Heavy rains cause most of the flooding that occurs in Augusta, GA.

When the ground is saturated by heavy or prolonged rainfall, Augusta's drainage systems, drainage channels, creeks, streams, and tributaries may exceed their capacity and flooding can result.

On October 12, 1990, this area experienced some of the worst flooding ever when 15 inches of rain fell during a 100-year storm event causing millions of dollars in property damage.  Most of the areas experiencing the heaviest flooding were located in Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs), or what we all more commonly refer to as "floodplains".

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) publishes Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) showing flood hazard areas and the degree of risk in those areas. These maps are on file at:

Augusta Planning & Development Department
525 Telfair St.
Augusta, GA 30901
(706) 821-1796

Check with the Augusta Planning & Development Department at (706) 821-1796 to see if your property is in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA).

The Emergency Management Agency of Augusta monitors the National Weather Service’s advisory bulletins and storm tracking service and advises the Mayor and Administrator of evacuation plans during a flood, as well as during other natural and man-made disasters. Residents can tune to local network television and radio stations for up-to-date weather information and emergency readiness.