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Urban Flooding on the Rise

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Florida’s challenge

Northside Jacksonville flooding from Tropical Storm Cristobal, June 7, 2020. Courtesy, WJXT-TV

I had the pleasure of sitting down recently to talk with two flood experts on the growing problem of urban flooding and what mitigation approaches are being tried – and working – here in Florida and in Texas.  It’s an especially timely topic for hurricane season.  We recorded the conversation for our latest episode of the Florida Insurance Roundup podcast.

Dr. Sam Brody of Texas A&M University called urban flooding a “hidden danger” among all flood risks in the country.  He should know, having studied Hurricane Harvey in Houston and co-authoring The Growing Threat of Urban Flooding: A National Challenge 2018.  The report revealed neighborhoods that were miles away from known flood risk zones but were surrounded by man-made barriers, such as roads, railroad tracks, and sound walls, referred to as “built environment barriers,” that end of creating flood hazards.

The study looked primarily at rainfall, but urban flooding can occur with tidal events, too, including high-tide or “sunny day” flooding, as seen in some South Florida communities.  Our other expert, Dr. Alec Bogdanoff, is Principal Scientist and Co-Founder of Brizaga, a Fort Lauderdale, Florida based firm that assists businesses and communities in becoming more resilient to flooding.  He said some storm water systems, which are meant for collecting and sending rainwater out to sea are instead becoming conduits for saltwater to back up into communities during this period of sea level rise.

“The challenge comes if you end up with a high-tide sunny day flooding example and instead of it being a sunny day, it’s a rainy day.  You now have to wait for the tides to go down before that rainwater is going to go out,” Bogdanoff said.  “We’re trying to have people understand that it’s not if you’re in or out (of a flood zone), it’s how far you are from that boundary and there are gradients of risk extending outward from the hundred-year flood plain that people need to be aware of.”

The podcast also discussed solutions.  Brody said his team, with support from FEMA, has developed a new method to predict and map hazards and risk.  Instead of hydrology and hydraulics models, they are using statistics and machine learning techniques to improve flood prediction.  “We may not replace the FEMA floodplain maps but we can augment them and complement them to help resident be more prepared and mitigate impacts,” he said.

Bogdanoff said Broward County has developed a series of “incremental but fairly significant” changes to improve resiliency.  They include a one-hundred year flood map that guides future development, a Fort Lauderdale seawall ordinance to provide better flood protection, another ordinance requiring flood disclosure, new infrastructure improvements, and efforts to encourage resilient building design.  “Ultimately what you want is insurance to be the last risk transfer.  We want to do as much as we can to protect people so that they don’t have to use insurance,” he said.

As you’ve heard me say before, “flood water doesn’t understand a line on a map,” and property owners need to actively consider purchasing flood insurance.  Both gentlemen shared additional programs and solutions to mitigating flooding and we’d urge our readers to listen to the podcast or read the show notes here.

A big thank you to those readers who commented on the story in the last newsletter edition and its reprint in the Claims Journal: Nuisance Flooding Becoming Worse.  Appreciate your interest and feedback!

LMA Newsletter of 8-3-20

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Tags: Alec Bogdanoff, Brizaga, FEMA, Flood Insurance, Flood Maps, Flood Mitigation, Flood Zones, High Tide Flooding, Resiliency, Sam Brody, Sunny Day Flooding, The Growing Threat of Urban Flooding: A National Challenge 2018, Urban flooding

“Lisa this is another great newsletter, and we appreciate the time and energy you put into these informative updates – you are on top of these topics!”

Mike Graham, CEO
Smart Vent Products, Floodproofing.com, & Risk Reduction Plus
Juno Beach, FL

“Just a quick note to let you know how much I have appreciated your newsletter over the years and the assistance they offer for those in the field of claims. We depend on the information more than you will ever know!”

Laurie Rasberry, Chief Claims Officer
Acorn Claims
Prosper, Texas

“Just wanted to say that I thoroughly love your newsletter. It’s is always informative and insightful to the ins and outs of our industry.  You are an inspiration and an important asset in the insurance world.  Keep up the great work!” 

Cynthia Scott, President
University Insurance Group
Davie, FL

“I have followed your weekly newsletter and podcasts and now have a full appreciation for what you bring to this industry.  You are an inspiring force, plain and simple.  I wanted you to know that you make a difference.  Thank you for all you do!”

Jeffrey Karam, CPCU
Bradenton, FL

“Another great Newsletter on Florida industry this week.  Your service and advocacy in Florida is very important to keeping me updated and apprised of the Florida insurance laws, trends and overall environment.  Something similar is very much needed in Louisiana, too.”

Jennifer Tedesco, Esq., Claims Director
Pharos Claims Services
Orlando, FL

“Thank you Lisa for staying on top of, as well as advocating, for Florida residents and legislative reform. Your newsletters are very informative and enjoy reading the points of view.”  

Shawna Miller, Sr. Claims Quality Assurance & Compliance Manager
Florida Peninsula Insurance Company
Jacksonville, FL

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Cynthia Hoehn, Independent Property & Casualty Personal Lines insurance agent
Clermont, FL

“Great article on Risk Rating 2.0!”

Austin Perez, Senior Policy Representative for Federal Housing, Valuation, Insurance and Commercial Issues
National Association of Realtors
Washington, D.C.

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Gillian Lloyd, Account Executive
Zywave
Milwaukee, WI

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