What are the Advisory Base Flood Elevations and what effect do they have?
In an effort to help communities build back stronger and safer in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, FEMA reassessed base flood elevations (BFEs) along the Mississippi Gulf Coast and issued advisory flood elevations for Hancock, Harrison and Jackson counties. The Advisory Base Flood Elevations (ABFEs) will enable state and local officials to make more informed decisions about rebuilding efforts until more definitive data are available. National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) communities are not required to use the ABFEs. Several communities have either voluntarily adopted the ABFEs or have adopted elevations higher than the current required elevations. The current Flood Insurance Rate Maps representing Mississippi coastal communities will remain in effect until the flood remapping process is completed in those areas over the next couple years. That process involves a more detailed analysis of flood hazards, interaction with community officials, opportunities for public input, and an a
