How Well Did FEMA's Maps Predict Sandy's Flooding?

When Superstorm Sandy struck New York and New Jersey in 2012, the accuracy of FEMA’s flood-risk maps for the area varied widely. In some cases, the data behind the maps dated as far back to the 1970s. The maps help guide development and set flood insurance rates, so many property owners were left unprepared for the flooding. In this visualization it is possible to click on a county to see more about FEMA’s data for that county, including the age of its maps and how well they predicted Sandy’s extent.