Flood Zone Overview
Kingwood is a master-planned community in northeast Houston along the San Jacinto River. Significant portions of Kingwood fall within FEMA Zone AE due to proximity to the San Jacinto River and Lake Houston. The area carries one of the highest flood risk profiles in Greater Houston.
Hurricane Harvey Impact (2017)
Kingwood suffered catastrophic flooding during Hurricane Harvey, in large part due to mandatory water releases from Lake Houston by the San Jacinto River Authority. Many homes received several feet of water from the controlled releases, which were separate from direct rainfall flooding.
Flood Insurance Considerations
Many Kingwood properties are designated Zone AE. Flood insurance is required for properties with federally-backed mortgages in these areas. The reservoir release risk is a factor independent of standard floodplain maps. A licensed insurance professional can advise on the appropriate coverage for a specific property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Significant portions of Kingwood are designated FEMA Zone AE. The community's proximity to the San Jacinto River, Lake Houston, and associated drainage means a substantial portion of properties fall within the Special Flood Hazard Area.
Kingwood experienced flooding from two sources during Harvey: direct rainfall and controlled water releases from Lake Houston by the San Jacinto River Authority. The releases were made to prevent uncontrolled dam failure.
Flood insurance is required for Zone AE properties with federally-backed mortgages. Given the documented flooding from controlled reservoir releases, many Kingwood homeowners seek coverage regardless of their exact zone designation.
Use Floodfolio to look up your Kingwood address for its exact FEMA zone, elevation relative to Base Flood Elevation, and NFIP claim data.
Check Your Specific Kingwood Address
Neighborhood-level data is a starting point. Every property has a unique elevation, zone boundary, and claim history.
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