is not sufficiently detailed to show whether an individual property is at risk of flooding, therefore properties may not always face the same chance of flooding as the areas that surround them. This is because we do not hold details about properties and their floor levels. Information on flood depth, speed or volume of flow is not included.NOTE: We have paused quarterly updates of this dataset. Please visit the “Pause to Updates of Flood Risk Maps” announcement on our support pages for further information. We will provide notifications on the Flood Map for Planning website to indicate where we have new flood risk information. Other data related to the Flood Map for Planning will continue to be updated, including data relating to flood history, flood defences, and water storage areas.Defra Network WMS server provided by the Environment Agency

PLEASE NOTE: this dataset has been retired. It has been superseded by data for Flood Risk Areas: https://environment.data.gov.uk/dataset/f3d63ec5-a21a-49fb-803a-0fa0fb7238b6

Shapefile for Indicative Flood Risk Areas generated using the Environment Agency's Communities at Risk Approach. This information is provided by the Environment Agency for use by LLFAs in their review during 2017 of Preliminary Flood Risk Assessments and Flood Risk Areas under the Flood Risk Areas. it must be used in conjunction with data for Indicative Flood Risk Areas generated by the Environment Agency using the cluster method as well.

The Indicative Flood Risk Areas are primarily based on an aggregated 1km square grid Updated Flood Map for Surface Water (1 in 100 and 1000 annual probability rainfall), informally referred to as the “blue square map”.

This dataset is a component of Indicative Flood Risk Areas (shapefiles)

A bundle download of all Indicative Flood Risk Areas spatial datasets is also available from this record. Please see individual records for full details and metadata on each product. Attribution statement: © Environment Agency copyright and/or database right 2016. All rights reserved.

Flood risk can also change over time because of new building and development, weather patterns and other factors. Although the frequency or severity of impacts cannot be changed, FEMA is working with federal, state, tribal and local partners across the nation to identify flood risk and promote informed planning and development practices to help reduce that risk through the Risk Mapping, Assessment and Planning (Risk MAP) program.

This web map is designed to provide an enriched geospatial platform to ascertain the flood potential status of our local place of residence and other land-use activities. Information on the flood risk distribution can be extracted by 5 major magnitudes (very high, high, moderate, low, and very low). The buildings, roads, and rail tracks that are susceptible to flooding based on the identified magnitudes are also included in the web map. In addition, the historical or flood inventory layer, which contains information on the previous flooding disasters that have occurred within the river basin, is included.

This web map is the result of extensive research using available data, open source and custom datasets that are extremely reliable.The collaborative study was done by Dr. Felix Ndidi Nkeki (GIS-Unit, BEDC Electricity PLC, 5, Akpakpava Road, Benin City, Nigeria and Department of Geography and Regional Planning, University of Benin, Nigeria), Dr. Ehiaguina Innocent Bello (National Space Research and Development Agency, Obasanjo Space Centre, FCT-Abuja, Nigeria) and Dr. Ishola Ganiy Agbaje (Centre for Space Science Technology Education, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria). The study results are published in a reputable leading world-class journal known as the International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction. The methodology, datasets, and full results of the study can be found in the paper.

The major sources of data are: ALOS PALSAR DEM; soil data from Harmonised World Soil Database-Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO); land-use and surface geologic datasets from CSSTE, OAU Campus, Ile-Ife, Nigeria and Ibadan Urban Flood Management Project (IUFMP), Oyo State, Nigeria; transport network data was extracted from Open Street Map; building footprint data was mined from Google open building; and finally, rainfall grid data was downloaded from the Centre for Hydrometeorology and Remote Sensing (CHRS).

The National Flood Hazard and Risk Maps are based on generalised modelling only. The maps have been published to comply with the Flood Risk Regulations (2009) and the EU Directive (2007/60/EC), and used to inform the creation of Flood Risk Management plans across Wales. These maps have no official status for Planning or Insurance purposes, therefore the public and professionals are advised to use the information contained within the Flood Risk Assessment Wales Map and Development Advice Map/ Flood Map for Planning (as appropriate) for these purposes as these will be more up-to-date and incorporate improved modelling information. The National Flood Risk Maps have been created for 3 sources of flooding, namely, 1. Flooding from Rivers 2. Flooding from the Sea 3. Flooding from Surface Water & Small Watercourse The maps show Risk to a range of receptors, grouped in categories of People, Economic and Environment. Risk information is aggregated and displayed at a community scale. For Rivers and Surface Water & Small Watercourses, High risk is up to 1 in 30year; Medium risk is between 1 in 30 and 1 in 100year; and Low risk is between 1 in 100year and 1 in 1,000year Annual Exceedance Probability (AEP). For the Sea, High risk is up to 1 in 30 year; Medium risk is between 1 in 30 to 1 in 200 year; and Low risk 1 in 200 year to 1 in 1000 year.

