---
title: 2019 Columbia MS Flood Map Changes & Insurance Update
description: See how FEMA’s 2019 flood map changes impact Columbia, MS homeowners. Explore NFIP, private insurance, and map amendment options to lower flood costs.
---

[The Flood Video Blog ](https://www.floodinsuranceguru.com/floodvideoblog)

# [2019 Columbia MS Flood Map Changes & Insurance Update](https://www.floodinsuranceguru.com/floodvideoblog/2019-flood-map-changes-columbia-mississippi)

 Written by [Chris Greene](https://www.floodinsuranceguru.com/floodvideoblog/author/chris-greene) | Feb 11, 2022 9:18:37 PM

 

Flood risks are constantly evolving, and so are [FEMA’s flood maps](https://www.fema.gov/flood-maps). In 2019, FEMA released updated [flood insurance rate maps](https://www.floodinsuranceguru.com/the-flood-insurance-guru-blog/tag/flood-insurance-rate-maps)** (FIRMs)** for Columbia, Mississippi, and surrounding Marion County. These changes were designed to provide a clearer picture of flood hazards, but they also impacted insurance requirements for many property owners.

## Why Flood Maps Change

Flood maps are updated to reflect new data about rainfall, river flow, storm surge, and topography. For Columbia residents, the **Pearl River and its tributaries** are major factors in shaping local flood risk. When FEMA reviewed the region in 2019, some homes and businesses were mapped into [Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs)](https://www.floodinsuranceguru.com/the-flood-insurance-guru-blog/tag/special-flood-hazard-areas) for the first time, while others were removed from high-risk zones.

## What This Means for Homeowners

If your property was newly placed in a [high-risk zone such as Zone AE](https://www.floodinsuranceguru.com/floodvideoblog/flood-zones-the-difference-in-flood-zone-a-and-flood-zone-ae), you may now be required to carry flood insurance if you have a mortgage. Fortunately, the **National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)** offers a **“newly mapped” policy option**, which allows quick coverage with just a one-day waiting period. Standard NFIP policies still require a 30-day wait.

## Considering Private Flood Insurance

Private flood insurance can sometimes be a better fit. In Columbia, private carriers may offer broader coverage or lower premiums than NFIP, depending on your home’s elevation and flood history. However, some high-risk areas—such as floodways—may be declined by private insurers, making NFIP the more reliable option.

## Letter of Map Change (LOMC) Options

If you believe your home was incorrectly mapped in 2019, you may request a [Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA)](https://www.floodinsuranceguru.com/floodvideoblog/what-is-a-letter-of-map-amendment) or [Letter of Map Revision (LOMR)](https://www.floodinsuranceguru.com/floodgurupodcast/flood-insurance-zone-changes-episode-2-what-is-a-letter-of-map-revision). This process uses elevation data to prove your property’s actual risk and may reduce or remove mandatory flood insurance requirements.

### Protecting Your Property

At [The Flood Insurance Guru](https://www.floodinsuranceguru.com/), we help Columbia homeowners understand their flood risk, explore insurance options, and challenge incorrect map designations. If you were affected by the 2019 map changes, reach out today for a flood insurance review and protect your property with confidence.

[View full post](https://www.floodinsuranceguru.com/floodvideoblog/2019-flood-map-changes-columbia-mississippi)

```json
{
  "@context" : "http://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "Chris Greene"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2025-09-01T01:26:38.868Z",
  "datePublished" : "2022-02-11T21:18:37Z",
  "headline" : "2019 Columbia MS Flood Map Changes & Insurance Update",
  "image" : {
    "@type" : "ImageObject",
    "height" : 619,
    "url" : "https://f.hubspotusercontent30.net/hubfs/4691183/image-png-Feb-12-2022-02-21-29-94-PM.png",
    "width" : 1101
  },
  "mainEntityOfPage" : "https://www.floodinsuranceguru.com/floodvideoblog/2019-flood-map-changes-columbia-mississippi",
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "height" : 60,
      "url" : "/hs/hsstatic/content_shared_assets/static-1.4092/img/default-amp-logo.png",
      "width" : 60
    },
    "name" : "The Flood Video Blog"
  }
}
```