FlooD Protection Information

River_Coastal1_SkyWelcome to the City’s Flood Protection Web Page.

If you have trouble opening web links, try using Google.  If the error continues, please send an email here.   

I encourage you to review the information on this web page dedicated to flood insurance and flood information.  However, if you are in a hurry and need a flood determination within City of Savannah limits contact Tom McDonald, (912) 651-6530 X 1895.
Searching for a copy of an existing Elevation Certificate check: Search for Elevation Certificates the City of Savannah has on file listed by street names.


City of Savannah Floodplain Management Plan – Public Survey

The City of Savannah is updating its Floodplain Management Plan, and we want to hear from you!

Flooding affects our homes, neighborhoods, businesses, and infrastructure. To better understand our community’s flood risks, and identify ways to reduce and manage those risks, we invite residents, business owners, and stakeholders to participate in a short public survey.

Your feedback will help the City: 

  • Identify local flooding concerns
  • Assess flood hazard risks
  • Develop mitigation strategies to reduce future flood impacts

Participation is voluntary, and the survey does not automatically collect personal information such as your name or email address unless you choose to provide it.

Your voice matters.
Help make Savannah safer, stronger, and more resilient.

👉 Take the survey today

Use the QR code or path to the link:  Savannahga.gov/floodsurvey

To view the Savannah’s Flood Mitigation Plan, Repetitive Loss Area Analysis Plans
click on: Link to FMP and RLAA. 

NEW :  “How Prepared Are You?” (2025 Countywide Publication)

“How Prepared Are You?” (2025 Countywide Publication) is a comprehensive public awareness and preparedness guide designed to help residents and communities better understand and respond to flooding and hurricane risks. The publication provides practical information on flood preparedness, hurricane readiness, and the importance of flood insurance, along with guidance on flood prevention and mitigation strategies.HowPrepared_Icon

The guide also includes maps identifying flooded structures, helping residents visualize flood-prone areas and better understand local risk. In addition, it highlights county stormwater systems, explains how watersheds and marshes function, and emphasizes their role in protecting communities from flooding while supporting environmental health.

The publication promotes environmental awareness and stewardship and provides key community contacts and resources so residents know where to turn for assistance, emergency information, and local services. Overall, “How Prepared Are You?” serves as an essential 2025 countywide resource to improve resilience, safety, and environmental awareness in the face of increasing storm and flood impacts.  Link: How Prepared Are you??

NEW:    Elevation Certificate ~ Garage Guidance For Surveyors

FEMA provides elevation certificate guidance for garages and enclosures:
Follow the link for FEMA's guidance on how to record Garages and Enclosures on elevation Certificates.:  Link  

NOTE: City Adopts a Two Feet Freeboard 

On October 24, 2024, the City of Savannah adopted a two feet freeboard above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) for new and substantially improved structures within the 100 year floodplain as depicted on NFIP’s Flood Insurance Rate Maps and local basin flood studies.  The new regulation will take effect on January 1, 2025.  Since September 2008, the City has been imposing an one foot freeboard. 

On January 1, 2025, the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) will implement a new rule for FHA loans that requires all new structures within the 100-year floodplain, aka the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) or the A, AE, & VE flood zones, to be elevated at least two feet above the base flood elevation.   That means new housing units permitted after 2025 that are in the SFHA and not two feet above the BFE will not qualify for an FHA mortgage.  HUD estimates about 10% of FHA homes are built in the SFHA. 

 The City’s two feet freeboard adoption will ensure all new home buyers (and low -rent public housing programs) will be eligible for FHA loans and their investments are safer from flooding.  The regulation will ensure our community is resilient from future extreme rain events and tidal changes for generations to come.

The online ordinance should be updated within the first quarter of 2025.
The code will be reflected in: Sec. 8-7046. - Specific standards. Click on FDPO 2025 for marked up .pdf.   (Note, at this time, the current on line "encode plus" ordinance does NOT have the latest version of the FDPO ordinance. please reference the FDPO 2025 .pdf. 

What Does Your Flood Zone Mean?  

Chelsea Sawyer and Stephanie Cox of CEMA have produced a video with Chatham County and City of Savannah Floodplain Managers.  The talking topics include flood zones, how to save money, FIRMs, Flood Insurance, how to protect your property and other flooding information. Click on the picture below. 

