Four New Jersey counties rank in top 10 most at risk for flooding in 2024. See list

With hurricane season upon us, it's crucial for New Jersey residents to be aware of the potential dangers these storms can bring.

A recent study by LawnStarter compared flood risk across the United States, identifying over 940 counties with moderate to very high flood risk according to FEMA's data.

Here is a look at New Jersey counties at high risk for flooding:

Top 10 most flood-prone counties in New Jersey

1. Bergen County
2. Ocean County
3. Atlantic County
4. Cape May County
5. Middlesex County
6. Monmouth County
7. Cumberland County
8. Union County
9. Burlington County
10. Salem County

Top 10 most flood-prone counties in the U.S.

1. Harris County, Texas
2. Bergen County, New Jersey
3. Ocean County, New Jersey
4. Atlantic County, New Jersey
5. Cape May County, New Jersey
6. Cameron County, Texas
7. Volusia County, Florida
8. Miami-Dade County, Florida
9. St. Johns County, Florida
10. Brevard County, Florida

What is heavy flooding?

Heavy flooding occurs when large volumes of water accumulate in an area, usually as a result of excessive rainfall, rapid snowmelt, storm surges, or dam failures. This water overwhelms the local drainage systems and causes rivers, lakes, or other bodies of water to overflow their banks, leading to widespread inundation of the surrounding land.

According to the National Weather Service, the following types of flooding can be seen from these powerful storms.

Causes of heavy flooding in these counties

• Intense Rainfall: Sudden and heavy rain can overwhelm drainage systems, especially in urban areas, leading to flash floods.
• Prolonged Rainfall: Extended periods of rain can saturate the soil, causing rivers and lakes to swell and flood surrounding areas.
• Storm Surges: Coastal flooding can occur when strong winds from tropical storms or hurricanes push seawater onto land.
• Dam or Levee Failures: Structural failures can lead to sudden release of large volumes of water.
• River Blockages: Landslides or ice jams can block river flow, causing upstream areas to flood.

Plan ahead if you live in a high risk flood zone

Here are some tips from the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management on flooding preparedness.

• Prepare yourself and your family by creating an Emergency Supply Kit and a Family Disaster Plan.
• Your Kit should include items that will help you stay self-sufficient for up to three days, if needed.
• Your Plan should include evacuation plans, a place to reunite with loved ones and an out-of-state contact person.

• Purchase a flood insurance policy. Your homeowner’s insurances does not cover flood damage so buying a policy is one of the most important things you can do to protect your home and family. You can obtain a flood insurance policy through your insurance company or agent. Flood insurance is guaranteed through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), administered by FEMA.

How to prevent flooding around your home

According to FEMA, here’s how to properly floodproof your home in case of flooding.

• Maintain proper water runoff and drainage. “Routinely clean and maintain gutters, downspouts, and splash pads so that rainwater from your roof flows easily away from your home. Also, make sure that any nearby drainage ditches or storm drains are clear of debris and functioning properly.”
• Improve lot grading. “Determine how water flows or accumulates around your home to identify potential trouble spots (often easy to see during an average rainstorm). Stormwater should always drain away from the building; if necessary, change your landscaping to improve runoff.”
• Reduce impervious surfaces around your home. “Water runs off concrete and asphalt almost immediately and can exceed the capacity of storm sewers quickly during heavy rains. Retaining and creating natural green space around your home can help reduce sewer overflows by reducing stormwater runoff. Consider options such as rain gardens, vegetated swales, or pervious pavements, which allow more water to be absorbed by the ground.”
• Install a rain barrel. “A rain barrel is an alternative method for dealing with rainwater. Rain barrels are typically connected to gutter downspouts and collect the runoff from roofs. You can use this stored water for non-potable uses such as watering the lawn and gardens or washing your car.
• Elevate utilities and service equipment. “Raise and anchor air conditioning condensers, heat pumps, water meters and other service equipment onto pedestals or platforms that are at least one foot above the potential flood elevation. For identified high-risk zones this means going to or above the regulatory flood elevation for the property as adopted by the local community. This inexpensive action can help prevent significant damage and disruption following a flood event.”
• Anchor outdoor fuel tanks. “Attach outdoor fuel tanks to a large concrete slab that weighs enough to resist the force of floodwaters, or install inexpensive ground anchors that are connected across the top of the tank with metal straps. Unanchored fuel tanks can be easily moved and ruptured by floodwaters and pose serious threats to people, property, and the environment.”

USA TODAY contributed to this report.