Flood Mitigation Plan- 2017

This Floodplain Management Plan was prepared by the Town of Morehead City under grant award
#NA14NOS4190076 to the Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Coastal Management from
the Office for Coastal Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The statements,
findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the
views of DEQ, OCM, or NOAA.

Town of Morehead City, North Carolina P a g e | i
Floodplain Management Plan
February 2017
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The purpose of this Floodplain Management Plan is to reduce or eliminate risk to people and property
from flood hazards. Every community faces different hazards and every community has different
resources to draw upon in combating problems along with different interests that influence the solutions
to those problems. Because there are many ways to deal with flood hazards and many agencies that can
help, there is no one solution for managing or mitigating their effects. Planning is one of the best ways to
develop a customized program that will mitigate the impacts of flood hazards while taking into account
the unique character of a community. The plan provides a framework for all interested parties to work
together and reach consensus on how to move forward. A well-prepared Floodplain Management Plan
will ensure that all possible activities are reviewed and implemented so that the problem is addressed by
the most appropriate and efficient solutions. It can also ensure t hat activities are coordinated with each
other and with other goals and activities, preventing conflicts and reducing the costs of implementing
each individual activity.
The Town of Morehead City followed the planning process prescribed by the Federal Emer gency
Management Agency (FEMA), and this plan was developed under the guidance of a Floodplain
Management Planning Committee (FMPC) comprised of representatives of Town Departments, citizens
and other stakeholders. The FMPC conducted a risk assessment that identified and profiled flood hazards
that pose a risk to the Town, assessed the Town’s vulnerability to these hazards, and examined the
capabilities in place to mitigate them. The flood hazards profiled in this plan include:
• Climate Change and Sea Level Rise
• Dam/Levee Failure
• Flood: 100-/500-year
• Flood: Stormwater/Localized Flooding
• Hurricane and Tropical Storm
• Stream Bank Erosion
This plan identifies activities that can be undertaken to reduce safety hazards, health hazards, and
property damage caused by floods. Based on the risk assessment developed for each of the flood hazards
identified above, the FMPC identified goals and objectives for reducing the Town’s vulnerability to the
hazards. The goals and objectives are summarized as follows:

Goal 1 – Reduce vulnerability and exposure to flood hazards in order to protect the health, safety
and welfare of residents and guests.
Objective 1.1: Advise the community of the safety and health precautions to implement before, during,
and after a flood.
Objective 1.2: Publish the locations (roads and intersections) which often flood after heavy rain events or
major storms.
Objective 1.3: Educate everyone on the benefits of improved water quality and associated habitat.
Objective 1.4: Identify the location of vulnerable populations to aid in emergency evacuations.
Objective 1.5: Conduct site investigations, research exposure and hazard data, and evaluate proposed
modifications to repair and mitigate stormwater management problems.

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Floodplain Management Plan
February 2017

To meet the identified goals, this plan recommends 18 mitigation actions, which are summarized in the
table that follows. Note: Item number does not indicate an order of priority.

Goal 2 – Reduce damage to development through flood resilient strategies and measures.
Objective 2.1: Prioritize capital improvement projects to address areas where poor drainage causes
substantial flooding.
Objective 2.2: Encourage development outside the special flood hazard area (1%-annual-chance flood).
Objective 2.3: Use the most effective approaches to protect buildings from flood damage, including
elevation, acquisition, and other retrofitting techniques where appropriate.
Objective 2.4: Encourage property owners to assume an appropriate level of responsibility for their own
protection, including the purchase of flood insurance.
Goal 3 – Protect natural resources by employing watershed-based approaches that balance
environmental, economic and engineering considerations.
Objective 3.1: Maintain and enforce regulations to protect and restore wetlands and ecological functions
for long-term environmental, economic and recreational values.
Objective 3.2: Pursue water management approaches and techniques that improve water quality and
protect public health.
Objective 3.3: Preserve and maintain open space in flood prone areas to reduce flood damage to buildings
and to provide recreational benefits.
Objective 3.4: Continue to protect wetlands and environmentally sensitive areas from encroachment of
development by requiring buffers and other setback mechanisms.
Goal 4 – Encourage property owners, through education and outreach measures, to protect their
homes and businesses from flood damage.
Objective 4.1: Educate property owners, including repetitive loss properties, on FEMA grant programs and
other methods in order to mitigate possible flood damage.
Objective 4.2: Provide current flood-proofing and retrofitting information to property owners.
Objective 4.3: Effectively communicate flood risk to residents, businesses, contractors, realtors and
prospective buyers.
Objective 4.4: Enhance community websites to provide comprehensive flood protection and flood
preparedness information.

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Floodplain Management Plan
February 2017
Action
Item
No.
Action Related
to Goal
Address
Current
Development
Address
Future
Development
Continued
Compliance
with NFIP
Mitigation Category
1
Provide flood emergency information to the
public on health, safety, evacuation routes and
home safety through a variety of outreach
materials including direct mail, websites and
through other outside agencies
1, 2 ✓ ✓ Emergency Services
2
Maintain and update the Morehead City
Continuity of Operations plan to ensure that Town
governmental operations can be ongoing after a
flooding event including post-disaster
reconstruction policies
1, 2 ✓ Emergency Services
3
Maintain and/or establish backup generators at
all community designated critical facilities
including those which will house displaced victims
from flood events
1, 2 ✓ Emergency Services
4
Keep on call qualified post-disaster contractor to
include essential services and equipment and the
ability to help secure reimbursement of NCEM
and FEMA funding
1, 2 Emergency Services
5
The FMPC will meet quarterly to ensure
implementation of the Morehead City Floodplain
Management Plan
1, 2, 3, 4 ✓ ✓ ✓
Prevention, Property
Protection, Natural Resources,
Structural Projects, Emergency
Services & Outreach Projects
6
Integrate new greenway and public park
improvements into comprehensive planning and
capital improvement Planning and coordinate
with CAMA Land Use Planning
1, 3 ✓ ✓ Prevention & Natural
Resources
7
Review and update Town’s Flood Damage
Prevention Ordinance to ensure compliance with
FEMA and NCEM requirements and/or to add new
higher regulatory standards
1, 2, 3, 4 ✓ ✓ Prevention & Property
Protection
8
Promote grant funding to target repetitive loss
property owners to mitigate against future
flooding
1, 2, & 4 ✓ Property Protection

