A flood zone is a geographic area that has been categorized based on its susceptibility to flooding. Flood zones are typically defined and designated by government agencies, such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in the United States. When it comes to flood risk, not all areas are created equal. FEMA categorizes regions into various flood zones, each reflecting the area's level of flood risk. Whether you're a homeowner, buyer, or planner, understanding these designations can significantly impact your decisions. Long Beach Island has multiple flood zones, however, they can mostly be categorized into “A” zones and “V” zones.

Moderate to Low Risk Zones (B, X): These areas have a reduced risk of flooding, making them generally safer but not immune to flood events. LBI has a limited number of properties in the “X” zone.

High Risk Zones (A, AE, AH, AO, AR, A99): Identified for their likelihood of experiencing a flood, these zones are crucial for those seeking to understand potential flood insurance requirements and risks. Many properties on LBI will be considered in one of these “A” zones.

High Risk Coastal Areas (V, VE): Specifically designated for their coastal flood risk, these zones highlight areas more susceptible to storm surges and coastal flooding. This zone specifically corresponds to the 1-percent chance of flooding each year including the hazards associated with storm waves. Most “V” zone properties are oceanfront homes on LBI. Since there is an extra risk of storm waves, insurance in this zone is on average greater. Nevertheless, since many of the oceanfront properties are newer builds and up to current code, the construction requirements have elevated homes in such a way that insurance could be less than expected.

Undetermined Risk Areas (Zone D): In these zones, the flood risk is uncertain due to a lack of detailed analysis, representing a wildcard in flood planning. This is not seen on the island.

Zone Code Descriptions:

Zones B and X (shaded): These are areas with a moderate likelihood of flooding, usually found between the more and less severe flood zones. They might also include places safeguarded by levees or areas with minor, shallow flooding.

Zones C and X (unshaded): These zones represent regions with a low chance of flooding, typically not expected to experience significant flood events. Zone X areas are also considered safe from the 1-in-500-year flood event and may include areas behind levee protections.

Zone A: This zone is characterized by a significant risk of flooding, with a 1% chance occurring annually, but without specific flood depths or elevations detailed.

Zone AE: This designation is for floodplains where specific flood elevations have been determined, replacing the older A1-A30 zone labels on newer maps.

Zones A1-A30: Known as numbered A Zones, these areas have detailed base flood elevations indicated on older maps.

Zone AH: Represents areas prone to shallow flooding with average water depths between one and three feet, with detailed flood elevations provided at intervals.

Zone AO: This zone covers areas near rivers or streams with a significant risk of shallow flooding, typically in the form of sheet flow, with depths of one to three feet.

Zone AR: Denotes regions temporarily at increased risk due to flood control system constructions, like levees or dams, with certain building requirements to avoid high insurance rates.

Zone A99: Applies to areas under a federal flood control system that's in the process of being completed, with no specific flood depths or base elevations provided.

Zone V: Coastal areas with a high chance of flooding plus additional risks from storm waves, but without detailed base flood elevations.

Zone VE (and V1-V30): Similar to Zone V but includes detailed base flood elevations from thorough analyses.

Zone D: These areas have an undetermined flood risk due to lack of analysis, and insurance rates reflect this uncertainty.

Each designation carries implications for insurance, property value, and safety measures, emphasizing the importance of proper flood risk assessment and management. For a deeper dive into each zone's specifics and their implications, consider consulting FEMA's detailed resources, speaking with a flood risk management professional, or reach out to me to point you in the right direction.