SOCASTEE, SC (WBTW) – Thousands of Horry County properties could be added to flood zones, despite flooding history, if county accepts new, preliminary flood maps.
The maps put homes in Harbour Town in Socastee into a flood zone, but some neighbors hope this doesn’t happen.
Becky Warren has lived in Harbour Town for over 20 years, but says her home has never flooded. She says if the county decides to accept the new flood maps, it would have a huge, financial impact on her family.
“We’ll have to come up with a great deal of money for a flood insurance premium,” Warren said.
Warren has optional flood insurance now, but says it only costs her around $500 dollars per year. If her house gets put into a flood zone, she will be required to have flood insurance, and says it could cost her thousands of dollars.
“People, they’re just on incomes, and where do you get all of that extra money in your salaries? It would just be very difficult,” Warren said. “It’s like you almost have to get a second job just to pay for flood insurance.”
Recent flooding did not play a role into how the maps were drawn, however, officials say the flooding from Hurricane Florence did help push them in the direction of accepting the new maps.
County officials say there will be a public review period before Horry County will make the decision to either approve or appeal the new maps. If the maps are approved, it will take around one year before they are officially adopted.