Yall Ready For THis Opens in new window




Casey Canal_4_Mem_SthSmart sea level sensors in Chatham County, GA 

The Smart Sea Level Sensors project is a partnership between ChatSeaLevelSensor20191023LaroachSensorDETAILEDham Emergency Management Agency officials, City of Savannah officials, and Georgia Tech scientists and engineers who are working together to install a network of internet-enabled sea level sensors across Chatham County. The real-time data on coastal flooding will be used for emergency planning and response.

To view local sensor’s click on: Sensor Site.
(If the link does not work, try using a different web browser)

To learn more about the program and how it relates to Savannah, watch the video by CEMA:  Y'all Ready For THIS? Episode 15: Smart Sea Level Sensors

Tide related topics from NOAA that explain how tides can cause flooding in our area.
 High Tide Flooding         *        Perigean Spring Tide    *        Storm Surge

Could Projected Sea Level Change Affect Your Property?

It's all about the Science! View different Federal Agencies web sites:

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Yes, NASA is not just an space agency!  
NASA Sea Level Change Portal

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) 
NOAA Sea Level Rise and Coastal Flooding Impacts (SLR Viewer)
NOAA Sea Level Rise Portal

US Army Corps of Engineers | South Atlantic Division Website:
 Public Tools Developed by USACE – Sea-Level Change
South Atlantic Coastal Study - SACS See bottom of page for GA Appendix 
One page detail see: Georgia Overview

Planning for Construction in the Bilbo, Fell Street, Casey North, Casey South, Placentia, or Springfield Basins?

View local flood studies that could affect your design. Besides FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM), designers, contractors, and homeowners will need to review the City’s Local Flood Studies to ensure the proposed improvements meet City’s local storm water studies and ordinances.  For more information contact Tom Cawthon, tcawthon@Savannahga.gov,  (912) 650-7855  or Tom McDonald tmcdonald@savannahga.gov, (912) 651-6530.

To view the Local Studies and Historic/Current FIRMS click on: Local Flood Studies

Drainage Basins

Report Flooding:

Savannah experienced some storm surge due to Hurricane Michael and Irma. If you were a victim of the flooding or saw areas that flooded, please report your information by contacting the City’s 311 Center by dialing 311 or click on Form Center to complete an online survey. The information you provide helps the City Stormwater Department to better understand areas vulnerable to flooding.

For latest Hurricane information from the City click on: Hurricane Information.

Reconstruction of flooded structures may require a building permit.  Contact Tom McDonald at (912) 651-6530 for more details.

Report illegal dumping in the Storm water system

Call 311 to report any dumping of trash or illegal chemical in open ditches, inlets or catch basins. It’s illegal to dump trash, grass clippings, leaves or other materials including chemicals, oil, gasoline or household products into ditches or other drainage systems. People caught dumping can face jail time and/or a fine as outlined in the City’s Code 4-11004 and 5-2005. Take a few seconds to view the City's informational video about bad behavior:  Only Rain Down The Drain

FEMA NFIP Effective Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs).

The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA’s) Region IV office has prepared a coastal flood study to update Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) for RainDrop Opens in new windowcommunities in coastal Chatham County and City of Savannah. The flood hazards shown on the FIRM are used to determine flood insurance rates and requirements and where floodplain development regulations apply. The updated maps will help communities plan for and reduce the risk from flooding in the future. Start taking steps now to keep your communities and families safe from flood risk by understanding the risk of flooding in your area so that you know how future floods may affect you and if specific flood insurance and building requirements apply to your property (or will apply in the future.) To view click on: FIRMs, open the “2018 Effective" folder and select your specific panel to find out your flood risk. If you do not know your panel number, check with your insurance agent, visit SAGIS.org, or contact Tom McDonald at 912-651-6530. Additionally, visit FEMA’s website: FEMA MSC and Georgia’s DNR site: www.georgiadfirm.com for information about the coastal updates along with fact-sheets and presentations.