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Floodplain Management Plan
February 2017
Action
Item
No.
Action Related
to Goal
Address
Current
Development
Address
Future
Development
Continued
Compliance
with NFIP
Mitigation Category
9
Send Flood Outreach Brochure to all residents
within the SFHA, Repetitive Loss Areas and those
in Dam Inundation Zone to education them on
how to better protect themselves from flood
damage
1, 2, 3, 4 ✓ ✓
Prevention, Property
Protection, Natural Resources,
Outreach Projects
10 Church Street Drainage Improvement Project to
improve localized stormwater flooding 1, 2 ✓ ✓ ✓ Structural Projects
11 Blair Farms Parkway Culvert Replacement Project
to improve localized stormwater flooding 1, 2 ✓ ✓ ✓ Structural Projects
12
Test additional flap/tidal gates at end of
stormwater outlets that outfall into the sound
around the 9th and 14th street areas to help
eliminate localized stormwater flooding
1, 2 ✓ ✓ ✓ Property Protection &
Structural Projects
13
Investigate the implementation of pump stations
at various locations where there are localized
stormwater flooding problems
1, 2 ✓ Property Protection &
Structural Projects
14
Where possible encourage Low Impact
Development (LID) techniques to promote a
natural approach to stormwater management
1,2, 3 ✓ ✓
Prevention, Property
Protection and Natural
Resources
15 Consider where appropriate shoreline restoration
bringing the coastline back to a natural setting 1, 2, 3 ✓ ✓ ✓ Property Protection and
Natural Resources
16
Educate public that ¾” of rain in one hour can
cause significant stormwater flooding issues in
the 14 identified “hot spot” areas
1, 2, 4 ✓ ✓ Property Protection and
Outreach Projects
17
Educate public that nothing should go down the
storm drains except rainwater including installing
no dumping sign on top of drains
1, 2, 3, 4 ✓ ✓
Property Protection, Natural
Resources and Outreach
Projects
18
Protect wetlands and conservation areas through
enforcement of the comprehensive and zoning
regulations in the Town and consider additional
set back regulations to protect other water
features
1, 2 ✓ ✓ ✓ Prevention and Natural
resources

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Floodplain Management Plan
The following table provides the 10-step CRS planning credit activity checklist and the section/page
number within this plan that describes the completion of each planning step in more detail.
CRS Planning Credit Activity Checklist
CRS Step Section/Page
1. Organize to prepare the plan.
a. Involvement of office responsible for community planning Section 2.1
b. Planning committee of department staff Section 2.1
c. Process formally created by the community’s governing board Section 2.2.1
2. Involve the public.
a. Planning process conducted through a planning committee Section 2.1 / Table 2.1 / Appendix A
b. Public meetings held at the beginning of the planning process Section 2.2.1 / Table 2.5 / Appendix A
c. Public meeting held on draft plan Section 2.2.1 / Table 2.5 / Appendix A
d. Other public information activities to encourage input Section 2.2.1 / Table 2.6 / Appendix A
3. Coordinate with other agencies.
a. Review of existing studies and plans Section 2.2.1
b. Coordinating with communities and other agencies Section 2.2.1 / Appendix A
4. Assess the hazard.
a. Plan includes an assessment of the flood hazard with: Sections 5.1 – 5.7
(1) A map of known flood hazards Sections 5.1 – 5.7
(2) A description of known flood hazards Sections 5.1 – 5.7
(3) A discussion of past floods Sections 5.1 – 5.7
b. Plan includes assessment of less frequent floods Section 5.2 / 5.6
c. Plan includes assessment of areas likely to flood Section 5.7
d. The plan describes other natural hazards ----
5. Assess the problem.
a. Summary of each hazard identified in the hazard assessment and Section 6.4 their community impact
b. Description of the impact of the hazards on:
(1) Life, safety, health, procedures for warning and evacuation Sections 5.1 – 5.6 / 8.1.2
(2) Public health including health hazards to floodwaters/mold Sections 5.1 – 5.6
(3) Critical facilities and infrastructure Section 6.2.2 / 6.4.2
(4) The community’s economy and tax base Section 6.4
(5) Number and type of affected buildings Section 6.4
c. Review of all damaged buildings/flood insurance claims Section 6.4.2
d. Areas that provide natural floodplain functions Section 3.1.3 / 5.7
e. Development/Redevelopment/Population Trends Sections 3.1.7 – 3.1.8 / 6.3 / 5.7
f. Impact of future flooding conditions outlined in Step 4, item c Sections 5.1 – 5.7
6. Set goals. Section 8.2
7. Review possible activities.
a. Preventive activities Section 8.3 / Appendix B
b. Floodplain Management Regulatory/current & future conditions Section 8.3 / Appendix B

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Floodplain Management Plan
CRS Step Section/Page
c. Property protection activities Section 8.3 / Appendix B
d. Natural resource protection activities Section 8.3 / Appendix B
e. Emergency services activities Section 8.3 / Appendix B
f. Structural projects Section 8.3 / Appendix B
g. Public information activities Section 8.3 / Appendix B
8. Draft an action plan.
a. Actions must be prioritized Section 8.3.1 / Appendix B
(1) Recommendations for activities from two of the six categories Section 8.4 / Appendix B
(2) Recommendations for activities from three of the six categories Section 8.4 / Appendix B
(3) Recommendations for activities from four of the six categories Section 8.4 / Appendix B
(4) Recommendations for activities from five of the six categories Section 8.4 / Appendix B
b. Post-disaster mitigation policies and procedures Sections 8.1.2
c. Action items for mitigation of other hazards Sections 8.4 / Appendix B
9. Adopt the plan. Section 9
10. Implement, evaluate and revise.
a. Procedures to monitor and recommend revisions Sections 10.1 – 10.2
b. Same planning committee or successor committee that qualifies Section 10.1.2
under Section 511.a.2 (a) does the evaluation

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTERS

1 Introduction .......................................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Purpose and Authority .................................................................................................................. 1
1.2 Background ................................................................................................................................... 1
1.3 Scope ............................................................................................................................................. 2
1.4 References .................................................................................................................................... 2
1.5 Plan Organization .......................................................................................................................... 2
2 Planning Process ................................................................................................................................... 3
2.1 Local Government Participation ................................................................................................... 3
2.2 The 10-Step Planning Process ....................................................................................................... 5
Phase I – Planning Process .................................................................................................... 5
Phase II – Risk Assessment .................................................................................................. 10
Phase III – Mitigation Strategy ............................................................................................ 10
Phase IV – Plan Maintenance .............................................................................................. 11
3 Community Profile .............................................................................................................................. 12
Overview of the Community ............................................................................................... 12
Topography and Climate ..................................................................................................... 12
Cultural, Historic and Natural Resources ............................................................................ 16
History ................................................................................................................................. 17
Economy .............................................................................................................................. 18
Housing ............................................................................................................................... 18
Population ........................................................................................................................... 19
Growth and Development Trends ...................................................................................... 19
4 Hazard Identification ........................................................................................................................... 21
4.1 Results and Methodology ........................................................................................................... 21
4.2 Disaster Declaration History ....................................................................................................... 22
5 Hazard Profiles .................................................................................................................................... 23
5.1 Climate Change and Sea Level Rise ............................................................................................. 24
5.2 Dam/Levee Failure ...................................................................................................................... 29
5.3 Flood: 100-/500-year ................................................................................................................. 33
5.4 Flood: Stormwater/Localized Flooding ...................................................................................... 41
5.5 Hurricane and Tropical Storm ..................................................................................................... 43
5.6 Coastal/Stream Bank Erosion ...................................................................................................... 52
5.7 Assessment of Areas Likely to Flood ........................................................................................... 58
5.8 Flood Hazards Profile Summary .................................................................................................. 60

