Flood Insurance Gaps Expose Western North Carolina to Climate Risks

Many residents in western North Carolina affected by Hurricane Helene lack federal flood insurance, highlighting a coverage gap in non-coastal areas. The storm's extreme rainfall caused significant damage, revealing a mismatch in FEMA's flood risk mapping. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these challenges.

Western North Carolina's recovery from Hurricane Helene is hindered by a lack of federal flood insurance, affecting roughly 1 in 200 single-family homes in the region, a fraction compared to coastal areas.

The area's designation as a climate refuge has not spared it from damage, with mounting evidence pointing to climate change intensifying rain-induced floods.

Experts urge FEMA to update flood risk maps to include rainfall-triggered events, as current maps leave many unaware of their exposure, particularly in mountain regions like Appalachia.