What is my flood zone in Tampa Bay?

TAMPA, Fla. – Flood maps are different from evacuation zones. They show a property's risk of flooding at any time of year, including as a result of heavy rain.

These zones have nothing to do with hurricanes and are solely related to home insurance and building codes, according to the Hillsborough County website.

Homes may be in a non-evacuation zone but still be in a flood zone due to a nearby creek, so it's important to check which flood zone you're in to prepare.

Here are the links to maps where you can enter your address and find out which flood zone you are in:

• Medium to low risk areas are displayed starting with the letters B, C or X
• High-risk areas are the zones A, AE, AH, AO
• High risk on the coast is referred to as V, VE
• Areas with possible but uncertain flood risk or unexplored areas begin with D

These are determined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The high-risk zones begin with the letters A or V, and homeowners in these zones are required to purchase flood insurance if they have a mortgage from a government-sponsored or government-regulated lender.

It's important to know your flood zone as Tropical Storm Helene will bring heavy rains to the Tampa Bay area. The storm is expected to strengthen into a hurricane on Wednesday.

Meteorologists say the first bands of rain will arrive late Wednesday and severe weather is possible. On Thursday, the system will parallel Tampa Bay and bring us a storm surge, with that day being the most severe. Storm surge, hurricane and tropical storm warnings have been issued for parts of the area. Get the latest information on the storm here.

We will continue to provide you with the latest information through your 10 Tampa Bay Hurricane headquarters.