Majority of Hurricane Debby Damage Occurred Outside FEMA Flood Zones, Highlights Coverage Gaps

Hurricane Debby, which struck the southeastern United States in August 2024, has brought to light significant gaps in current flood insurance coverage. A detailed analysis by First Street revealed that 78% of the $12.3 billion in total damages occurred outside of FEMA’s Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA), areas where flood insurance is typically not mandated.

The hardest-hit regions included Florida’s Big Bend area, Sarasota, and coastal regions of Georgia and South Carolina. The storm’s slow movement led to prolonged heavy rainfall, exacerbating the flooding situation. The findings from First Street’s flood simulation highlight the urgent need for a reassessment of flood risk zones and the expansion of insurance coverage to better protect homeowners in vulnerable areas.