Flood Zone (Huntsville, Madison, County Line: insurance, new house, neighborhood)

[HB2HSV]

Since we just had lots of rain this week, several locales have flood issues. Let's report them here.

I drive to Restone Arsenal from Gate 9, that's west side from Zierdt road to Martin road. It looks like the ditches along Zierdt road was getting full with rain water, and Martin road inside the base had water level almost approaching the road level.

This got me thinking, the idea of flood zone never occurred to me as a house hunting criterion here in Huntsville. I wonder home many people found out that their houses are in a low flood plain after they bought?

[zenjenn]

I don't know, but I looked at the FEMA flood plain maps when I was house hunting myself. But then, I'm a geek.

[Southlander]

I've been downtown near Huntsville Hospital when a heavy, fast downpour backed up the ditches and created major flooding - roads were impassable, and cars were stranded.
You never think of or look at the ditches the creeks flow through, such as the one that crosses Bob Wallace near the Parkway. But those ditches are CRAZY deep for a reason!

[Charles]

The Flood Plain Maps can be found here for Huntsville

City of Huntsville Interactive Maps

I live in a 500 year flood plain but not in a 100 year flood plain. Flood insurance was not required. I still bought it for about $400/year.

I also have earthquake and sinkhole insurance.

[MaryBeth2]

I know after just losing my home to Ike, that checking the flooding areas is major important.

[HB2HSV]

Originally Posted by Charles

The Flood Plain Maps can be found here for Huntsville

City of Huntsville Interactive Maps

.

Thanks for the link.

Interesting findings of flood zones from the map.

1) East of 431, Governor's Drive. I did not zoom in but it looks like including areas of Hampton Cove

2) The "downtown" area (highway intersections & medical districts)

3) Some area west of memorial parkway 231

4) The stretch of Martin road between Zierdt & the airport, where lots of expensive houses are being built

5) In Madison, along east side of Hughes road that go from 565 to University. There's lots of expensive homes in this stretch, i.e., Cliff's Cove.

6) West side of Maidson, from 565 to east end of County Line road. Looks like somewhere near the Heritage Plantation.

[Bamachic80]

My new house is in Shadow Springs off Zierdt. It's the first neighborhood you come to after the light at Martin. That's not far from us...but at least we didn't get a house or consider that particular area prior. We faired good after all the rai...n minor puddling in the back neighbor's yard, but none in ours. Interesting areas you outline there HB2HSV!!!