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Understanding flood zone data in Invelo

A breakdown of flood zone classifications and what they mean for your properties

Flood zones are geographic areas defined by FEMA based on varying levels of flood risk. These zones appear on a community’s Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) or Flood Hazard Boundary Map and indicate the severity and type of potential flooding in a given area. In Invelo, flood zone data helps investors assess risk, anticipate insurance requirements, and make more informed acquisition decisions. Below is a detailed explanation of each FEMA flood zone designation.

Moderate to low risk areas

In communities that participate in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), flood insurance is available to all property owners and renters in these zones.

Zone B and Zone X (Shaded)

Moderate Flood Hazard

  • Typically located between the 100-year and 500-year flood limits.

  • May include base floodplains of lesser hazard.

  • Can represent areas protected by levees from the 100-year flood.

  • May include shallow flooding areas with average depths of less than one foot.

  • May include drainage areas smaller than one square mile.

These zones indicate moderate risk, meaning flooding is possible but less severe than high-risk areas.

Zone C and Zone X (Unshaded)

Minimal Flood Hazard

  • Generally located above the 500-year flood level on FIRMs.

  • Zone C may include minor ponding or local drainage issues that do not require detailed floodplain studies.

  • Zone X (unshaded) indicates areas outside the 500-year floodplain and may include locations protected by levees from the 100-year flood.

These areas are considered low risk, though localized water issues can still occur.

High risk areas

In NFIP-participating communities, mandatory flood insurance purchase requirements apply to these zones.

Zone A

  • 1% annual chance of flooding (commonly known as the 100-year flood zone).

  • 26% chance of flooding over the life of a 30-year mortgage.

  • No base flood elevations (BFEs) shown due to lack of detailed analysis.

Zone AE

  • Base floodplain with established base flood elevations.

  • Replaces older A1–A30 zones on updated FIRMs.

Zones A1–A30

  • Numbered A zones (e.g., A7, A14).

  • Base floodplain with BFEs shown on older-format maps.

Zone AH

  • 1% annual chance of shallow flooding, typically ponding.

  • Average flood depth between 1 and 3 feet.

  • BFEs provided at selected intervals.

  • 26% chance of flooding over a 30-year mortgage.

Zone AO

  • River or stream flood hazard areas.

  • 1% or greater annual chance of shallow flooding, often sheet flow.

  • Average depth between 1 and 3 feet.

  • Average flood depths shown.

  • 26% chance of flooding over a 30-year mortgage.

Zone AR

  • Areas with temporarily increased flood risk due to flood control system construction or restoration, such as levees or dams.

  • Mandatory insurance applies.

  • Rates may not exceed unnumbered A zone rates if compliant with AR floodplain regulations.

Zone A99

  • 1% annual chance of flooding.

  • Will be protected by a federal flood control system currently under construction and meeting legal requirements.

  • No BFEs shown.

High risk coastal areas

Mandatory flood insurance purchase requirements apply in these zones.

Zone V

  • Coastal areas with a 1% or greater annual chance of flooding.

  • Additional hazard from storm waves.

  • 26% chance of flooding over a 30-year mortgage.

  • No base flood elevations shown.

Zones VE and V1–V30

  • Coastal areas with 1% or greater annual chance of flooding and storm wave risk.

  • Base flood elevations provided at selected intervals.

  • 26% chance of flooding over a 30-year mortgage.

Undetermined risk areas

Zone D

  • Areas with possible but undetermined flood hazards.

  • No flood hazard analysis has been conducted.

  • Insurance rates reflect the uncertainty of the flood risk.

Why this matters for investors

Understanding FEMA flood zone designations within Invelo allows you to:

  • Anticipate mandatory flood insurance requirements

  • Evaluate long-term holding costs

  • Identify additional due diligence needs

  • Assess overall investment risk

Flood data is a critical part of property analysis. Always verify flood zone information with official FEMA resources and local authorities when making final investment decisions.