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Coastal flood maps are changing in Hillsborough County

Residents and businesses may see changes to their flood insurance rates as Hillsborough County coastal flood maps are updated for the first time in 30 years.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency revised the maps using new data and technology, including modeling storm surges, surveying coastlines and observing wave action. Improved data about the changing shoreline over the past three decades led to FEMA being able to create more accurate flood insurance rate maps.

“Although the risk (of flooding) has always been there, most of the area has been underestimated. That has required FEMA to change the maps,” said Hillsborough County Hazard Mitigation Manager Eugene Henry.

Informational meetings about updated coastal flood maps will be held April 3 and 4.

Changes to flood zones or risk levels in the new maps affect more than 40,000 people in Hillsborough County.