Latimer County flood maps become final

Latimer County has new flood maps that will become effective March 16, 2027.

Until March, a FEMA compliance specialist will work with the community to update floodplain ordinances and adopt new flood maps.

To determine if residents are in low-to-moderate or high-risk flood zone, they are encouraged to examine the maps. The current and future Flood Insurance Rate Map can be viewed on FEMA’s Flood Map Changes Viewer at https://msc.fema.gov/fmcv.

Understanding flood risks can help individuals understand which insurance option is best for their situation. Community leaders can use these maps to make informed decisions about building standards and development that will lessen the impacts of a flooding event.

Without flood insurance, people risk uninsured losses to their home, personal property and business. Flood insurance is available a private policy or through the National Flood Insurance Program for those in communities who participate in the NFIP. Residents with federally backed mortgages must have flood insurance if their structures are in the Special Flood Hazard Area.

Contact your local floodplain administrator to review the new flood maps and learn more about your risk of flooding. A FEMA Map Specialist can help identify your community FPA and answer questions about the maps as well. Contact them by phone or online chat.

Use a live chat service about flood maps at https://www.floodmaps.fema.gov/fhm/fmx_main.html (just click on the “Live Chat Open” icon).

Contact a FEMA Map Specialist by telephone at 877-FEMA-MAP (877-336-2627) or by email at FEMA-FMIX@fema.dhs.gov.

There are cost-saving options available for those newly mapped into a high-risk flood zone. Learn more about flood insurance options by talking with an insurance agent or visiting floodsmart.gov.

© 2026 the McAlester News-Capital (McAlester, Okla.). Visit mcalesternews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.