This cached tiled map service, hosted at MassGIS' ArcGIS Online site, represents FEMA National Flood Hazard Layer (NFHL) data currently available for Massachusetts. At scales 1:80,000 and closer, flood zone abbreviation labels appear (from the FLD_ZONE field). The National Flood Hazard Layer (NFHL) dataset represents the current effective flood risk data for those parts of the country where maps have been modernized by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). It is a compilation of effective Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) databases and any Letters of Map Revision (LOMR) that have been issued against those databases since their publication date. The NFHL is updated as new data reaches its designated effective date and becomes valid for regulatory use under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). See full metadata from MassGIS.

All data included in this layer are considered "final" by FEMA. Any preliminary data that appear on maps displayed at community meetings, etc., are not included here.

This map service includes data published by FEMA as of July 2, 2023.

To display a legend for this layer, add https://massgis.maps.arcgis.com/home/item.html?id=8455678914e64b03b565b97d07577279 to your map along with this service

This layer is sourced from maps.coast.noaa.gov.

This map service presents spatial information developed as part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Office for Coastal Management’s Coastal Flood Exposure Mapper. The purpose of the online mapping tool is to provide coastal managers, planners, and stakeholders a preliminary look at exposures to coastal flooding hazards. The Mapper is a screening-level tool that uses nationally consistent data sets and analyses. Data and maps provided can be used at several scales to help communities initiate resilience planning efforts. Currently the extent of the Coastal Flood Exposure Mapper covers U.S. coastal areas along the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean. NOAA provides the information “as-is” and shall incur no responsibility or liability as to the completeness or accuracy of this information. NOAA assumes no responsibility arising from the use of this information. For additional information, please contact the NOAA Office for Coastal Management (coastal.info@noaa.gov).

© NOAA Office for Coastal Management

Bitly Link for this page: https://bit.ly/mvcfloodcompareAll datasets presented here are compiled by organizations other than the Martha's Vineyard Commission (MVC). The MVC has simply pulled these datasets into one map viewer for ease of direct visual comparison. The MVC encourages the viewer of this map to do their due diligence and research to understand the wide array of methodologies used to model flood inundation and sea level rise.The 3 Flood Inundation datasets presented are: FEMA (100 year or 1% annual probability flood zone) as per Effective Year 2016 data release.Mass Coast - Coastal Flood Risk Model (presented as flood probability for 3 future time horizons)Storm Tide Pathways - Flood Inundation Extents based on Total Water Level (in feet) relative to MLLW. There's a separate data layer for each inundation plane in half foot increments from 2.5ft MLLW to 19.5ft MLLW.SLOSH - Hurricane Inundation - Worst Case ScenarioVarious Links to learn more about these datasets:FEMA 2016 Data for Dukes CountyCoastal Zone Management Viewer: Mass Coast - Coastal Flood Risk Model Mass Coast 2030 Flood RiskMass Coast 2050 Flood RiskMass Coast 2070 Flood RiskMass Coast FAQStorm Tide Pathways App and Storm Tide Pathways InfoSLOSH - produced by NOAA & NWS v3 June 2022 (high tide scenario)The legend for the Mass Coast (MC-FRM) data shows the:The Probabilities 0.1% (in coral color) to 100% (in dark blue) is the Probability of Inundation - which is the chance of becoming flooded at some point each year.Coast Flood Exceedance Probabilities shown in the legend display the modeled outputs ranging from 0.1% (0.001, otherwise known as the 1,000-year storm) to 100% (1.0), which corresponds to the one-year storm. -- The 100% probability level generally corresponds to the annual high water value (NOT the average high tide).

Other data on this map include Salt Marshes, Wetlands MassDEP, Wetland Migration SLAMM Model (year 2070 with high sea level rise), Parcel Lines, and Building Roofprints.

The FIRM Database is the digital, geospatial version of the flood hazard information (location and attributes for boundaries of flood insurance risk zones) shown on the published paper Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs). The FIRM Database depicts flood risk information and supporting data used to develop the risk data. 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 FIRM Database is derived from Flood Insurance Studies (FISs), previously published 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 FEMA.The FIRM is the basis for floodplain management, mitigation, and insurance activities for the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Insurance applications include enforcement of the mandatory purchase requirement of the Flood Disaster Protection Act, which "... requires the purchase of flood insurance by property owners who are being assisted by Federal programs or by Federally supervised, regulated or insured agencies or institutions in the acquisition or improvement of land facilities located or to be located in identified areas having special flood hazards, " Section 2 (b) (4) of the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973. In addition to the identification of Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs), the risk zones shown on the FIRMs are the basis for the establishment of premium rates for flood coverage offered through the NFIP. The FIRM Database presents the flood risk information depicted on the FIRM in a digital format suitable for use in electronic mapping applications. The FIRM Database serves to archive the information collected during the Flood Risk Project.Informing Worcester is the City of Worcester's open data portal where interested parties can obtain public information at no cost.

The Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map (DFIRM) Database depicts flood risk information and supporting data used to develop the risk data. 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 DFIRM Database is 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 National Flood Hazard Layer (NFHL) dataset represents the current effective flood risk data for those parts of the country where maps have been modernized by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).Also see the Map Service and Tile service.

The National Flood Hazard Layer (NFHL) data incorporates all Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map (DFIRM) databases published by theFederal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and any Letters Of Map Revision (LOMRs) that have been issued against those databases since their publication date.All data included in this layer are considered "final" by FEMA. Any preliminary data that appear on maps displayed at community meetings, etc., are not included here.The DFIRM Database is the digital, geospatial version of the flood hazard information (location and attributes for boundaries of flood insurance risk zones) 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 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 FIRM is the basis for floodplain management, mitigation, and insurance activities for the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Insurance applications include enforcement of the mandatory purchase requirement of the Flood Disaster Protection Act, which "... requires the purchase of flood insurance by property owners who are being assisted by Federal programs or by Federally supervised, regulated or insured agencies or institutions in the acquisition or improvement of land facilities" (Section 2 (b) (4) of the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973). In addition to the identification of Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs), the risk zones shown on the FIRMs are the basis for the establishment of premium rates for flood coverage offered through the NFIP. The 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 FIS and serves as a means to archive a portion of the information collected during the FIS.

The Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map (DFIRM) Database depicts flood risk information and supporting data used to develop the risk data. 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 DFIRM Database is 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). Spatial data is georeferenced to the earth surface using the Transverse Mercator projected coordinate system and the North American Datum of 1983. The specifications for the horizontal control of DFIRM data files are consistent with those required for mapping at a scale of 1:6000.

The Cape Cod Commission recently created model Coastal Resilience Zone regulations. This viewer is part of a public outreach toolkit to assist towns in understanding, adopting, and implementing the model regulations. Please see the property flood risk map, design flood elevations map, and Coastal Resilience Zone map included in this application for additional information.

The Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map (DFIRM) Database depicts flood risk information and supporting data used to develop the risk data. 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 DFIRM Database is 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). Spatial data is georeferenced to the earth surface using the Wisconsin Transverse Mercator projected coordinate system and the North American Datum of 1983. The specifications for the horizontal control of DFIRM data files are consistent with those required for mapping at a scale of 1:6000.

The Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map (DFIRM) Database depicts flood risk information and supporting data used to develop the risk data. 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 DFIRM Database is 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). In addition to the preceding, required text, the Abstract should also describe the projection and coordinate system as well as a general statement about horizontal accuracy.

Effective (2017) and Preliminary (2023) FEMA Flood Zones for Arlington, MA and the changes between the data

Authority: Executive Order No. 149: FEMA and Flood Plain Use. Jurisdiction: Floodplains in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Applicability: Construction by state agencies must avoid floodplains. State-administered grant and loan programs must avoid supporting construction in flood plains, to the extent possible. Regulatory Designates the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR, formerly the Department of Environmental Management) as the state coordinating agency to implement the National Flood Insurance Program. Requires all state agencies, to the extent possible, to avoid construction, provision of loans or grants, conveying, or permitting projects in floodplains. Provides for Massachusetts participation in the National Flood Insurance Program. Review Process: Contact the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to determine if a proposed project is in a floodplain. Projects proposed in floodplains are reviewed in conjunction with Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (15), Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act (17), and Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (22) reviews. Technical assistance is also available from the DCR Flood Hazard Management Program. Forms: No additional forms for floodplain review. Fees No additional fees for floodplain review. Website: FEMA at http://store.msc.fema.gov/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/FemaWelcomeView?storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&langId=-1 DCR Flood Hazard Management Program at http://www.mass.gov/dcr/stewardship/mitigate/.

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 simplest way for you to access the flood hazard data, including the NFHL, is through FEMAs Map Service Center (MSC).If you want to explore the current digital effective flood hazard data in a map, the best tool to use is the NFHL Viewer. From the NFHL Viewer, you may view, download, and print flood maps for your location.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 Flood Hazard Products and Services which provide coverage for those areas.A list of the types of data available in the NFHL and information about other ways to access the NFHL may be found in the NFHL GIS Services User Guide.If you need more information about individual tables in the NFHL, the FIRM Database Technical Reference, found at FEMA’s Technical References, includes those details.For step-by-step instructions on how to read a flood map, you may view the How to Read a Flood Insurance Rate Map Tutorial.For more information, please visit the FEMA Flood Map Service Center.

The Coastal Flood Resilience Zoning Overlay District goes beyond the areas identified in FEMA flood maps, applying to areas of the City that could be inundated during a major coastal storm event, known as a 1 percent chance flood event with 40-inches of sea level rise. The zoning overlay promotes resilient planning and design, provides consistent standards for the review of projects, and maximizes the benefits of investments in coastal resilience.

NOAA Coastal Flood Exposure MapperThis online visualization tool supports communities that are assessing their coastal hazard risks and vulnerabilities. The tool creates a collection of user-defined maps that show the people, places, and natural resources exposed to coastal flooding. The maps can be saved, downloaded, or shared to communicate flood exposure and potential impacts. In addition, the tool provides guidance for using these maps to engage community members and stakeholders.

