Floods are one of the most expensive and destructive natural disasters – 90% of natural disasters in the U.S. involve flooding. Unfortunately, they’re increasing in frequency and severity. As a result, the number of properties at risk of flooding has been rising every year, meaning more homeowners are at risk of serious damage to their homes. Not only can the excess water damage the structure of your house, but it can also destroy your belongings.
Flooding can happen in many ways and may last for hours to days. Heavy rainfall, often from a hurricane, atmospheric river, or thunderstorm, is the most common cause of flooding and can overwhelm drainage systems, inundate rivers and lakes, and top dams and levees. Coastal flooding is also a major issue. For example, as sea levels rise, regular tidal flooding along the coast, called nuisance flooding, is becoming more common.
However, your house can flood from severe storms, surging bodies of water, over-saturated ground, thawing snow, or overflowing rivers, lakes, ponds, and oceans. Even 1-2 inches of water entering your home can cause $25,000 in damage or more, making it a wise move to protect your home with flood insurance .
To help current and future home searchers understand the impact of climate change on flooding in their area, Redfin has partnered with climate nonprofit First Street to show the Flood Factor® for every property on Redfin.com. Flood Factor® builds off of decades of peer-reviewed research to show the current and future flood risk for every home, city, and county so homebuyers and homeowners have all the information they need when deciding where to live.
Flood Factor® uses a patented Flood Model to determine potential flood risks from rain, streamflow, sea level rise, tides, and storm surges for any location in the United States and Puerto Rico. More information can be found on the Risk Factor™ website.