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6 Vulnerability Assessment .................................................................................................................... 61
6.1 Methodology ............................................................................................................................... 61
6.2 Asset Inventory ........................................................................................................................... 62
Properties at Risk ................................................................................................................ 62
Critical Facilities at Risk ....................................................................................................... 64
6.3 Land Use ...................................................................................................................................... 67
6.4 Vulnerability Assessment Results ............................................................................................... 70
Climate Change and Sea Level Rise ..................................................................................... 72
Flood: 100-/500-year ......................................................................................................... 76
Flood: Stormwater/Localized Flooding ............................................................................ 116
Dam Failure ....................................................................................................................... 120
Hurricane/Tropical Storm ................................................................................................. 122
6.5 Priority Risk Index Results ......................................................................................................... 130
7 Capability Assessment ...................................................................................................................... 131
Administrative/Technical Mitigation Capabilities ............................................................. 131
Fiscal Mitigation Capabilities ............................................................................................ 132
8 Mitigation Strategy ........................................................................................................................... 133
8.1 Mitigation Strategy: Overview ................................................................................................. 133
Continued Compliance with the NFIP ............................................................................... 133
Post-Disaster Recovery and Mitigation ............................................................................. 135
8.2 Goals and Objectives ................................................................................................................. 138
Coordination with Other Planning Efforts ........................................................................ 138
Goal Setting Exercise ......................................................................................................... 138
Resulting Goals and Objectives ......................................................................................... 139
8.3 Identification and Analysis of Mitigation Activities .................................................................. 144
Prioritization Process ........................................................................................................ 144
8.4 Mitigation Action Plan .............................................................................................................. 146
8.5 Detailed Mitigation Actions ...................................................................................................... 150
9 Plan Adoption .................................................................................................................................... 157
10 Plan Implementation and Maintenance ....................................................................................... 158
10.1 Implementation ........................................................................................................................ 158
Responsibility for Implementation of Goals and Activities ............................................... 158
Role of FMPC in Implementation, Monitoring and Maintenance .................................... 159
10.2 Maintenance ............................................................................................................................. 159
Maintenance Schedule...................................................................................................... 159
Maintenance Evaluation Process ...................................................................................... 159
Incorporation into Existing Planning Mechanisms ............................................................ 161
Continued Public Involvement .......................................................................................... 161
Appendix A Planning Process ............................................................................................................... 163

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Appendix B Mitigation Strategy ........................................................................................................... 202
B.1 Risk Assessment Methodology ................................................................................................ 202
B.2 Mitigation Goals Development ................................................................................................. 204
Appendix C: References ........................................................................................................................... 227
List of Tables
Table 2.1 – FMPC Meeting Attendance Record ............................................................................................ 4
Table 2.2 – Town of Morehead City Staff Capability with Six Mitigation Categories ................................... 4
Table 2.3 – Mitigation Planning and CRS 10-Step Process Reference Table ................................................ 5
Table 2.4 – Summary of FMPC Meeting Dates ............................................................................................. 7
Table 2.5 – Summary of Public Meeting Dates ............................................................................................. 7
Table 2.6 – Public Outreach Efforts .............................................................................................................. 8
Table 3.1 – Threatened and Endangered Species ....................................................................................... 17
Table 3.2 – Employment and Occupation Statistics for Morehead City, NC .............................................. 18
Table 3.3 – Major Employers in Carteret County, 2015 .............................................................................. 18
Table 3.4 – Morehead City Demographic Profile Data, 2015 ..................................................................... 19
Table 4.1 – Summary of Flood Hazard Evaluation ...................................................................................... 22
Table 4.2 – FEMA Major Disaster Declarations including Carteret County, 1966 – 2016 .......................... 22
Table 5.1 – NCEI Severe Weather Reports for Carteret County, January 1996 – November 2016 ............ 24
Table 5.2 – Dam Hazards Classification ...................................................................................................... 30
Table 5.3 – North Carolina Dam Inventory for Carteret County, NC .......................................................... 30
Table 5.4 – Mapped Flood Insurance Zones within Morehead City, NC .................................................... 35
Table 5.5 – Flood Zone Acreage in Morehead City, Effective and Preliminary ........................................... 36
Table 5.6 – NCEI Flooding in Carteret County – January 1996 to November 2016 .................................... 39
Table 5.7 – Areas of Localized Flooding ...................................................................................................... 41
Table 5.8 – NCEI Flash Flooding in Carteret County – January 1996 to November 2016 ........................... 43
Table 5.9 – Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, 2012 ............................................................................. 44
Table 5.10 – Hurricane Type & Frequency .................................................................................................. 47
Table 5.11 – Historical Hurricane Tracks Near Morehead City, NC ............................................................ 49
Table 5.12 – NCEI Hurricane/Tropical Storm Data for Carteret County ..................................................... 51
Table 5.13 – Summary of Flood Hazard Profile Results .............................................................................. 60
Table 6.1 – Town of Morehead City Properties at Risk............................................................................... 62
Table 6.2 –Town of Morehead City Properties at Risk ............................................................................... 63
Table 6.3 – Critical Facilities at Risk in Morehead City ............................................................................... 64
Table 6.4 – Priority Risk Index ..................................................................................................................... 70
Table 6.5 – Content Replacement Factors .................................................................................................. 76
Table 6.6 – Estimated Building Damage and Content Loss ......................................................................... 79
Table 6.7 – Estimated Building Damage and Content Loss ......................................................................... 79
Table 6.8 – Morehead City Population at Risk to Flood.............................................................................. 80
Table 6.9 – Critical Facilities by Flood Zone ................................................................................................ 83
Table 6.10 – Critical Facilities by Flood Zone .............................................................................................. 85
Table 6.11 – NFIP Policy and Claims Data by Occupancy Type – Town of Morehead City ......................... 89
Table 6.12 – NFIP Policy and Claims Data by Flood Zone – Town of Morehead City ................................. 89
Table 6.13 – NFIP Policy and Claims Data Pre-FIRM – Town of Morehead City ......................................... 89
Table 6.14 – NFIP Policy and Claims Data Post-FIRM – Town of Morehead City ....................................... 90
Table 6.15 – Unmitigated Repetitive Loss Summary .................................................................................. 91
Table 6.16 – Structures in Repetitive Loss Areas ........................................................................................ 92
Table 6.17 – Properties at Risk to Category 1 Storm Surge ...................................................................... 123

