FEMA Flood Maps Mislead Homeowners, Leaving Millions Without Insurance
Hurricane Helene caused catastrophic flooding in Swannanoa, North Carolina, in September 2024, submerging homes up to their attics after the Swannanoa River rose to historic levels. Many residents, including Liz Barker, were caught off guard by the extent of the flooding, as FEMA flood maps did not classify their area as a high-risk flood zone. According to the Insurance Information Institute, less than 1% of homes in Buncombe County carried federal flood insurance at the time. Experts argue that FEMA's flood maps are outdated and fail to account for risks like heavy rainfall and climate change, leaving millions of Americans without adequate flood insurance (ABC News, 2026).