What is Your Flood Zone and Are Past Letter of Map Changes Still in Effect? :   FEMA has provided the City of Savannah with the FIRM panels with an effect date of August 16, 2018. Letters of Map Revision (LOMR) and Letter of Map Amendments (LOMA) previously issued for FIRM panels that were revised by the recent map update for Savannah have either been incorporated into the revised FIRM or have been superseded by the revised FIRM.  To see if a LOMC was incorporated into the FIRM, not incorporated but still in effect, or superseded, review the community's Revalidate Letter.  Note, some of the older LOMC were completed while the property was under the Unincorporated Chatham County jurisdiction, so if you do not see an LOMC in the City of Savannah's Letter, check in Chatham County Revalidation Letter too. 

City Of Savannah: Revalidation Letter
Chatham County: Revalidation Letter

It is important that your flood insurance policy has been in effect 30 days prior to the effective date if your structure’s risk is increasing.  Visit SAGIS.org’s "Find My Flood Zone" to view flood determination changes.  For detail information for sites within the City of Savannah limits, properties with the tax property identifying number (PIN) beginning with 2- contact Tom McDonald (912) 651-6530 X 1895 to help determine your future determination.  For PINs beginning with a "1-" contact Angela Bliss, (912) 652-7833, or request on line at Chatham County Engineering Department.    For other contacts to surrounding jurisdictions click: Here.

Limit of Moderate Wave Action (LiMWA)
On August 16, 2018 the City's Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) were updated.  The new FIRMs  introduced changes in some Savannah areas, including lower Base Flood Elevations (BFE) and the addition of a Limit of Moderate Wave Action (LiMWA) line.

The LiMWA identifies Coastal A Zones, where wave heights between 1.5 and 3 feet may occur during storms events. These areas receive A Zone flood insurance rates. Additionally they area required to follow V Zone building standards for new construction or substantial improvements.  Contact Tom McDonald (912) 651-6530 X 1895 for more information.  To see a local panel and more details click on: Show me more about LiMWA. 

Is Your Property Eligible for a Letter of Map Amendment?
Check if your structure is eligible for a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) based on the lowest grade and BFE, which, if approved, could lower your flood premium. Use  the SAGIS map to look up your Property Flood Zone and Contour grade. Use the below link to SAGIS site and check the Effective Flood Zones and Elevation Contours layers. IF the structure is in an AE or VE zone and the lowest contour grade is at or above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) you may be eligible.    Talk with your surveyor or flood insurance agent.  

Above the Water:

A GIS Storymap
BaconPark_interiorFloods are caused by the overflow of inland water or an unusual accumulation of surface water runoff from any source. Chatham County is within the flat, low-lying coastal region of Georgia. Due to this natural landscape, our communities are at risk of flooding during heavy rainfall and storm surges. This Story Map is a comprehensive guide to inform you about flooding, ways to protect you and your property from flooding, and local initiatives to mitigate flooding.

Click Here: Above the Water

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Citizens Are Advised to Report Any Structural Flooding:

by using either the City’s on line form or by contacting the City’s Call Center by dialing 311 or after hours to (912)351-3434. 

Clean pipes and ditches allow strom water to flow.The City crew is use heavy equipment to prevent flooding by ensuring ditches are clear to convey the…

$ How Much Does Flood Insurance Cost $

The Cost Fact Sheet displays actual flood insurance cost of a residential building that is in the different flood zones, elevations, & uses. For the exact cost of your structure, talk with your flood insurance agent, insurance advocate above, or visit FloodSmart.gov web page. Link: Cost Fact Sheet.  (NOTE: due to FEMAs' Risk Rating 2.0 program, Flood Insurance prices may change. Contact your flood insurance agent or visit Floodsmart.gov for accurate premiums and details. Continue reading to learn more under the heading: Let’s Talk Flood Risk Rating 2.0  for more facts.