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Table 6.18 – Properties at Risk to Category 2 Storm Surge ...................................................................... 123
Table 6.19 – Properties at Risk to Category 3 Storm Surge ...................................................................... 123
Table 6.20 – Properties at Risk to Category 4 Storm Surge ...................................................................... 124
Table 6.21 – Properties at Risk to Category 5 Storm Surge ...................................................................... 124
Table 6.22 – Summary of PRI Results ........................................................................................................ 130
Table 6.23 – Summary of Hazard Risk Classification ................................................................................. 130
Table 7.1 – Regulatory Mitigation Capabilities ......................................................................................... 131
Table 7.2 – Administrative/Technical Capabilities .................................................................................... 131
Table 7.3 – Fiscal Mitigation Capabilities .................................................................................................. 132
Table 8.1 – Goal Setting Response Summary ........................................................................................... 143
Table 8.2 – Potential Goals Response Summary ....................................................................................... 143
Table 8.3 – Summary of Town of Morehead City Mitigation Actions ....................................................... 147

List of Figures
Figure 2.1 – Public Survey ............................................................................................................................. 9
Figure 3.1 – Location Map .......................................................................................................................... 13
Figure 3.2 – Base Map ................................................................................................................................. 14
Figure 3.3 – HUC-6 Drainage Basins ............................................................................................................ 15
Figure 3.4 – Population Projections for Morehead City, NC ....................................................................... 20
Figure 5.1 – Gulf/Atlantic Coast Sea Level Trends ...................................................................................... 25
Figure 5.2 – Mean Sea Level Trend for Beaufort, NC .................................................................................. 26
Figure 5.3 – Previous Mean Sea Level Trends for Beaufort, NC ................................................................. 26
Figure 5.4 – Temperature Change in the United States, 1901-2015 .......................................................... 27
Figure 5.5 – Precipitation Change Projections for 2070-2099 .................................................................... 28
Figure 5.6 – North Carolina Dam Inventory for Town of Morehead City, NC ............................................. 31
Figure 5.7 – Components of a Typical Levee .............................................................................................. 32
Figure 5.8 – Characteristics of a Floodplain ................................................................................................ 34
Figure 5.9 – Morehead City Effective DFIRM Flood Zones ......................................................................... 37
Figure 5.10 – Morehead City Preliminary DFIRM Flood Zones ................................................................... 38
Figure 5.11 – Localized Flooding Locations .................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
Figure 5.12 – Components of Hurricane Storm Surge ................................................................................ 45
Figure 5.13 – SLOSH Storm Surge Model for a Category 3 Storm .............................................................. 46
Figure 5.14 – SLOSH Storm Surge Model for a Category 4 Storm .............................................................. 46
Figure 5.15 – SLOSH Storm Surge Model for a Category 5 Storm .............................................................. 47
Figure 5.16 – Historical Hurricane Tracks (1851-2016) ............................................................................... 48
Figure 5.17 – Stream Meanders .................................................................................................................. 53
Figure 5.18 – Sea Level Rise and Coastal Erosion of Dunes ........................................................................ 57
Figure 5.19 – General Areas of Repetitive Flooding in Morehead City ...................................................... 59
Figure 6.1 – Morehead City Critical Facilities .............................................................................................. 66
Figure 6.2 – Town of Morehead City Existing Land Use Map ..................................................................... 68
Figure 6.3 – Town of Morehead City Future Land Use ............................................................................... 69
Figure 6.4 – Estimated Impact of 1 Foot SLR on Morehead City ................................................................ 73
Figure 6.5 – Estimated Impact of 2 Feet SLR on Morehead City ................................................................ 74
Figure 6.6 – Estimated Impact of 3 Feet SLR on Morehead City ................................................................ 75
Figure 6.7 – 100-yr Effective Flood Depths for the Town of Morehead City .............................................. 77
Figure 6.8 – 100-yr Preliminary Flood Depths for the Town of Morehead City ......................................... 78
Figure 6.9 – Critical Facilities and FEMA Flood Zones, Effective FIRM ....................................................... 81
Figure 6.10 – Critical Facilities and FEMA Flood Zones, Preliminary FIRM ................................................. 82

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Figure 6.11 – Morehead City Repetitive Loss Areas ................................................................................... 93
Figure 6.12 – Repetitive Loss Area Mapping Index ..................................................................................... 94
Figure 6.13 – Repetitive Loss Area Mapping, Area 1 .................................................................................. 95
Figure 6.14 – Repetitive Loss Area Mapping, Area 2 .................................................................................. 96
Figure 6.15 – Repetitive Loss Area Mapping, Area 3 .................................................................................. 97
Figure 6.16 – Repetitive Loss Area Mapping, Area 4 .................................................................................. 98
Figure 6.17 – Repetitive Loss Area Mapping, Area 5 .................................................................................. 99
Figure 6.18 – Repetitive Loss Area Mapping, Area 6 ................................................................................ 100
Figure 6.19 – Repetitive Loss Area Mapping, Area 7 ................................................................................ 101
Figure 6.20 – Repetitive Loss Area Mapping, Area 8 ................................................................................ 102
Figure 6.21 – Repetitive Loss Area Mapping, Area 9 ................................................................................ 103
Figure 6.22 – Repetitive Loss Area Mapping, Area 10 .............................................................................. 104
Figure 6.23 – Repetitive Loss Area Mapping, Area 11 .............................................................................. 105
Figure 6.24 – Repetitive Loss Area Mapping, Area 12 .............................................................................. 106
Figure 6.25 – Repetitive Loss Area Mapping, Area 13 .............................................................................. 107
Figure 6.26 – Repetitive Loss Area Mapping, Area 14 .............................................................................. 108
Figure 6.27 – Repetitive Loss Area Mapping, Area 15 .............................................................................. 109
Figure 6.28 – Repetitive Loss Area Mapping, Area 16 .............................................................................. 110
Figure 6.29 – Repetitive Loss Area Mapping, Area 17 .............................................................................. 111
Figure 6.30 – Repetitive Loss Area Mapping, Area 18 .............................................................................. 112
Figure 6.31 – Repetitive Loss Area Mapping, Area 19 .............................................................................. 113
Figure 6.32 – Repetitive Loss Area Mapping, Area 20 .............................................................................. 114
Figure 6.33 – Repetitive Loss Area Mapping, Area 21 .............................................................................. 115
Figure 6.34 – Localized Flooding and Repetitive Loss Locations .............................................................. 117
Figure 6.35 – Repetitive Loss Areas and Stormwater Hotspots ................................................................ 119
Figure 6.36 – Potential Flood Inundation Map for Walker Millpond Dam ............................................... 121
Figure 6.37 – Average Number of Tropical Storms per Year (Atlantic Basin) ........................................... 122
Figure 6.38 – Category 1 Storm Surge ...................................................................................................... 125
Figure 6.39 – Category 2 Storm Surge ...................................................................................................... 126
Figure 6.40 – Category 3 Storm Surge ...................................................................................................... 127
Figure 6.41 – Category 4 Storm Surge ...................................................................................................... 128
Figure 6.42 – Category 5 Storm Surge ...................................................................................................... 129
Figure 8.1 – Evacuation Routes ................................................................................................................. 136
Figure 8.2 – Handout for Goals Exercise, Part 1 ....................................................................................... 141
Figure 8.3 – Handout for Goals Exercise, Part 2 ....................................................................................... 142

