Which flood hazard zone is the most hazardous and typically follows coastlines and estuaries?

• A. Zone A
• B. Zone V
• C. Zone B
• D. Zone X

Answer: (B)

Flood hazard zones categorize risk by how likely flooding is and whether waves affect the area. Zone V designates coastal flood hazards along the ocean and estuaries where storm surge and wave action are present. Those conditions create the greatest danger to structures and property, so Zone V is the highest hazard category on flood maps. In contrast, inland zones without wave action (Zone A), moderate-risk areas between the 100- and 500-year floods (Zone B), and areas of minimal or no flood hazard (Zone X) do not carry the same level of hazard as the coastal, wave-action zones. That coastal exposure to surge and waves is what makes Zone V the most hazardous.