Understanding Flood Risk and Insurance Gaps in Michigan
When Tom and Diane Peterman moved to their lakeside retirement home in Onaway, Michigan, 14 years ago, they encountered the unavailability of flood insurance. John Solum faced a similar issue with his family’s cabin, erroneously believed safe outside a flood zone. This spring, record-breaking floods hit northern Michigan, overwhelming infrastructure across several counties and declaring a state of emergency.
Black Lake's rising water levels inflicted extensive damage, with Solum expressing disbelief at the unprecedented scale of destruction. Heavy rainfall combined with substantial snowfalls revealed unexpected flood risks in Michigan neighborhoods. Experts point to inadequacies in federal flood plain mapping, which do not cover many potential risk areas. Current maps, crafted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), often neglect less-populated regions, leaving them vulnerable.
FEMA's maps, integral to insurance requirements and municipal planning, frequently lack data from remote areas, such as parts of recently flooded Michigan. These resources primarily address river and stream flooding, ignoring heavy rain impacts, thus missing many at-risk properties. First Street's research, incorporating additional rainfall data, suggests that far more properties nationally, particularly in Michigan, face risks than shown on federal maps. Jeremy Porter of First Street noted the stark discrepancies with FEMA's assessments.
The General Accounting Office has criticized FEMA's outdated maps, underscoring the need for revisions to address modern climate challenges. While FEMA asserts that most U.S. areas are mapped, it's uncertain if recent flooding will prompt updates in methods or expanded coverage. Matthew Occhipinti, Michigan's National Flood Insurance Program coordinator, described recent flooding as exceeding a 100-year event, illustrating the evolving climatic patterns.
Chad Berginnis of the Association of State Floodplain Managers calls for moving beyond statistical norms in evaluating flood risks. FEMA struggles with mapping rural zones, historically prioritizing urban and high-risk areas due to budget limitations, estimating a nationwide map could cost up to $12 billion. Staffing cuts and disaster reallocations have further slowed progress.
Communities are urged to join the National Flood Insurance Program, enhancing residents' insurance access. However, many remain unregistered due to prior flood lack or program misunderstanding, as seen with Diane Peterman's experience. Berginnis recommends turning to data beyond FEMA maps and encourages enhanced state and community involvement in flood risk management.