Short answer: Wake County's FEMA National Risk Index report ranks hazards for Raleigh tracts. Keep lots maintained and confirm current NC auto liability minimums when you register.
This guide is general information for homeowners and drivers in the Raleigh area (Wake County). It isn't legal advice or a coverage determination. Your policy wording, underwriting, city and county ordinances, and state insurance and motor-vehicle rules control. Check your address on FEMA's National Risk Index (county report for Wake County) and the Flood Map Service Center.
Local hazards: FEMA National Risk Index for Wake County
Use FEMA's National Risk Index and the Wake County report.
Federal disaster declarations in Wake County
Since 1968, Wake County has been part of 11 federal major disaster declarations, according to FEMA's declarations summaries; by incident type the most common were hurricane events (4), severe storm events (3) and severe ice storm events (2). The most recent: Hurricane Matthew, 2016, Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding, 2011, Hurricane Isabel, 2003 and Severe Ice Storm, 2002. FEMA also lists 13 emergency declarations for the county in the same data.
Raleigh rejoined the CRS in 2025
A City of Raleigh staff memo dated July 11, 2025 says Raleigh reentered FEMA's Community Rating System as a Class 5 community effective October 1, 2025. That gives every NFIP policyholder in the city a 25% discount on new and renewing policies from that date. Since May 2022, Raleigh has barred new development on vacant parcels in the FEMA floodplain and limited developed sites to building on 50% of their floodplain area.
Watching Crabtree and Walnut creeks
Heavy, short bursts of rain make creeks rise fast in Raleigh. The city's Flood Early Warning System uses USGS stream gauges in the Crabtree Creek and Walnut Creek watersheds, flood cameras and nine sets of flashing warning signs. Before big storms, staff can lower Lake Johnson to ease flooding along Walnut Creek. You can look up your own risk on the city's Flood Information Portal or email [email protected], according to its flood risk page.
Residual market: NCJUA FAIR Plan
Same inland NCJUA FAIR Plan framework as Charlotte—not the Beach Plan. Apply through a licensed North Carolina agent.
Auto: North Carolina 50/100/50
New and renewed North Carolina policies since July 1, 2025 need at least 50/100/50 (NCDOI).
Questions? Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See insurance in North Carolina.
Frequently asked questions
Which NRI county covers Raleigh?
Wake County (37183).
Where do I confirm NC auto minimums?
NC DOI publications for your policy date.
Does a Raleigh homeowners policy cover flood?
No; flood needs a separate policy.
Alishahi Insurance · 439 N Canon Dr, Penthouse, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 · (877) 711-4545 · CA License #4348151. General information only. This isn't legal, tax or financial advice or a coverage determination. Coverage depends on policy language and underwriting, and rules vary by state.