Story perspectives

FEMA Flood Maps Miss Twice As Many Properties.

6/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

Analysts at First Street found FEMA flood maps miss twice as many at-risk properties nationwide.
In Michigan the maps miss many more properties because they omit heavy-rainfall data.
2026 floods around Black Lake in northern Michigan left many homeowners uninsured.
Residents such as Diane Peterman were denied policies because their township lacked a designation.
FEMA staff cuts of 20% in 2025, including 25% of personnel, have slowed new flood-map creation.

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Story summary

Analysts at First Street found FEMA flood maps miss twice as many at-risk properties nationwide.
In Michigan the maps miss many more properties because they omit heavy-rainfall data.
2026 floods around Black Lake in northern Michigan left many homeowners uninsured.
Residents such as Diane Peterman were denied policies because their township lacked a designation.
FEMA staff cuts of 20% in 2025, including 25% of personnel, have slowed new flood-map creation.