TAMPA, Fla. — Flood maps are different from evacuation zones and show a property's risk for flooding at any time of the year including as a result of heavy rain.
These zones have nothing to do with hurricanes and everything to do with property insurance and building requirements, according to Hillsborough County's website.
Homes can be in a non-evacuation zone but still be in a high-risk flood zone because of a nearby stream so it is still important to check what flood zone you are in to be prepared.
Here are the links to maps where you can plug in your address and find what flood zone you are in:
Flood zone maps for the region
What do the flood zone letters mean?
- Moderate-to-low-risk areas are shown beginning with letters B, C or X
- High-risk areas are zones A, AE, AH, AO
- Coastal high risk is designated as V, VE
- Areas with possible but undetermined flood hazards or unstudied areas start with D
These are determined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The high-risk zones start with the letters A or V and homeowners in those zones are required to purchase flood insurance if they have a mortgage from a federally-backed or federally-regulated lender.
It's important to know your flood zone as Tropical Storm Helene is set to bring heavy rain to the Tampa Bay region. The storm is expected to strengthen into a hurricane on Wednesday.
Forecasters say late Wednesday is when the first rain bands arrive and severe weather is possible. On Thursday, the system will be parallel to Tampa Bay bringing us a surge with this day being the most severe. Storm surge, hurricane and tropical storm watches have been issued for parts of the area. You can get the latest information on the storm here.
We will continue to provide the latest information through your 10 Tampa Bay hurricane headquarters.
