Corpus Christi - BFE9

[Ryan Wamsat]

I'm considering purchasing a house for rent in Corpus Christi, on Padre Island.  I'm trying to research flood plains to assess the risk associated.  This house is in a BFE9 area.  I would appreciate it if someone could provide me with the pros/cons of owning a rental property on the island and an "Explain it like I'm 5 years old" explanation of "BFE"s, in particular BFE9.

Thank you,

Ryan

[Miles Stanley]

BFE = base flood elevation = theoretical water surface elevation of the 100-year storm.  

100-year storm DOES NOT MEAN that the storm can only happen once in 100 years.  Rather it means there is a 1% chance of that storm occurring each year.  Could happen more than once a year, but, statistically speaking, that would be rare.

So BFE 9 would indicate to me that the elevation above sea level of the 100-year storm event would be 9 feet.  so if your house is less than that elevation, it would (theoretically) be inundated.  Flood insurance likely required.

Thanks,