FEMA Releases Draft Flood Maps for Harris County After Years of Delays

The new maps significantly expand the current flood zone boundaries, affecting many homeowners across the region.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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After years of delays, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has posted a draft of Harris County's new flood maps online, kickstarting a review process that could lead to the first major update to the county's floodplain boundaries in nearly two decades. The draft maps show the new 100-year floodplain expanding significantly, roughly aligning with areas currently designated as the 500-year floodplain.

Why it matters

The updated flood maps could have significant implications for homeowners, as many properties newly placed in the 100-year floodplain will be required to carry flood insurance if they have a federally backed mortgage. The new boundaries could also influence building codes and development decisions, as well as require homeowners to disclose the updated designation when selling their properties.

The details

The draft maps, now viewable on FEMA's website, are intended for floodplain administrators and local elected officials. Based on the new maps, many homeowners across the region could be affected, as the 100-year floodplain has expanded significantly. Most homes newly placed in the 100-year floodplain will be required to carry flood insurance if they have a federally backed mortgage.

  • The draft maps were originally expected to be released in 2022, but have since encountered repeated delays.
  • The last major countywide update, which followed Tropical Storm Allison in 2001, took about three years for the draft maps to take effect.

The players

FEMA

The Federal Emergency Management Agency, which creates flood maps with help from local governments, using rainfall data, terrain features and models that predict how water moves.

Harris County Flood Control

The county agency that partnered with FEMA on the major map overhaul, which was originally expected to be released in 2022.

Jim Blackburn

A Rice University professor who specializes in environmental law and sustainable design.

Sam Brody

An environmental science professor at Texas A&M University.

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What they’re saying

“People who were not previously in the 100-year floodplain are going to feel more restrictions. As far as I'm concerned, it's a red flag about living in this area.”

— Jim Blackburn, Rice University professor (Houston Chronicle)

“It's going to broaden the population that receives more information about risk. I see it more as an opportunity than a constraint.”

— Sam Brody, Texas A&M University professor (Houston Chronicle)

What’s next

Flood control officials are scheduled to discuss the policy implications of the new maps with elected officials during Thursday's Commissioners Court meeting. A broader public release is expected next, followed by a formal appeal process where property owners can submit feedback and challenge the proposed floodplain designations.

The takeaway

The updated flood maps represent a major step forward in accurately assessing the region's flood risk, even if the data used to create them could already be out of date by the time they are approved. By expanding the 100-year floodplain, the new maps will prompt more homeowners to pay closer attention to flood risk and take steps to reduce it, ultimately improving the community's resilience.