What is a floodplain?
A floodplain is the part of the land where water collects, pools, and flows during the course of natural events. Such areas are classified as Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA), and are located in a 100-year flood zone. The term "100-year flood" is a little confusing. It is the flood elevation that has a 1% chance of being equaled or exceeded each year; it is not the flood that will occur once every 100 years. The likelihood of a flood occurring within a 100-year stretch of time is very, very high, but there’s no way to predict when the next flood will occur - or the one after that.

Show All Answers

1. Will FEMA pay for damage to my property due to flooding?
2. If I am not located in a flood hazard area, will I be impacted by flooding?
3. How do I protect myself in a flood?
4. How much damage does flooding cause?
5. What are the chances that my home will be impacted from a flood?
6. When can I purchase flood insurance?
7. What is a floodplain?
8. Do I need flood insurance if I live along Lake Wylie?
9. How do I buy flood insurance?
10. What is a Flood Hazard Map?