Hurricane Florence

Hurricane Florence — Frequently Asked Questions

How much damage did Hurricane Florence cause?

Hurricane Florence (2018) caused $24 billion in total damages, with $6 billion in insured losses. Approximately 90,000+ homes were flooded. FEMA issued $1.2 billion in individual assistance grants to affected homeowners.

What are the key lessons from Hurricane Florence for homeowners?

Key lessons from Hurricane Florence: Post-Florence flooding peaked 3–5 days AFTER landfall as rivers crested — many were caught off guard; New Bern's riverside historic district flooded even with 'only' 20 inches of rainfall due to storm surge and river backup; Only 8% of NC residents in the most-flooded counties had flood insurance; Florence proved 'weakening before landfall' does not mean reduced damage potential.

Does homeowners insurance cover damage from events like Hurricane Florence?

Standard homeowners insurance does NOT cover flood damage from events like Hurricane Florence. This type of damage — surface water flooding from hurricanes and storm surge — requires separate NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program) or private flood insurance. FEMA disaster assistance (average $1.2 billion per event) provides limited supplemental help for uninsured losses, but is far below typical replacement costs.

How do I apply for FEMA assistance after a disaster like Hurricane Florence?

Apply at DisasterAssistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362 within 60 days of the federal disaster declaration for your county. You will need your Social Security number, property address, insurance policy information, and a description of damages. FEMA will schedule a home inspection. Processing typically takes 1-2 weeks for initial determination. If denied, you have 60 days to appeal with additional documentation.