This EnviroAtlas dataset describes the total counts and percentage of population, land area, and impervious surface in the 1% Annual Chance Flood Hazard area or 0.2% Annual Chance Flood Hazard area of each block group. The flood hazard area is defined by the National Flood Hazard Layer (NFHL) produced by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA, www.fema.gov). This dataset was produced by the US EPA to support research and online mapping activities related to EnviroAtlas. EnviroAtlas (https://www.epa.gov/enviroatlas) allows the user to interact with a web-based, easy-to-use, mapping application to view and analyze multiple ecosystem services for the contiguous United States. The dataset is available as downloadable data (https://edg.epa.gov/data/Public/ORD/EnviroAtlas) or as an EnviroAtlas map service. Additional descriptive information about each attribute in this dataset can be found in its associated EnviroAtlas Fact Sheet (https://www.epa.gov/enviroatlas/enviroatlas-fact-sheets).

Natural Areas are generally the region’s least developed and most sensitive areas. These identified areas comprise natural shoreline, barrier beaches, banks, and dunes, areas with highest habitat value and natural landscapes, undeveloped lands in wellhead protection areas, buffers to wetlands and vernal pools, and undeveloped areas subject to flooding. The vision for Natural Areas is to minimize adverse development impacts to sensitive resource areas, to preserve lands that define Cape Cod’s natural landscape and contribute to its scenic character, and to improve the Cape’s resilience to severe storms and the effects of climate change. Natural Areas are lands with the highest significance for resource protection or conservation and are appropriate for permanent protection through acquisition and conservation restriction or for transfer of development rights to less vulnerable areas.The Commission identified these areas by mapping BioMap Core Habitat and Critical Natural Landscapes, vernal pools and the 350-foot buffer of vernal pools, protected open space, wetlands and the 100-foot buffer to wetlands, undeveloped lands in wellhead protection areas, and undeveloped lands in FEMA flood zones.

According to NOAA, "Floods are the most common and widespread of all weather-related natural disasters" and as our earth continues to warm due to climate change, precipitation events are becoming more frequent and more intense, dropping record-setting amounts of water from the sky. Whenever the volume of water on land overcomes the capacity of natural and built drainage systems to carry it away, inland flooding can result. Floods can happen in minutes or over long periods of time, but in either case the effects can be devastating and life-threatening. Building community resilience to inland flooding involves several steps including assessing vulnerability and risk of the community members. © 2024 Adobe Stock. All rights reserved.Riparian areas are lands adjacent to rivers, streams, lakes and other water bodies, and they provide a great deal of value to both wildlife as well as dissipate the energy of storm-generated waves and provide considerable resistance to streambank erosion. The natural sinuosity and complexity of river and stream channels helps to dissipate energy of raging flows during intense precipitation events. Identifying impervious surfaces and other concrete and "built" structures in the riparian zone and removing them allows for natural vegetation to take its place, thus increasing the resilience to flooding at a local level. This layer displays census tracts that are ranked according to which would benefit most from improving evacuation routes. The ranking is based upon a composite index built with the following attributes:Percent of Properties with Flooding Today in the Return Period 100 Scenario (%) - Data source no longer availablePercent Riparian Area (%)Percent of Area to Restore (%) - Expressed as a percentage of the tract with landcover classified as “built-up”.These attribute links take you to the original data sources. Preprocessing was needed to prepare many of these inputs for inclusion in our index. The links are provided for reference only.This layer is one of six in a series developed to support local climate resilience planning. Intended as planning tools for policy makers, climate resilience planners, and community members, these layers highlight areas of the community that are most likely to benefit from the resilience intervention it supports. Each layer focuses on one specific flood resilience intervention that is intended to help mitigate against the climate hazard.Restoring built-up areas to natural habitat has many benefits including mitigating flood damage. For more information, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has an excellent document that describes the functions of riparian areas for storm damage prevention. Additionally, here is a resource from the EPA.Layers in the inland flooding series include,Where Would Better Flood Awareness Improve Inland Flood Resilience?Where Would Better Evacuation Routes Improve Flood Resilience?Where Would Open Space Preservation Improve Flood Resilience?Where Would Reducing Impervious Surfaces Improve Flood Resilience?Where Would Restoring Built-up Areas Improve Flood Resilience?Where Would Future Flood Prone Areas Benefit From Slowing Development?Did you know you can build your own climate resilience index or use ours and customize it? The Customize a climate resilience index Tutorial provides more information on the index and also walks you through steps for taking our index and customizing it to your needs so you can create intervention maps better suited to your location and sourced from your own higher resolution data. For more information about how Esri enriched the census tracts with exposure, demographic, and environmental data to create composite indices called intervention indices, please read this technical reference.This feature layer was created from the Climate Resilience Planning Census Tracts hosted feature layer view and is one of 18 similar intervention layers, all of which can be found in ArcGIS Living Atlas of the World.

The Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map (DFIRM) Database depicts flood risk information and supporting data used to develop the risk data. 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 DFIRM Database is 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).