The Federal Emergency Management Agency has released preliminary flood maps for Washoe County, including the cities of Reno and Sparks, the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, and the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony.
The maps identify updated flood hazards along 64 streams throughout the county. FEMA officials say the revisions aim to help building officials, contractors, and homeowners make more informed decisions to reduce disaster risk.
"Flood hazards are dynamic and change frequently for many reasons, including weather patterns, erosion, and community development," officials stated.
Before the updated Flood Insurance Rate Maps become effective, a 90-day appeal period will run from September 18 to December 17. During that time, residents or businesses may submit appeals with supporting technical and scientific information, such as detailed hydraulic or hydrologic data.
The preliminary maps can be viewed at hazards.fema.gov/femaportal/prelimdownload/.
Officials from FEMA and Washoe County worked together on the mapping effort to provide more accurate and current data. The updated flood hazard information could affect future building codes and flood insurance requirements.
The local project is part of a nationwide FEMA initiative to improve understanding of flood risks and support efforts to reduce the effects of flooding on both new and existing structures.
"These changes may also affect future building standards or insurance requirements," officials noted.
FEMA encourages all residents to review the maps to learn more about flood risks in their area, determine potential future insurance needs, and identify any concerns they may have.
Nationwide, 98% of counties have experienced a flood event, making flooding the most widespread weather-related disaster in the United States.