This dataset comes from the FEMA S_Fld_Haz_Ar table. The S_Fld_Haz_Ar table contains information about the flood hazards within the flood risk project area. A spatial file with location information also corresponds with this data table. These zones are used by FEMA to designate the SFHA and for insurance rating purposes. These data are the regulatory flood zones designated by FEMA. A spatial file with location information also corresponds with this data table.This information is needed for the following tables in the FIS report: Flooding Sources Included in this FIS report, and Summary of Hydrologic and Hydraulic Analyses.The spatial elements representing the flood zones are polygons. The entire area of the jurisdiction(s) mapped by the FIRM should have a corresponding flood zone polygon. There is one polygon for each contiguous flood zone designated.FEMA Regulatory Floodway are flood zone polygons marked as a regulatory floodway.FEMA 100 year are flood zone polygons where there is a 1% Annual Chance, also known as the 100 year.FEMA 500 year are flood zone polygons where there is a 0.2% Annual Chance, also known as the 500 year.FEMA minimal flood hazard zone polygons.This map is not intended for insurance rating purposes and is for information only. This map is a representation and approximation of the relative location of geographic information, land marks and physical addresses. The map may not be 100% accurate in locating your address. The floodplains shown on this mapping tool are those delineated on the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map (DFIRM or floodplain map) for Montgomery County. This map is not an official FEMA Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map. The effective DFIRMs are produced, maintained, and published by FEMA and not by Montgomery County. Official determinations are provided by FEMA.

This map represents Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) data important for floodplain management, mitigation, and insurance activities for the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The National Flood Hazard Layer (NFHL) data present the flood risk information depicted on the FIRM in a digital format suitable for use in electronic mapping applications. The NFHL database is a subset of the information created for the Flood Insurance Studies (FIS) and serves as a means to archive a portion of the information collected during the FIS. The NFHL data incorporates Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map (DFIRM) databases published by Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The 100-year flood is referred to as the 1% annual exceedance probability flood, since it is a flood that has a 1% chance of being equaled or exceeded in any single year. The primary risk classifications used are the 1-percent-annual-chance flood event, the 0.2-percent-annual-chance flood event, and areas of minimal flood risk. The 1% annual chance (base flood) is the flood that has a 1% chance of being equaled or exceeded in any year. The Special Flood Hazard area is the area subject to flooding by the 1% annual chance flood. Areas of Special Flood Hazard include Zones A, AE, AH, AO, AR, A99, D, V, VE, and X. These flood zones are explained below and reflects the severity or type of flooding in the area. A - Zone A is the flood insurance rate zone that corresponds to the 1-percent annual chance floodplains that are determined in the Flood Insurance Study by approximate methods of analysis. Because detailed hydraulic analyses are not performed for such areas, no Base Flood Elevations or depths are shown within this zone. Mandatory flood insurance purchase requirements apply. AE and A1-A30 - Zones AE and A1-A30 are the flood insurance rate zones that correspond to the 1-percent annual chance floodplains that are determined in the Flood Insurance Study by detailed methods of analysis. In most instances, Base Flood Elevations derived from the detailed hydraulic analyses are shown at selected intervals within this zone. Mandatory flood insurance purchase requirements apply. AH - Zone AH is the flood insurance rate zone that corresponds to the areas of 1-percent annual chance shallow flooding with a constant water-surface elevation (usually areas of ponding) where average depths are between 1 and 3 feet. The Base Flood Elevations derived from the detailed hydraulic analyses are shown at selected intervals within this zone. Mandatory flood insurance purchase requirements apply. AO - Zone AO is the flood insurance rate zone that corresponds to the areas of 1-percent shallow flooding (usually sheet flow on sloping terrain) where average depths are between 1 and 3 feet. Average flood depths derived from the detailed hydraulic analyses are shown within this zone. In addition, alluvial fan flood hazards are shown as Zone AO on the Flood Insurance Rate Map. Mandatory flood insurance purchase requirements apply. AR - Zone AR is the flood insurance rate zone used to depict areas protected from flood hazards by flood control structures, such as a levee, that are being restored. FEMA will consider using the Zone AR designation for a community if the flood protection system has been deemed restorable by a Federal agency in consultation with a local project sponsor; a minimum level of flood protection is still provided to the community by the system; and restoration of the flood protection system is scheduled to begin within a designated time period and in accordance with a progress plan negotiated between the community and FEMA. Mandatory purchase requirements for flood insurance will apply in Zone AR, but the rate will not exceed the rate for an unnumbered Zone A if the structure is built in compliance with Zone AR floodplain management regulations. A99 - Zone A99 is the flood insurance rate zone that corresponds to areas within the 1-percent annual chance floodplain that will be protected by a Federal flood protection system where construction has reached specified statutory milestones. No Base Flood Elevations or depths are shown within this zone. Mandatory flood insurance purchase requirements apply. D - Zone D designation is used for areas where there are possible but undetermined flood hazards. In areas designated as Zone D, no analysis of flood hazards has been conducted. Mandatory flood insurance purchase requirements do not apply, but coverage is available. The flood insurance rates for properties in Zone D are commensurate with the uncertainty of the flood risk. V - Zone V is the flood insurance rate zone that corresponds to areas within the 1-percent annual chance coastal floodplains that have additional hazards associated with storm waves. Because approximate hydraulic analyses are performed for such areas, no Base Flood Elevations are shown within this zone. Mandatory flood insurance purchase requirements apply. VE - Zone VE is the flood insurance rate zone that corresponds to areas within the 1-percent annual chance coastal floodplain that have additional hazards associated with storm waves. Base Flood Elevations derived from the detailed hydraulic analyses are shown at selected intervals within this zone. Mandatory flood insurance purchase requirements apply. X - Zone X is the flood insurance rate zones that correspond to areas outside the 1-percent annual chance floodplain – Areas protected from the 1-percent annual chance flood by levees. No Base Flood Elevations or depths are shown within this zone. Insurance purchase is not required in these zones. More information about the flood zones can be found here. The NFHL data are derived from Flood Insurance Studies (FISs), previously published Flood Insurance Rate Maps, flood hazard analyses performed in support of the FISs and FIRMs, and new mapping data where available. The NFHL data is available at State level. The data is updated on monthly basis and FEMA is in the process of mapping all the flood zones and so some counties do not have complete data. For better visualization, it’s recommended to display the service with 50% transparency. The map service has a county layer that helps differentiate between the counties that have flood data available and those that do not. The flood data is scale dependent and is set to show from 1:3,000,000. This data is as of March 2011.

