Historical flooding of Huntington Beach dates back to 1825. The most recent flooding was February 6 and 7, 1998, when a constant rainfall and heavy downpour caused street closures, intersection flooding, and up to 2-3 feet deep flooding in a mobile home park. A tornado caused damage on February 24, 1998, to a mobile home park.
Flooding can come with little warning. Residents in flood prone areas will be warned of an actual emergency condition by the sounding of a steady siren tone lasting three minutes. This signal will be provided by one or more local fire stations. Warning and emergency procedures will be announced on local cable TV, HBTV-3 (Channel 3) and radio stations KWVE (107.9 FM) abd KXMX (95.9 FM).
Although improvements to the Santa Ana River have reduced potential flood impacts, flooding in our city may occur. It may be caused by the Santa Ana River, East Garden Grove Wintersburg Channel, Talbert Channel, Huntington Beach Channel, or the Pacific Ocean. Most floods occur when the floodwaters leave the river or channels; however, abnormally large sea waves (tsunamis) from the ocean may create flooding near the coastline.
To determine if flood insurance is required for your property and to obtain flood protection advice, you may contact the Planning staff at (714) 536-5271 or view the following panel maps:
| * Portions of Panel Maps 27, 35, 36 and 37 have not been updated by FEMA, therefore contact the Huntington Beach Planning Department at (714) 536-5271 to verify the flood zone designation for your property. |
Inoperable Panel Map links may be obtained directly from FEMA's website: Huntington Beach Panel Maps
Click the Green button to view Panel Map.
Your lender determines whether or not you need flood insurance. Federal law requires property owners who are being assisted by federal programs or federally regulated institutions to buy flood insurance for properties in a floodplain. A flood insurance policy may be purchased from any licensed property insurance agent or broker.
Flood Insurance
Homeowner's insurance policies do not cover damage from floods. Because Huntington Beach participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), you can purchase a separate flood insurance policy. This insurance is backed by the Federal government and is available to everyone, even for properties that have been flooded. If you don't have flood insurance, talk to your insurance agent.
Some people have purchased flood insurance because it was required when they got a mortgage or home improvement loan. Insurance is available for tenants to protect their personal property against flood loss and to property owners with older mortgages that do not require it.
More information about NFIP flood insurance requirements is available on the internet at Fema's Website. The site contains hazard information, a general flood map, and a frequently asked question page. You may contact them at 1-888-CALL-FLOOD. To obtain an elevation certificate or a floodproofing certificate, visit the following links: