Thanks to its prime location along the Gulf Coast with the presence of the “mighty” Mississippi River, the state of Mississippi is no stranger to flooding. Because of the frequency of flash flooding and other disasters, it’s critical for residents in Mississippi to understand flood zones, how to identify them, and to determine whether they live or work in one.

If you’re in an area at high risk of flooding, it’s crucial to be equipped with the proper flood insurance coverage as well as the right homeowners insurance. A Mississippi independent insurance agent can help you find the right protection. But first, check out this guide to identifying and understanding flood zones.

What Is a Flood Zone?

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) labels various geographic areas as flood zones based on their estimated flood risk. FEMA determines flood zones by studying storm trends in each location over time and by consulting hydrologist studies. Flooding can occur due to heavy rainfall, melting snow, hurricanes, and other disasters. The way an area is laid out affects how easily water is able to move through and out, which correlates to its risk of flooding.

Flood Damage Statistics in Mississippi

Number of natural disasters in the United States in 2018, by type

Flood insurance claim payments in the United States  from October 1, 2015, to September  30, 2016 by state (in thousand US dollars)

In 2018, floods and flash floods were the second-most-common natural disaster in the US, behind severe thunderstorms. Flooding costs the US billions of dollars in damage each year, as well as tragic deaths and severe property destruction.

Some quick and general flood statistics for the US:

• In 2019, flood insurance claims cost the US over $2 billion.
• Flash flooding causes over 200 deaths per year and is the leading cause of weather-related deaths.
• More than half of flood-related deaths occur in vehicles.
• Even properties located in low-to-moderate flood risk areas account for over 20% of flood insurance claims.
• Just one inch of standing water within a home can cause up to $20,000 in damage.

Because of Mississippi’s location along the Gulf Coast and also due to the presence of the “mighty” Mississippi River, the state’s at a higher risk of flooding than many other areas of the country. Therefore, Mississippi residents should take the threat of these natural disasters quite seriously.

Here are some quick flood statistics for Mississippi:

• In 2019, Mississippi experienced its worst flood since the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927.
• The flood of 2019 reportedly left 544,000 acres in Mississippi submerged underwater.
• It took various areas of Mississippi, such as Yazoo county, months to recover from the flooding in 2019.
• 515 homes were damaged in the flooding in 2019.
• Many homes were left flooded for several months in 2019.
• Hundreds of businesses were affected by the flooding of 2019.
• The Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 caused over $400 million dollars in property damage across the US. This figure would be equivalent to $5 billion today.
• The Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 extended across Mississippi, Louisiana, Tennessee, Arkansas, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois, and was the most destructive flood in US history.

Knowing a bit more about Mississippi’s history of severe flooding may further inspire you to look into a flood insurance policy to protect your home and/or your business.

Understanding Flood Zones in Mississippi

In order to better prepare for flooding, it’s a good idea to find out if you live or work in a flood zone. Mississippi’s flood zones are determined by FEMA according to various criteria and are marked on the official website’s map.

Here is a key for understanding official flood zones in Mississippi:

• A-Zones: Indicate inland flood zones. These areas are not located along the coast, but are still at risk of flooding.
• V-Zones: Indicate beach zones. These areas are commonly struck by waves and storms and carry a much higher risk of flooding. In Mississippi, you’ll notice plenty of V-Zones along the Gulf Coast.
• X-Zones: Indicate areas that are remote or not expected to flood. That being said, 30% of all FEMA’s payouts for flood damage go to properties within these zones.

You can easily locate your specific flood zone through FEMA’s Map Service Center on their official website. Just input your address to view your community’s map. It’s important to determine not only your specific zone, but also the surrounding zones and any potentially hazardous areas near you.

What Are the Most Flooded Areas in Mississippi?

While it’s easy to pull up an official map online, it’s also helpful to be familiar with areas of your state that are famously prone to flooding. Mississippi has a few flooding hotspots that you may want to avoid in times of heavy rainfall or impending tropical storms, such as:

• Gulfport
• Biloxi
• Pascagoula
• Greenville
• Vicksburg
• Natchez

That being said, just because you’re not in one of these cities doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be wary of the risk of flooding across the state. Mississippi’s had a particularly costly history of flooding, as you can see below.

Value of National Flood Insurance Program Payments in Selected States in the US between 1978 and 2017 (in billion US dollars)

During the period of 1978 to 2017, Mississippi ranked sixth highest in the nation overall for flood insurance payments. Mississippi reportedly had $3 billion worth of damage claims during that time period, while its neighbor Louisiana, the highest-ranking state for flood insurance payouts, shelled out a whopping $19.4 billion.

Is Flood Insurance Required in a Flood Zone?

Typically properties located within A or V flood zones as designated by FEMA require their owners to carry flood insurance. Since these zones include not only beachfront and coastal properties but also those within areas otherwise prone to flooding, having adequate flood protection is crucial. Even properties located within low-to-moderate risk areas should consider getting coverage, especially in a coastal state like Mississippi.

Flood insurance covers the following:

• Damage to your home: This includes the foundation of the structure, electrical systems, indoor plumbing, built-in appliances, and additional installed flooring, like carpeting.
• Damage to your stuff: This includes furniture, certain appliances, some food, valuables, and clothing. In a business, this might include inventory.

Flood insurance also covers total destruction of your home/business or personal property by flood waters, up to your policy’s limit.

Why Work with a Mississippi Independent Insurance Agent?

In order to get the protection you need and deserve, you’ll want to work with a trusted expert. And who could be better for the job than a local agent who shares your area code? Independent insurance agents act as your own personal insurance shoppers, offering you tons more options than one-policy companies. With just one call, they’ll hook you up with multiple quotes.

Mississippi independent insurance agents are armed with knowledge on what coverage is needed in your area, and they’ll get you set up with just enough of it — not too little, not too much. They’ll handle all the heavy lifting so you can rest assured you’ll be set up with the right coverage at the right price.

They’re not just there at the beginning either. If disaster strikes, your Mississippi agent will be there to help walk you through the claims process and make sure you’re getting the benefits you're entitled to. Now that’s thinking ahead.