Understanding Flooding
Not All Stormwater Is Flooding
Flooding occurs when water accumulates in an area faster than it can drain away. While some water pooling in yards, parking lots, or roads is common after heavy rain, severe flooding that enters homes or businesses can lead to property damage, health hazards, and costly repairs. Understanding the difference between temporary water buildup and destructive flood events is crucial in knowing what actions to take. Find out how different types of flooding affect Volusia County and what steps you can take to stay prepared.
Causes of Flooding
Flooding can happen for many reasons, but some key factors contribute significantly to inundation caused by stormwater runoff in Volusia County. Learn how natural conditions, infrastructure limitations, and the location of your property can increase flood risks in your area.
- Rainfall Trends: Volusia County has recently experienced higher-than-average annual rainfall, more frequent storm events, and elevated groundwater levels which lead to increased stormwater runoff and inundated drainage systems. Explore how changing weather patterns and climate conditions are impacting our flood risk. Read More
- Impact of Property Elevation: Many flood impacted homes are located in neighborhoods where the stormwater infrastructure was constructed before modern regulations, placing these homes at a greater risk for flooding than homes built in neighborhoods with infrastructure engineered and constructed to meet current regulations. New developments are designed to place homes and roads above the peak elevation of the stormwater runoff and potential flood waters. Learn why elevation matters and how it impacts flood prevention efforts. Read More
- Closed vs. Open Basins: The way stormwater runoff drains depends largely on whether a property lies within a closed or open basin. Open basins have a natural gravity pathway for stormwater runoff to flow out of the basin to a lake, river or ocean. Closed basins have no natural outlet where stormwater runoff can flow out of the basin by gravity. A closed basin is essentially a bowl where stormwater accumulates during large volume rain events and only leaves via percolation, evaporation or pumping. Find out how your property’s location within these basins can affect its flood risk. Read More
- Tailwater & Tidal Impacts on Flooding: Stormwater drainage systems rely on gravity to move collected runoff away from roads, homes, and businesses. However, in coastal and low-lying areas, tailwater conditions and tidal influences can significantly impact drainage efficiency. When high tides or rising water levels reduce the ability of storm drains to discharge stormwater, flooding can occur even without rain. In extreme cases, water can backflow into the drainage system, worsening flood risks for nearby properties. Understanding these challenges is essential for residents in flood-prone or coastal areas. Read More
The Difference Between Stormwater Management & Flood Mitigation
Many people believe stormwater management and flood mitigation are the same, but they serve different purposes. Stormwater management refers to the everyday movement of rainwater through infrastructure like ditches, pipes, and retention ponds. Flood mitigation, however, focuses on preventing overwhelming water accumulation that threatens homes and businesses. Learn how these two efforts work together to reduce flooding across Volusia County. Read More
Understanding FEMA Flood Maps
Did you know that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)—not local governments—creates flood zone maps? These maps are tools used to determine flood insurance requirements, building regulations, and flood risk zones. Understanding how FEMA assesses flood risk can help you make informed decisions about protecting your property. Find out what flood zones mean, how they’re updated, and how they impact your insurance rates. Read More