Below are a few fun interactive web links that viewers may find useful:

*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_Para obtener información sobre cómo proteger su propiedad y prepararse para una inundación, abra este documento. 

o NUEVO: ¿Está preparado para una inundación en su vecindario? (Madera / COS)  
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Natural and Beneficial Functions of the Floodplain: 

WHAT’S A FLOODPLAIN?  Floodplains are defined as low-lying areas adjacent to a waterway. Many acres in Chatham County are floodplains given our flat topography and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, Savannah River, and other smaller tributaries and tidal creeks. Floodplains are crucial terrestrial habitats that  provide fertile soil for plant growth and act like reservoirs, storing excess rainfall and runoff. See attached flyer that discusses what is happening in our floodplain, how we are protecting the floodplain, and the adverse consequences if we neglect our natural environment.  Click: Floodplain Benefits

The City also regulates "Open Space" areas that are protected as part of the Community Rating System (CRS) program. Link to the map click on: Open Space Map. For more information contact Tom McDonald (912) 651-6530.

The State of Georgia's Coastal Marshlands Protection Act (CMPA) provides a grant of authority to the Board of Natural Resources and Coastal Marshlands Protection Committee to regulate certain activities that affect or have the potential to affect the coastal marshlands of the state, to ensure the values and functions of the coastal marshlands are not impaired and to protect the public interest: See: Subject 391-2-3 COASTAL MARSHLANDS PROTECTION

On to More Information: 
To learn more about protecting your property and preparing for a flood, download these documents and visit the helpful resources listed below:MontXRdsPumpStDetailed


Be Aware of Potential Flooding Based On Past Flooding Events RainDrop

Throughout Savannah and Chatham County:

“How Prepared Are You?” is a comprehensive public awareness and preparedness guide designed to help residents and communities better understand and respond to flooding and hurricane risks. The publication provides practical information on flood preparedness, hurricane readiness, and the importance of flood insurance, along with guidance on flood prevention and mitigation strategies.

Known Flooded Areas: The dots on the inserted map show areas of past reported flooding.

Flood insurance, questions to ask before purchasing property

List of funding websites and contacts

Let’s Talk Flood Risk Rating 2.0:

Risk Rating 2.0: Equity in Action

Have more questions or concerns about Flood Insurance and Risk Rating 2.0?

  • FEMA has established an Interim Office of the Flood Insurance Advocate as required by HFIAA. The public can reach the Acting Flood Insurance Advocate by email at insurance-advocate@fema.dhs.gov or for additional advocacy assistance visit FEMA’s advocate website. 
  • WHAT? My Flood Insurance has gone up.  Why??
    Citizens can contact one of two local insurance advocates
  • Local Floodplain Information and Flood Determination Letters


Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan and Annual Update:

Aber_64_19_FireTrk_iOn September 9, 2021, the City Council adopted the Floodplain Management Plan and the Repetitive Loss Area Analysis Plan to address flooding throughout Savannah. These plans identify and assess current flood hazard conditions, including historically flooded areas and the most critically affected properties, and recommend mitigation strategies to reduce or eliminate future flood losses.

The City of Savannah continues its proactive floodplain management efforts by evaluating potential projects and applying for federal grant funds to support future flood hazard mitigation initiatives. The plans also help reduce flood insurance premiums by 25% for property owners participating in the National Flood Insurance Program.

To view Savannah’s Flood Mitigation Plan, Repetitive Loss Area Analysis Plans, and annual updates, click here: Link to FMP, RLAA.

As part of the RLAA Plan, the City sends over 800 letters annually to properties that have flooded or are adjacent to flooded structures. To view a sample letter, click here: RLAA Letter

For questions or comments, please contact Tom McDonald, Permit and Floodplain Manager, at (912) 651-6530 Ext. 1895.

But wait, there is more!  Know how to protect yourself and your property, Flood Insurance, Flood Recovery, Grants/Funding, Flood Facts and Terms, FEMA publications, and other interesting information. Link:  Repetitive Flood Portal

Elevation Certificates (EC) Online, Flood Determination Letters, Flood Insurance Studies (FIS),Letter of Map Changes (LOMC), FEMA Forms, Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance, and Datum:

Elevation Certificates & Community Flood Determination Letters:

If you do not find an EC you are looking for, contact the community's floodplain manager.  The structure could be in an area outside the Special Flood Hazard Area, PreFIREC Pic Opens in new windowM, Grandfathered, or built in a different jurisdiction.  

