Map of New York City if sea levels rise 3 meters (areas underwater are in light blue).

As additional rainfall and new stormwater surges from Hurricane Harvey hit Texas, the country continues to rally around hard-hit communities just beginning to comprehend the impact of the unprecedented flood. Cities will rebuild and return, promise local and national leaders.

But as Harvey’s full significance comes into focus over the next weeks and months, flood insurance, one of the pillars of local rebuilding efforts, will be in the spotlight. Early estimates suggest the losses may hit $10 billion to $20 billion, making it one of the 10 costliest hurricanes in U.S. history.

By September 30, Congress must reauthorize the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), a crucial government program that helps pay for and provide policies for millions of properties in at-risk areas across the country. The impact of Harvey on the NFIP is yet unknown, but is clearly expected to be sizable; in Harris County, Texas, the flood program holds more than 240,000 policies, representing more than $60 billion in […]