Virginia Soon Will Have Robust Flood Mapping Database

Old Towners and other Alexandria-area residents often at the mercy of rising waters soon will have access to a flood mapping database thanks to a new agreement Virginia has signed with North Carolina.

The partnership, announced by Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell on Wednesday, will expand North Carolina’s database to include Virginia flood maps, models and data on flood hazards and risks.

The data, which can be used by citizens, floodplain managers, emergency planners and responders, is expected to include Virginia numbers by late summer.

Database users will be able to input the address of any property into the website to mark its location on the Digital National Flood Insurance Rate Maps to determine if the property is in a floodplain, which zone it lies in and if flood insurance is necessary.

Old Town near the Potomac River (especially in areas near the ) is prone to flooding as are low-lying areas of Huntington and some areas further south along the Potomac River. Now, residents can do some research on their properties.

According to a statement from the governor’s office, the website also will allow users to estimate flood damage and cost to properties from a particular storm on an individual and community-wide basis and make “more informed decisions” when purchasing or building a home.

The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation oversees the Floodplain Management Program.