17.5 Million Americans Are in the Highest Flood Risk Zone: What the AI Study Means for Your Insurance

# 17.5 Million Americans Are in the Highest Flood Risk Zone: What the AI Study Means for Your Insurance

> **Quick answer:** A landmark April 2026 study from the University of Alabama, published in *Science Advances*, used three artificial intelligence tools to determine that 17.5 million Americans live in the "very high" flood risk zone on the Atlantic and Gulf coasts — and another 17 million are at the "high" level directly below it. If you live anywhere from Texas to Maine, your property's actual flood risk may be far higher than your FEMA flood map suggests. NFIP premiums are rising up to 18% per year and won't reflect true risk until 2037. This article tells you how to check your property and what to do about it.

A new AI-powered study has just mapped every at-risk property along America's coasts, and the numbers are alarming. The research confirms that the flood risk zone problem in America is significantly larger than previously understood — and for millions of homeowners, the insurance gap that follows could be financially catastrophic.

*This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Consult a qualified financial advisor or licensed insurance professional for personal coverage decisions.*

## The University of Alabama AI Study: What It Found

The study, led by geospatial scientist Hemal Dey and climate scientist Wanyun Shao at the University of Alabama and published in *Science Advances* on April 23, 2026, is one of the most comprehensive flood vulnerability assessments ever conducted in the United States.