Town of Morehead City, North Carolina P a g e | 1
Floodplain Management Plan
1 INTRODUCTION
Chapter 1 provides a general introduction to hazard mitigation and an introduction to the Town of
Morehead City Floodplain Management Plan. This chapter contains the following subsections:
 1.1 Purpose and Authority
 1.2 Background
 1.3 Scope
 1.4 References
 1.5 Plan Organization
1.1 PURPOSE AND AUTHORITY
As defined by FEMA, “hazard mitigation” means any sustained action taken to reduce or eliminate the
long-term risk to life and property from a hazard event. Hazard mitigation planning is the process through
which hazards are identified, likely impacts determined, mitigation goals set, and appropriate mitigation
strategies determined, prioritized, and implemented. The purpose of this plan is to identify, assess and
mitigate flood risk to better protect the people and property of the Town of Morehead City from the
effects of flood hazards. This plan documents Morehead City’s hazard mitigation planning process and
identifies relevant flood hazards and vulnerabilities and strategies the Town will use to decrease
vulnerability and increase resiliency and sustainability.
This Plan was developed in a joint and cooperative venture by members of a Floodplain Management
Planning Committee (FMPC) which included representatives of Town departments, federal and state
agencies, citizens and other stakeholders. This Plan will ensure Morehead City’s continued eligibility for
federal disaster assistance including the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Hazard
Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), Pre-Disaster Mitigation Program (PDM), and the Flood Mitigation
Assistance Program (FMA). This Plan has been prepared in compliance with Section 322 of the Robert T.
Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act or the Act), 42 U.S.C. 5165, enacted
under Section 104 of the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000, (DMA 2000) Public Law 106 -390 of October 30,
2000, as implemented at CFR 201.6 and 201.7 dated October 2007.
1.2 BACKGROUND
The Town of Morehead City currently participates in the National Flood Insurance Program’s (NFIP)
Community Rating System (CRS), and qualifies for a Class 8 Rating. The CRS recognizes and encourages
community floodplain management activities that exceed the minimum standards. Under the CRS, flood
insurance premium rates are adjusted to reflect the reduced flood risk resulting from community activities
that (1) reduce flood losses, (2) facilitate accurate insurance ratings, and (3) promote the awareness of
flood insurance. As part of the qualification for a Class 8 Rating and having 10 or more repetitive loss
properties, Morehead City is required to prepare and maintain a Floodplain Management Plan (FMP).
It is the goal of the FMPC to continue to work to make improvements to this plan so as to better serve the
citizens of Morehead City, and to strive to improve the Class Rating for the Town, so that the highest
reduction in flood insurance premium rates can be available for its citizens. Through the Town’s
participation in the NFIP and a Class 8 rating with the CRS, owners of properties in the Town’s Special
Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) are entitled to a 10% discount on their flood insurance premiums. Non-SFHA
policies (Standard X Zone policies) receive a 5% discount, and preferred risk policies receive no discount
because they already have premiums lower than other policies.

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1.3 SCOPE
This document comprises a Floodplain Management Plan for the Town of Morehead City.
Due to the small geographic scope of Morehead City and the larger regional extent of many hazard events,
many of the hazard profiles are conducted on a county level. This was done to ensure an accurate
estimation of risk for the Town. The subsequent vulnerability assessment and mitigation actions are
specific to Morehead City.
1.4 REFERENCES
The following FEMA guides and reference documents were used to prepare this document:
 FEMA 386-1: Getting Started. September 2002.
 FEMA 386-2: Understanding Your Risks: Identifying Hazards and Estimating Losses. August 2001.
 FEMA 386-3: Developing the Mitigation Plan. April 2003.
 FEMA 386-4: Bringing the Plan to Life. August 2003.
 FEMA 386-5: Using Benefit-Cost Review in Mitigation Planning. May 2007.
 FEMA 386-6: Integrating Historic Property and Cultural Resource Consideratio ns into Hazard
Mitigation Planning. May 2005.
 FEMA 386-7: Integrating Manmade Hazards into Mitigation Planning. September 2003.
 FEMA 386-8: Multijurisdictional Mitigation Planning. August 2006.
 FEMA 386-9: Using the Hazard Mitigation Plan to Prepare Successful Mitigation Projects. August
2008.
 FEMA. Local Mitigation Planning Handbook. March 2013.
 FEMA. Local Mitigation Plan Review Guide. October 1, 2011.
 FEMA National Fire Incident Reporting System 5.0: Complete Reference Guide. January, 2008.
 FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance Unified Guidance. June 1, 2010.
 FEMA. Integrating Hazard Mitigation into Local Planning: Case Studies and Tools for Community
Officials. March 1, 2013.
 FEMA. Mitigation Ideas. A Resource for Reducing Risk to Natural Hazards. January 2013.
1.5 PLAN ORGANIZATION
The Town of Morehead City Floodplain Management Plan is organized as follows:
• Chapter 2: Planning Process
• Chapter 3: Community Profile
• Chapter 4: Hazard Identification
• Chapter 5: Hazard Profiles
• Chapter 6: Vulnerability Assessment
• Chapter 7: Capability Assessment
• Chapter 8: Mitigation Strategy
• Chapter 9: Plan Adoption
• Chapter 10: Plan Implementation and Maintenance
• Appendix A: Planning Process
• Appendix B: Mitigation Strategy
• Appendix C: References

