Floodplain Management

Overview

In June 1972, Tropical Storm Agnes generated a “flood of record” for the City of Laurel and the Mid-Atlantic region. From June 21^st to June 22^nd, over 10 inches of rain fell, causing flash flooding and high water levels along the Patuxent and Potomac Rivers.  Statewide, Tropical Storm Agnes caused 19 deaths and $80 million in damage; in Prince George’s County, the storm caused more than $10 million in damage.   As a result, City of Laurel officials initiated floodplain management programs to protect and prepare the City for future flood events.  Over 50 years later, Tropical Storm Agnes continues to influence the City’s approach to floodplain management and public safety.  

            Approximately 10% of the City of the Laurel is in a floodplain, which is likely to flood if the Patuxent River rises and flows over it’s banks.  Since floodplains change over time due to development, capital improvement projects and other factors, our surrounding watersheds are periodically re-evaluated to 

Today, the City of Laurel Department of Emergency Management (DEM) oversees the City’s floodplain management program.  Working in collaboration with various floodplain management agencies, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), DEM employs several mitigation strategies and programs.  The Community Rating System and AWARE flood monitors are just two examples of such strategies.  

Know Your Risk 

The first step to protect your property from flooding is to understand your flood risk.  For more information, please visit https://www.floodsmart.gov/know-your-risk.

City of Laurel FEMA Flood Zone Map