What Areas in North Carolina are Prone to Flooding?

North Carolina, from Atlantic Ocean beaches and the Outer Banks to the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains, is a beautiful state. Unfortunately, North Carolina flooding areas are prevalent due to heavy rainfall, storms, hurricanes, and overflowing rivers.

Are you familiar with what areas in North Carolina are prone to flooding?

This article lists our state’s top flood-prone cities, the risks of flooding, and how local basement waterproofing and crawl space encapsulation professionals can help.

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Top 10 Flood Areas in North Carolina

The 2020 First National Flood Risk Assessment (FNFRA) estimated that 729,200 properties are at substantial risk of flooding in North Carolina within the next 25 years.

Here are the top 10 cities in North Carolina from the First National Flood Risk Assessment showing total properties at risk through 2050, followed by the percentage of total properties.

City	Properties at Risk	Percentage of Total Properties
Charlotte	18,562	7%
Wilmington	13,153	32%
Raleigh	8,835	7%
Fayetteville	8,390	11%
New Bern	8,313	51%
Durham	6,168	7%
Elizabeth City	6,375	74%
Winston-Salem	5,843	6%
Oak Island	6,202	51%
Greensboro	5,431	6%

Is your property included in this list? You can drill down even further and search for a specific North Carolina flood zone by address on the North Carolina Flood Risk Information System (FRIS) site.

The Importance of Flood Insurance in North Carolina Flooding Areas

As you can see, flood areas in North Carolina are numerous, making flood protection and insurance crucial.

For example, Hurricane Irene in 2011 affected 55,457 properties in the state. Hurricane Isabel in 2003 damaged 84,224 properties.

You can access the National Flood Insurance Program by using the FEMA Flood Map Service Center to map your property to determine flooding risks. From there, you can purchase flood insurance.

If your property is at risk of flooding, purchasing separate flood insurance is wise. Homeowner’s insurance typically only covers damage from internal sources of water, including burst pipes and overflowing toilets. It doesn’t cover damage caused by rain, storms, or flooding, which are from external sources.

Flood insurance can come in pretty handy in North Carolina. From 2000 to 2020, 545,800 damage claims by North Carolina home and property owners were made through the National Flood Insurance Program or the Individual Assistance Program. Make sure you have the necessary coverage for your home.

Flooding Protection for Your Property

FEMA estimates that just two inches of water in a 2,500-square-foot one-story home can cause $23,720 in damage to the home and $3,172 to personal property. That’s a sound reason to do what you can to protect your home.

Here are ways you can protect your home, basement, or crawl space from water damage caused by flooding.

crew installing basement waterprooing solutions

Install Basement or Crawl Space Drainage: Internal drainage systems collect leaks and sump pumps remove the water before it builds up.
Fix Exterior Drainage: Ensure proper gutter and downspout sizing and maintenance and landscape grading to route water away from the foundation.
Move Utilities Higher: Move extension cords and electrical equipment off the basement floor and consider permanently moving electrical wiring and outlets above floor level.
Remove Your Valuables: Move stored valuables in the basement to a higher floor during flooding conditions.

flood vent installed on a crawl space wall

Add Flood Sensors: Home security systems offer flood sensors that can detect rising water and alert you to take immediate action.
Install Flood Vents: They can reduce water pressure on foundation walls by allowing water into the basement or crawl space. While causing some flooding damage, they can prevent greater structural damage.
Use Backflow Valves: Backflow valves can prevent sewage drain lines from backing up in the basement or crawl space due to floodwaters.
Install Flood-Resistant Materials: Waterproof insulation, drywall, and tile flooring can help minimize the damage from flooding and allow for easier clean-up.

During any flooding, protect your family. If you’re in immediate danger from rising waters, move to a higher floor or evacuate the premises.

Tar Heel Basement Systems inspector meeting with a homeowner

Trust Local Pros with Preparing and Protecting Your Home

If you live in one of North Carolina’s flood areas, the list above is a good first step in preparing your home for flooding. Many tasks require the help of trusted local professionals like Tar Heel Basement Systems.

Don’t hesitate to contact us today to schedule a free inspection and repair estimate. We’ll complete a thorough evaluation of your home to identify any issues with your basement or crawl space that need attention in preparation for heavy rains and flooding.

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North Carolina Flood Areas FAQs

Is it normal for basements to flood?

No, it isn’t. Just because basement flooding is a common issue doesn’t mean it is normal. There are plenty of ways for water to get into your basement, and it’s a popular misconception that having water in the basement is just a normal part of owning one. Don’t buy into this myth—flooding in your basement (and any kind of moisture) should always be taken seriously.

How long does it take for water to damage a foundation?

Foundation water damage can manifest at varying rates, exhibiting both slow and rapid progression. Immediate issues like flooding can cause rapid damage, while prolonged exposure to moisture may lead to gradual deterioration over months or years. Early detection and mitigation are crucial to prevent long-term harm. Contact a professional for effective foundation repair solutions.

How do you prevent basement flooding during heavy rain?

If you want to prevent your basement from flooding after a rainstorm, you need to install effective solutions like interior drainage, a sump pump system, a wall vapor barrier, and a dehumidifier. Keep in mind, these tools should never be installed with DIY methods. Work with a professional if you want to stop basement flooding effectively.

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Holly Richards-Purpura

Content Writer

Holly is a Content Writer for Groundworks who has written and edited web content for the foundation services industry for 10 years. With a background in journalism, her passion for the written word runs deep. Holly lives in Columbus, OH, with her husband. Along with educating homeowners, she also has a big heart for the Big Apple.