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2 PLANNING PROCESS

This Floodplain Management Plan was developed under the guidance of a Floodplain Management
Planning Committee (FMPC). The Committee’s representatives included representatives of Town
Departments, federal and state agencies, citizens and other stakeholders.
Information in this plan will be used to help guide and coordinate mitigation activities and decisions for
local land use policy in the future. Proactive mitigation planning will help reduce the cost of disaster
response and recovery to communities and their residents by protecting critical community facilities,
reducing liability exposure, and minimizing overall community impacts and disruptions. This plan
identifies activities that can be undertaken by both the public and the private sectors to reduce safety
hazards, health hazards, and property damage caused by floods.
2.1 LOCAL GOVERNMENT PARTICIPATION
The DMA planning regulations and guidance stress that each local government seeking FEMA approval of
their mitigation plan must participate in the planning effort in the following ways:
• Participate in the process as part of the FMPC;
• Detail where within the planning area the risk differs from that facing the entire area;
• Identify potential mitigation actions; and
• Formally adopt the plan.
For the Town of Morehead City FMPC, “participation” meant the following:
 Providing facilities for meetings;
 Attending and participating in the FMPC meetings;
 Collecting and providing requested data (as available);
 Managing administrative details;
 Making decisions on plan process and content;
 Identifying mitigation actions for the plan;
 Reviewing and providing comments on plan drafts;
 Informing the public, local officials, and other interested parties about the planning process and
providing opportunity for them to comment on the plan;
 Coordinating, and participating in the public input process; and
 Coordinating the formal adoption of the plan by the City Council.

Requirement §201.6(b): An open public involvement process is essential to the development of an effective
plan. To develop a more comprehensive approach to reducing the effects of natural disasters, the planning
process shall include:
1) An opportunity for the public to comment on the plan during the drafting stage and prior to plan approval;
2) An opportunity for neighboring communities, local and regional agencies involved in hazard mitigation
activities, and agencies that have the authority to regulate development, as well as businesses, academia, and
other private and nonprofit interests to be involved in the planning process; and
3) Review and incorporation, if appropriate, of existing plans, studies, reports, and technical information.
Requirement §201.6(c)(1): The plan shall include the following:
1) Documentation of the planning process used to develop the plan, including how it was prepared, who was
involved in the process, and how the public was involved.

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The FMPC met the above participation requirements. The FMPC included representatives from key City
departments, city stakeholders, the insurance and real estate industries as well as mortgage lenders. The
participants comprising the Town of Morehead City FMPC included the following:
1. Sandi Watkins – Town of Morehead City, Planning & Inspections
2. Linda Staab – Town of Morehead City, Planning & Inspections
3. Robert Davis – Town of Morehead City, Planning & Inspections
4. Dale Price – Town of Morehead City
5. Dykeman Baily – Town of Morehead City, Fire Department
6. Whitney Jenkins – NC Coastal Reserve
7. Rachel Love-Adrick – NC Coastal Management
8. Scot Alexander Brennan – NC Farm Bureau Insurance
9. Michael Lupton – Putnam Real Estate
10. Ronald Cullipher – Stroud Engineering
11. John Odom – Prestige Land Surveying
Table 2.1 details the FMPC meeting dates and the FMPC members in attendance. A more detailed
summary of FMPC meeting dates including topics discussed and meeting locations follows in Table 2.4.
Meeting sign-in sheets have been included in Appendix A.
Table 2.1 – FMPC Meeting Attendance Record
Member Name Affiliation Meeting Date
1/12/17 2/16/17 4/3/17 5/24/17 6/22/17
Sandi Watkins Town of Morehead City ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Linda Staab Town of Morehead City ✓ ✓ ✓
Robert Davis Town of Morehead City ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Dale Price Town of Morehead City ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Dykeman Baily Town of Morehead City ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Whitney Jenkins NC Coastal Reserve ✓ ✓
Rachel Love-Adrick NC Coastal Management ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Scot Brennan NC Farm Bureau Insurance ✓ ✓
Michael Lupton Putnam Real Estate ✓ ✓
Ronald Cullipher Stroud Engineering ✓ ✓ ✓
John Odom Prestige Land Surveying ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Based on the area of expertise of each Town representative participating on the FMPC, Table 2.2
demonstrates the Town staff’s capability in the six mitigation categories (Prevention, Property Protection,
Natural Resource Protection, Emergency Services, Structural Flood Control Projects and Public
Information).
Table 2.2 – Town of Morehead City Staff Capability with Six Mitigation Categories
Community
Department/Office Prevention Property
Protection
Natural
Resource
Protection
Emergency
Services
Structural
Flood Control
Projects
Public
Information
Planning & Inspections ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Police, Fire & EMS ✓ ✓ ✓
Public Works ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Parks & Recreation ✓ ✓ ✓

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Appendix A provides additional information and documentation of the planning process that was
implemented for the development of this FMP.
2.2 THE 10-STEP PLANNING PROCESS
The planning process for preparing the Town of Morehead City Floodplain Management Plan was based
on DMA planning requirements and FEMA’s associated guidance. This guidance is structured around a
four-phase process:
1) Planning Process;
2) Risk Assessment;
3) Mitigation Strategy; and
4) Plan Maintenance.
Into this process, the Town integrated a more detailed 10-step planning process used for FEMA’s
Community Rating System (CRS) and Flood Mitigation Assistance programs. Thus, the modified 10-step
process used for this plan meets the requirements of six major programs: FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant
Program; Pre-Disaster Mitigation Program; Community Rating System; Flood Mitigation Assistance
Program; Severe Repetitive Loss Program; and new flood control projects authorized by the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers.
Table 2.3 shows how the 10-step CRS planning process aligns with the four phases of hazard mitigation
planning pursuant to the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000.
Table 2.3 – Mitigation Planning and CRS 10-Step Process Reference Table
DMA Process CRS Process
Phase I – Planning Process
§201.6(c)(1) Step 1. Organize to Prepare the Plan
§201.6(b)(1) Step 2. Involve the Public
§201.6(b)(2) & (3) Step 3. Coordinate
Phase II – Risk Assessment
§201.6(c)(2)(i) Step 4. Assess the Hazard
§201.6(c)(2)(ii) & (iii) Step 5. Assess the Problem
Phase III – Mitigation Strategy
§201.6(c)(3)(i) Step 6. Set Goals
§201.6(c)(3)(ii) Step 7. Review Possible Activities
§201.6(c)(3)(iii) Step 8. Draft an Action Plan
Phase IV – Plan Maintenance
§201.6(c)(5) Step 9. Adopt the Plan
§201.6(c)(4) Step 10. Implement, Evaluate and Revise the Plan
Phase I – Planning Process
Planning Step 1: Organize to Prepare the Plan
With the Town of Morehead City’s commitment to participate in the DMA planning process and the CRS,
Town officials worked to establish the framework and organization for development of the plan. An initial
meeting was held with key community representatives to discuss the organizational aspects of the plan
development process. At the beginning of this planning process, the Town passed a resolution
establishing the planning process and the FMPC. This resolution is included in Appendix A.
Invitations to participate on the FMPC were extended to Town officials, citizens, and federal, state, and
local stakeholders that might have an interest in participating in the planning process. The full list of initial