Flood Insurance Study (FIS) | Letter Of Map Changes (LOMC) | Revalidation Letter
Click here for access page to the Flood Insurance Study (FIS), LOMC and FEMA Revalidation Letter

Forms: Blank Elevation Certificate and Other Needed Design Certificates
Click Here for access page to Elev. Cert, V Zone Design, Dry Floodproofing forms and Non Conversion Letter.

Need the Engineered Venting IBC ES reports?

If you need the IBC ES Reports for engineered vents, click on the "Vent Cert IBC ES Report" folder on the Elevation Certificate page.  Click here to be swiftly transported to the EC page. 

City of Savannah Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance and NFIP information

Click here for access page to local ordinances, amendments, FEMA Technical Bulletins, and Substantial Improvements information.

Addition Information FIRM datum change
Datum Change, Difference between NGVD 1929 and NAVD 1988

More Flood Safety Tips:
When the City is experiencing heavy rains and localized flooding, we recommend that you take the following precautions:

  • Do not drive through standing water; it may be deeper than it looks.
  • Drive slowly through ponding water, so waves do not cause damage to other vehicles or nearby homes.
  • Do not remove manhole covers to release flood waters; this backs up the sewer system.
  • If flooding occurs, the City will barricade affected streets and will monitor and strictly enforce all street closures.
  • Please remember, when traffic lights are out in an intersection, it becomes a 4-way stop, and you must yield to the person on your right before proceeding.
  • To learn more information see: Flooding - In General.

Citizens are advised to report any structural flooding

by using either the City’s on line form or by contacting the City’s Call Center by dialing 311 or after hours to 351-3434.

***    Report Street Flooding 311, Click on web link: 311  ****

During heavy rain, the City recommends that the following streets be avoided:Street Closed when Flooded and H signs detail_thumb.jpg

  • Fairmont-Hanover-Hodgson 
  • West Victory at Ogeechee
  • Goebel Avenue at President
  • East Gwinnett at Skidaway
  • West Gwinnett at Stiles (City Lot)
  • Whitaker at West 33rd
  • Abercorn from DeRenne to Victory
  • Habersham from DeRenne to Victory
  • Paulsen from DeRenne to Victory
  • Reynolds from DeRenne to Victory
  • Harmon from DeRenne to Victory
  • Bay Street, East of Fell/Brittany
  • Fell/Baker/Jenks from Bay St. to Augusta Avenue
  • Henry from Cedar St. to Waters Avenue
  • Atlantic at Maupas Avenue
  • President St. from Gen. McIntosh to Pennsylvania Avenue
  • North bound ramp onto the Truman Parkway at Eisenhower.
  • Paulsen and East Park
  • 500 block East 36th St

Alternate routes during heavy rains:

  • From Downtown to Midtown: MLK Jr. Boulevard, 37th St., Bull and White Bluff, DeRenne Avenue, Abercorn Extension
  • From Downtown to Westside: I-516/Lynes Parkway
  • From Downtown to Southside: MLK Jr. Boulevard, I-16, I-516/Lynes Pkwy, Southwest Bypass/Veterans Pkwy, GA 204/Abercorn Extension.
  • From Downtown to Islands: Bay St., East Broad, Wheaton, Ash St., Anderson St., Truman Parkway, Victory Dr., U.S. 80 East.

CEMA Hurricane Evacuation, Shelter & Transportation Brochure

Flood Warning System:

In Chatham County, CEMA manages the flood warning system. Once CEMA receives a potentially dangerous warning, sirens are activated. The sirens can give as little as fifteen minutes warning time. When you hear the sirens, information can be heard on the television or on the radio at WSVH (91.1) for what to do. Information can be heard on the NOAA weather radio broadcast at frequency 162.40. Local evacuation routes can be found in the phone book. To learn more visit CEMA’s web page: Outdoor Warning Sirens Explained, but come back to learn more about Flood Protection.

River gauge data can be viewed by clicking on the web links:

See additional gauges by visiting the USGA or the National Weather Service websites For more information, contact CEMA at 201-4500 or visit the website at chathamemergency.org.

Y'all Ready For THIS? Episode 15: Smart Sea Level Sensors

If you need more information please see the Frequently Asked Questions section. Scroll down to Flood Protection Information header.

Flood Happens, Buy down your flood risk by purchasing Flood Insurance today.

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