These 3 layers show the extent of flooding from surface water that could result from a flood with a 3.3% (1 in 30), 1% (1 in 100), and 0.1% (1 in 1000) chance of happening in any given year.Surface water flooding happens when rainwater does not drain away through the normal drainage systems or soak into the ground, but lies on or flows over the ground instead. Managing the risk of flooding from surface water is the responsibility of lead local flood authorities (LLFA). The LLFA is the unitary authority or if there is no unitary authority, the county council for the area.The Environment Agency (EA) is responsible for publishing surface water flood risk maps however mapping of surface water flood risk areas is responsibility of LLFAs. We, the EA, produced the Risk of Flooding from Surface Water (RoFSW) map on behalf of LLFAs, using their input and information. It assesses flooding scenarios as a result of rainfall with a 3.3% (1 in 30), 1% (1 in 100), or 0.1% (1 in 1000) chance of occurring each year. Although surface water flood risk information is not suitable for identifying whether an individual property will flood it does gives an indication of the broad areas likely to be affected.More information - What is the Risk of Flooding from Surface map

North Rhine-Westphalia has been making considerable efforts for many years to protect people, the environment, economic and cultural goods from the dangers of flooding. In addition to structural measures, the mapping of risks, the information of the affected citizens, precautionary planning and flood-oriented development planning are of central importance. By 2015, flood risk management plans will be developed in North Rhine-Westphalia for all areas where significant flood damage can occur. The aim of the new plans is to inform about existing hazards and to capture and coordinate actions from different actors in order to reduce and manage flood-related risks to human health, the environment, infrastructure and property. The basis for this is the EC Flood Risk Assessment and Management Directive (EC-HWRM-RL), which entered into force on 26 November 2007. The aim of the Directive was adopted by the Federal Government in the amendment to the Water Budget Act (WHG) (in force since 1 March 2010). The following steps are foreseen to implement the WHG: Until December 2011: Preliminary assessment and definition of areas where floods may pose a significant risk to human health, the environment, cultural heritage, economic activities or material assets (so-called risk areas). Until December 2013: Preparation of flood hazard and risk maps for these areas. Flood risk maps are drawn up on the basis of flood hazard maps for the same flood scenarios. In addition to the flood hazards (extension of floods), the flood-related adverse effects (e.g. the number of inhabitants concerned, affected residential or protected areas, endangered cultural objects) are to be presented.

North Carolina Effective Flood zones: In 2000, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) designated North Carolina a Cooperating Technical Partner State, formalizing an agreement between FEMA and the State to modernize flood maps. This partnership resulted in creation of the North Carolina Floodplain Mapping Program (NCFMP). As a CTS, the State assumed primary ownership and responsibility of the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) for all North Carolina communities as part of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). This project includes conducting flood hazard analyses and producing updated, Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps (DFIRMs). Floodplain management is a process that aims to achieve reduced losses due to flooding. It takes on many forms, but is realized through a series of federal, state, and local programs and regulations, in concert with industry practice, to identify flood risk, implement methods to protect man-made development from flooding, and protect the natural and beneficial functions of floodplains. FIRMs are the primary tool for state and local governments to mitigate areas of flooding. Individual county databases can be downloaded from https://fris.nc.gov Updated Jan 17th, 2025.