Floodplain Management
Flooding in Terrebonne Parish
Flooding is an issue for many residents in Terrebonne Parish. Much of the land is low or below sea level. The main source of flooding in the parish is rain, but in late summer, hurricanes and storm surge also pose a serious threat.
To identify a community's flood risk, FEMA conducts a Flood Insurance Study. The study includes statistical data for river flow, storm tides, hydrologic/hydraulic analyses, and rainfall and topographic surveys. FEMA uses this data to create the flood hazard maps that outline the flood risk areas in the community
The maps show floodplains and areas subject to coastal storm surge as high-risk areas, or Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs). Some parts of floodplains may experience frequent flooding, while others are only affected by severe storms. However, areas directly outside of these high-risk areas may also find themselves at considerable risk.
Flood Insurance Rate Maps
FEMA has issued new flood maps for Terrebonne Parish that will go into effect September 7, 2023.
On August 23, 2023, the Terrebonne Parish Council passed a vote to adopt the new FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map(FIRM).
This webpage provides important information on flood protection, including:
- The importance of knowing your flood hazard.
- The best way to prepare for a flood is to get flood insurance.
- The many ways to protect yourself and your property from flooding.
- The parish's Floodsafe Program, which provides helpful information about flood protection.
- Building responsibly to mitigate flooding and helping protect natural floodplain functions in your community.
- The importance of having a hurricane plan.
- The history of flooding in the parish.
For information about the current Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), or to see if your property is in the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), contact the Floodplain Manager. There is no charge for this service. Please note the contact information, hours of operation, and address on the left.
Meet Rhett the Egret!
Rhett is here to share information on flood risk in the parish, as well as ways to protect your property and family from flooding. Look for him in brochures, newsletters, and mailings.
More important information:
- Elevation certificates that the parish has on file can be provided by request. Please call Linda Gros at the Permits Division at 985-873-6567 or email lgros@tpcg.org.
- There is river gauge information available on the Atchafalaya and Mississippi River Gauges.
- The Permit Department can help with questions about building responsibly, and the Recovery Assistance and Mitigation Planning Department can help with flood protection grants.
- More information about flooding, resources from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and related local plans.
