An officially delineated geographical representation indicates areas within the state susceptible to inundation during a base flood event. This resource identifies zones with varying degrees of flood risk, typically categorized based on the probability of flooding in a given year. For instance, areas labeled as Zone A or Zone AE signify a higher flood risk compared to Zone X, indicating minimal flood hazard.
The availability of this spatial information is paramount for informed decision-making in land use planning, property development, and emergency management. Its use helps minimize property damage and potential loss of life during flood events. Historically, the creation and refinement of these resources have evolved alongside advancements in hydrological modeling and data collection technologies, reflecting a growing understanding of flood dynamics within the state.