Know Your Flood Hazard
Coastal Zones / LiMWA
There are three basic coastal zones and one new zone in the new NFIP maps. The flood zone X is considered to be a low risk of flooding. VE zones or Coastal High Hazard Areas are zones where high velocity wave action accompanies the storm surge and can cause severe damage to buildings. AE zones are areas affected by storm surge but where wave action is diminished or absent. For the first time FEMA has established another area within the AE zone called the Limit of Moderate Wave Action or LIMWA. These moderate waves can cause damage to buildings, though they are not as damaging as the waves expected in the VE zone. Communities that adopt the Limit of Moderate Wave Action as a higher regulatory standard may earn flood insurance rate discounts.
Know Your Flood Hazard
- Check before you buy. Review the Ask Before You Buy: Know Your Flood Risk document below.
- Before buying, you should be aware of other factors that accompany the pleasures of owning property near the beach. Review the Q&A Purchasing Coastal Real Estate in NC document below.
- Learn about your flood risks.
- To determine your flood risk, visit FloodSmart.gov or call 1-800-358-9616 (FEMA “Know Your Risks" brochure).
- For information from FEMA’s Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) and floodplain management questions, contact the Planning Department at (910) 328-1349.
- Use the MSC at NC Flood Risk Information System to find your official flood map.
- For a copy of your FEMA Elevation Certificates contact Inspections Department at (910) 328-1349.
- Review the NTB Hazard Mitigation Plan. below
