Floodplain Information

Flooding

Floods are one of the most common hazards in the United States. Flood effects can be local, impacting a neighborhood or entire community; or they can be very large, affecting an entire regional river basin or multiple states.

All floods are not alike. Some floods develop slowly, possibly over a period of days, while others can develop quickly and without any visible signs of rain.

It is important to be aware of flood hazards no matter where you live. But it is especially important to be aware if you live in low-lying areas or near water. Very small streams, gullies, creeks, culverts, dry streambeds, or low-lying grounds that appear harmless in dry weather can flood.

Check out the Things to Know About Flooding and Be Flood Smart Newsletter for important information related to flooding.  In addition, it is important that we preserve wetlands as part of the natural system.  They provide stormwater benefits such as storage and filtration.  Learn more about wetlands and view a Wetland Map of wetland areas in Lake Alfred.

Flood Zones

Flood zones are land areas identified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Each flood zone describes that land area in terms of its risk of flooding. Everyone lives in a flood zone–it’s just a question of whether you live in a low, moderate, or high risk area.

Risk Level Category Flood Hazard Zones in Lake Alfred
High Flood Risk
  • AE or A Zone. These properties have a 1 percent chance of flooding in any year and a 26 percent chance of flooding over the life of a 30-year mortgage.
  • Insurance Note: High-risk areas are called Special Flood Hazard Areas, and flood insurance is mandatory for most mortgage holders.*
Low or Moderate Flood Risk
  • X Zone. These properties are in an area of lower risk.
  • Insurance Note: Lower-cost preferred rate flood insurance policies (known as Preferred Risk Policies) are often an option in these areas.

Flood Information

Sign-Up for Alert Polk to receive alerts on your phone or via email.

Use the Polk County flood map viewer and enter your address.

Click here to see the potential flooding sources in your area: Current Flood Insurance Rate Maps

For free flood assistance and inspections call the City of Lake Alfred at (863) 291-5748 or Polk County Floodplain Management at (863) 534-6767.