Richmond to finalize FEMA flood maps as flood risks rise across Central Virginia

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- With flash flood warnings spiking and concerns over severe weather increasing across Central Virginia, the City of Richmond is taking action to finalize updated FEMA flood maps that will go into effect in July.

According to a release, the city council is expected to approve Richmond's final Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) at its meeting on Tuesday, May 27, after FEMA initially introduced it in 2023. The city said that this is to "reflect the changing weather patterns and increased flood risks."

The city will hold a public open house from 6 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 12, at the Thomas B. Smith Community Center, located at 2015 Ruffin Road.

The city emphasized that final maps are more precise than previous papers since "better flood hazard and risk data make the maps more accurate."

In 2023, the city held open houses to allow residents to view the map, identify any corrects and ask questions, as well as submit appeals or comments.

"The ultimate goal is protecting property owners and the community from the risks associated with flooding," the city said.

This comes after multiple flash flood warnings were issued by the National Weather Service (NWS), and a 12-year-old boy was swept away in floodwaters that overtook an Albemarle County roadway on May 13. More than a week after the James River surpassed the flood stage.

According to FEMA, flooding is widely considered the No. 1 natural disaster in the U.S. As a result, city officials are urging residents to take advantage of the tools and programs like flood insurance to know the flood risks.

These maps, which will help determine flood insurance and building requirements, may be included in a high-risk flood zone, known as the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). This may cause the necessary purchase of flood insurance for affected property owners.

The city said that flood risks change due to construction and development, environmental changes, floodplains widen or shift and more.

New FEMA flood maps are set to go into effect on Tuesday, July 8.

To view the maps ahead of the June 12 open house, click here.