Know Your Flood Zone

Sources of flood hazards in Charleston include: the Stono, Ashley, Cooper, and Wando Rivers; Wappoo, Orangegrove, James Island, and Church Creek (riverine flooding); small (drainage of <100sq. acres) mapped and unmapped tidal creeks; and the Atlantic Ocean. Information on historic and past flooding events in the area is detailed in the Flood Insurance Study (FIS), which can be found at FEMA's Map Service Center.

The Charleston County Hazard Mitigation Plan identifies the following types of flood hazards: 

"Most of the flooding that occurs in the Charleston Region can be labeled as Coastal Flood, Flash Flood, and the general term Flood according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Coastal Flood: Flooding of coastal areas are due to the vertical rise above normal water level caused by strong, persistent onshore wind, high astronomical tide, and/or low atmospheric pressure, resulting in damage, erosion, flooding, fatalities, or injuries. Coastal areas are defined as those portions of coastal land zones (coastal county/parish) adjacent to the waters and bays of the oceans. Farther inland, the Storm Data preparer must determine when and where to encode a flood event as Flash Flood or Flood. 

Flash Flood: A rapid and extreme flow of high water into a normally dry area, or a rapid water level rise in a stream or creek above a predetermined flood level, beginning within six hours of the causative event (e.g., intense rainfall, dam failure, ice jam-related), on a widespread or localized basis. Ongoing flooding can intensify to flash flooding in cases where intense rainfall results in a rapid surge of rising flood waters. Flash floods typically recede quickly and do not exist for two or three consecutive days."  

The Charleston County Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) provides expected Base Flood Elevations (BFEs) during the 1% annual chance flood event ("base flood"). 

A summary of flood zones relevant to Charleston County is provided below.

  • Zones A and V are within the regulated Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). These are considered high hazard flood zones. 
  • Zones X and D are outside of the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA).



Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) Zones



AThe base floodplain mapped by approximate methods, i.e., BFEs are not determined. 

A1-30(Old Format) Numbered A Zones. Check the map index for the BFE that corresponds to each zone number. 
Zone A

The 1% annual chance floodplain, representing the "base flood" event (aka "100- year flood").

AE

(Current Format) The base floodplain where BFE is provided on the FIRM in parenthesis. i.e. "AE(12)".

AOThe base floodplain with sheet flow, ponding, or shallow flooding. Base flood depths (feet above ground) are provided.

AHShallow flooding base floodplain. BFEs are provided.



Zone V

Coastal areas subject to wave action greater than 3ft.
VCoastal area subject to a velocity hazard (wave action greater than 3 ft.) where BFEs are not determined on the FIRM.

VECoastal area subject to a velocity hazard (wave action greater than 3 ft.) where BFEs are provided on the FIRM.






Zone X

Outside the SFHA


Shaded
Area of moderate flood hazard, usually between the limits of the 1% annual chance flood (base flood or "100 -year flood") and the 0.2% annual chance flood ("500 -year flood") event. 

UnshadedArea of minimal flood hazard, usually at elevation greater than the 0.2% annual chance flood ("500 year flood") event.

Other FIRM Zones
Zone DDArea of undetermined but possible flood hazards.


Coastal A Zone

Defined by LiMWA (Solid, Jagged Line- see example Here)

Limit of Moderate Wave Action (LiMWA)-
Inland limit of the area in an AE zone expected to receive 1.5-foot or greater breaking waves during the base flood event.



Coastal Barrier Resource System



CBRS

New or substantially improved residential or commercial development in this zone are not eligible for NFIP coverage or other forms of federal financial assistance (such as small business loans or flood hazard mitigation grants)



Contact Us

Caroline Schnell

Floodplain Manager
schnellc@charleston-sc.gov
Phone: 843-579-6481

Sarah Mardon

Floodplain Management Technician
mardons@charleston-sc.gov
Phone: 843-579-6471

Kinsey Holton, CFM 

Stormwater Regulatory Practice Leader
holtonk@charleston-sc.gov
Phone: 843-724-3757