A new report by climate risk analysis company First Street provides preliminary insights into the impact of Hurricane Debby, measuring the extent of flooding, insurance coverage gaps and damage estimates.
The effects of the tropical depression-turned-hurricane spanned more than a week, from its beginnings on July 31 through August 9 when it dissipated. The storms high winds and heavy rainfall caused widespread damage across the Eastern seaboard.
Comparisons against First Street’s probability based flood hazards effectively predicted flooded regions and water depths, aligning closely with media and homeowner reports.
The analysis revealed that 78 percent of the properties affected by the hurricane were located outside of FEMA’s designated Flood Zone.
The storm resulted in a staggering $12.3 billion in damages, with $9.7 billion occurring outside of FEMA’s Flood Zone.
The findings underscore the necessity for a reevaluation of flood risk assessments and preparedness strategies in vulnerable areas.