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invitees is included in Appendix A. The following local stakeholders were invited to provide technical
information and to participate on the FMPC:
Neighboring Communities
Carteret County
Town of Beaufort
Town of Newport
Town of Atlantic Beach
Town of Pine Knoll Shores
Town of Emerald Isle
Town of Cedar Point
Town of Indian Beach
State and Federal Government
North Carolina Division of Emergency Management
North Carolina State Hazard Mitigation Planning
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
FEMA Region IV
USGS
ISO/CRS
NOAA
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
National Weather Service

Educational Institutions
Duke University Nicholas School
UNC Institute of Marine Sciences
Carteret Community College
North Carolina State University Center for Marine Sciences and Technology

Other Stakeholder Representatives
American Red Cross
Carteret County News-Times
Crystal Coast Habitat for Humanity
Coastal Community Action
North Carolina Coastal Federation
Carteret County Homebuilders Association
Downtown Morehead City Revitalization Association

The FMPC kick-off meeting was held on January 12, 2017 at 4:30 p.m. in the Morehead City Municipal
Chambers. The meeting covered the scope of work and an introduction to the DMA, CRS, and FMA
requirements. During the planning process, the FMPC communicated through face-to-face meetings,
email and telephone conversations. Draft documents were posted on the Town’s website so that the
FMPC members could easily access and review them. The formal FMPC meetings followed the CRS
Planning Steps. Agendas and sign in sheets for the FMPC meetings are included in Appendix A. The
meeting dates and topics discussed are summarized below in Table 2.4. All FMPC meetings were open to
the public and all public meetings were properly advertised in the newspaper and on the Town’s website.

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Table 2.4 – Summary of FMPC Meeting Dates
Meeting
Type Meeting Topic Meeting Date Meeting Location
FMPC #1
(Kick-off)
1) Introduction to DMA, CRS and the planning process
January 12, 2017
4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Municipal Chambers
202 South 8th Street
1) Organize resources: the role of the FMPC, planning
for public involvement, and coordinating with other
agencies and stakeholders

FMPC #2
1) Discussion of Program for Public Information (PPI) February 16, 2017
4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Municipal Chambers
202 South 8th Street 1) Discuss/develop mitigation goals for the 2017 FMP

FMPC #3
1) Review preliminary goals
April 3, 2017
10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Municipal Chambers
202 South 8th Street
2) Review/discussion of Flood Risk Assessment
(Assess the Hazard)
3) Review/discussion of Vulnerability Assessment
(Assess the Problem)

FMPC #4
1) Review/discussion of Flood Risk and Vulnerability
Assessment May 24, 2017
4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Municipal Chambers
202 South 8th Street 2) Discuss/develop mitigation strategies for the 2017
FMP

FMPC #5
1) Review “Draft” Floodplain Management Plan June 22, 2017
4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Municipal Chambers
202 South 8th Street 2) Solicit comments and feedback from the FMPC

Planning Step 2: Involve the Public
The planning process officially began with a public meeting held on January 12, 2017 at 5:30PM. A public
notice was posted in the local newspaper, the Carteret County News-Times, on January 11, 2017 inviting
members of the public to attend this kickoff meeting as documented in Appendix A. Information about
the public meeting was also posted on the Town’s website and additional social media. The formal public
meetings held during the planning process are summarized in Table 2.5.
Table 2.5 – Summary of Public Meeting Dates
Meeting
Type Meeting Topic Meeting Date Meeting Locations
Public
Meeting #1
1) Introduction to DMA, CRS and the planning
process January 12, 2017
5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Municipal Chambers
202 South 8th Street 2) Introduction to hazard identification

Public
Meeting #2
1) Review “Draft” Floodplain Management Plan June 22, 2017
5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Municipal Chambers
202 South 8th Street 2) Solicit comments and feedback from the FMPC
Involving the Public beyond Attending Public Meetings
Early discussions with the FMPC established the initial plan for public involvement. The FMPC agreed to
an approach using established public information mechanisms and resources within the community.

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Public involvement activities for this plan update included press releases, stakeholder and public
meetings, public surveys, and the collection of public and stakeholder comments on the draft plan.
The FMPC found seven different ways to involve the public beyond attending public meetings.
Documentation to support the additional public outreach efforts can be found in Appendix A. The public
outreach activities beyond the formal public meetings are summarized below in Table 2.6.
Table 2.6 – Public Outreach Efforts
Location Event/Message Date
1 Articles in Carteret County
News-Times
News articles providing information on first public
meeting and second FMPC meeting. January 2017
2 Planning & Inspections Dept.
Facebook Page
Meeting times, locations, and descriptions advertised
to encourage public attendance/comment January 2017
3 Town of Morehead City
website Flood Protection Questionnaire posted on website February 2017
4 Articles in Carteret County
News-Times
Report came to April meeting to report on progress of
the FMP. April 2017
5 Town of Morehead City
website
Draft Risk Assessment posted on website with
request for public review/comment May 2017
6 Coastal Chapter of NC
Surveyors Assn meeting
Request for input into FMP planning process shared
at meeting June 2017
7 Town of Morehead City
website Posted draft plan on the website June 2017
8 Town Hall Hard copy of plan located in Town Hall for review June 2017
9 Planning & Inspections Dept.
Facebook Page
Announced availability of the draft plan on Town
website and called for public comments; announced
final public meeting
June 2017
The public survey which requested public input into the Floodplain Management Plan planning process
and the identification of mitigation activities to lessen the risk and impact of future flood hazard events is
shown in Figure 2.1. The Town of Morehead City placed the survey on its website, Facebook page, and
on the front counter of the Planning and Inspections Department office at City Hall, but no one completed
the survey. Therefore, a copy of the complete survey is presented in Appendix A, but no summary of the
results could be completed.

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Figure 2.1 – Public Survey

Planning Step 3: Coordinate
Early in the planning process, the FMPC determined that the risk assessment, mitigation strategy
development, and plan approval would be greatly enhanced by inviting other local, state and federal
agencies and organizations to participate in the process. A detailed list of agency coordination is provided
above under Planning Step 1: Organize to Prepare the Plan.
Coordination involved contacting these agencies through a variety of mechanisms and informing them on
how to participate in the plan development process. Coordination with these groups included holding
face-to-face meetings, sending outreach letters, and making phone calls alone to out of area agencies.
These groups and agencies were solicited asking for their assistance (did they have documentation to
support the planning process) and input and telling them how to become involved in the plan
development process. A sample coordination letter is provided in Appendix A.

A perfect example of this coordination in the planning process is that Belkys Melendez, a
meteorologist from NOAA and the National Weather Service, started attending the FMPC
meetings after receiving this letter from Morehead City.

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Coordination with Other Community Planning Efforts and Hazard Mitigation Activities
Coordination with other community planning efforts is also paramount to the success of this plan.
Mitigation planning involves identifying existing policies, tools, and actions that will reduce a community’s
risk and vulnerability to hazards. The Town of Morehead City uses a variety of comprehensive planning
mechanisms, such as a Comprehensive Plan and land development regulations and ordinances to guide
growth and development. Integrating existing planning efforts and mitigation policies and action
strategies into this plan establishes a credible and comprehensive plan that ties into and supports other
community programs. The development of this plan incorporated information from the following existing
plans, studies, reports, and initiatives as well as other relevant data from neighboring communities and
other jurisdictions.
 Town of Morehead City CAMA Land Use Plan, Adopted 2007
 Town of Morehead City Unified Development Ordinance, Adopted 2001
o Zoning Ordinance
o Subdivision Ordinance
o Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance
 Carteret County Comprehensive Plan, 2004
 Pamlico Sound Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan, 2015
These and other documents were reviewed and considered, as appropriate, during the collection of data
to support Planning Steps 4 and 5, which include the hazard identification, vulnerability assessment, and
capability assessment. Data from these plans and ordinances were incorporated into the risk assessment
and hazard vulnerability sections of the plan as appropriate. The data was also used in deter mining the
capability of the community in being able to implement certain mitigation strategies. The Capability
Assessment can be found in Section 3.4.
Phase II – Risk Assessment
Planning Steps 4 and 5: Identify/Assess the Hazard and Assess the Problem
The FMPC completed a comprehensive effort to identify, document, and profile all flood hazards that
have, or could have, an impact on the planning area. Data collection worksheets were developed and
used in this effort to aid in determining hazards and vulnerabilities and where the risk varies across the
planning area. Geographic information systems (GIS) were used to display, analyze, and quantify hazards
and vulnerabilities. A draft of the risk and vulnerability assessment was posted on the Town’s website for
FMPC and public review and comment.
The FMPC also conducted a capability assessment to review and document the planning area’s current
capabilities to mitigate risk from and vulnerability to hazards. By collecting information about existing
government programs, policies, regulations, ordinances, and emergency plans, the FMPC could assess
those activities and measures already in place that contribute to mitigating some of the risks and
vulnerabilities identified. A more detailed description of the risk assessment process and the results are
included in Section 3 Flood Risk Assessment.
Phase III – Mitigation Strategy
Planning Steps 6 and 7: Set Goals and Review Possible Activities
Amec Foster Wheeler facilitated brainstorming and discussion sessions with the FMPC that described the
purpose and process of developing planning goals and objectives, a comprehensive range of mitigation
alternatives, and a method of selecting and defending recommended mitigation actions using a series of
selection criteria. This information is included in Section 4 Mitigation Strategy. Additional documentation
on the process the FMPC used to develop the goals and strategy has been included in Appendix B.

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Planning Step 8: Draft an Action Plan
A complete first draft of the plan was prepared based on input from the FMPC regarding the draft risk
assessment and the goals and activities identified in Planning Steps 6 and 7. This draft was posted for
FMPC and public review and comment on the Town’s website. Other agencies were invited to comment
on this draft as well. FMPC, public and agency comments were integrated into the final draft for the NCEM
and FEMA Region IV to review and approve, contingent upon final adoption by the Town.
Phase IV – Plan Maintenance
Planning Step 9: Adopt the Plan
To secure buy-in and officially implement the plan, the plan was reviewed and adopted by the Town of
Morehead City on the dates included in the corresponding resolution in Section 5 Plan Adoption.
Planning Step 10: Implement, Evaluate and Revise the Plan
Implementation and maintenance of the plan is critical to the overall success of hazard mitigation
planning. Up to this point in the planning process, the FMPC’s efforts have been directed at researching
data, coordinating input from participating entities, and developing appropriate mitigation actions.
Section 6 Plan Implementation and Maintenance provides an overview of the overall strategy for plan
implementation and maintenance and outlines the method and schedule for monitoring, updating, and
evaluating the plan. The Section also discusses incorporating the plan into existing planning mechanisms
and how to address continued public involvement.

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3 COMMUNITY PROFILE
3.1 OVERVIEW OF THE COMMUNITY
The Town of Morehead City, situated in the Outer Coastal Plain of eastern North Carolina, is a port town
in Carteret County on North Carolina’s Crystal Coast. The Town has a total land area of approximately 6.8
square miles and is located at the mouth of the Newport River on the Bogue Sound, directly inland from
the barrier island community of Atlantic Beach. The Town is served by U.S. highway 70 and North Carolina
highway 24. US-70 connects Morehead City to the Cities of Havelock and New Bern to the west and to the
Core Sound communities to the northeast. NC-24 connects Morehead City west to the City of Jacksonville.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, the Town had a total population of
9,162 in 2015; the population of the Morehead City planning jurisdiction, including the extra-territorial
jurisdiction (ETJ), was projected to be 16,166. These figures are discussed in more detail in Section 3.8.
Figure 3.1 reflects the Town of Morehead City’s location within Carteret County and in relation to the
surrounding cities and towns. Figure 3.2Figure 3.2 – Base Map provides a base map for the Town showing
the town limits and the extent of the town’s extra-territorial jurisdiction (ETJ).
3.2 TOPOGRAPHY AND CLIMATE
The Town of Morehead City has a moderate climate, with an average annual temperature of 63.75
degrees Fahrenheit. Average annual rainfall is approximately 59 inches. The Town has a generally flat
topography with elevation ranging between 3 and 30 feet above sea level.
Morehead City is located completely within the White Oak River Basin, which covers 1,382 square miles
and spans 6 counties and 24 municipalities. The White Oak Basin contains four subbasins: the New River,
the White Oak River, the Newport River, and the North River, as well as the Bogue, Back, and Core Sounds.
Figure 3.3 illustrates the HUC-12 drainage basins and drainage features in and around Morehead City.

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Figure 3.1 – Location Map

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Figure 3.2 – Base Map

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Data Source: USGS, 2015
Figure 3.3 – HUC-12 Drainage Basins

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3.3 CULTURAL, HISTORIC AND NATURAL RESOURCES
Historic Resources
The Town of Morehead City has two listings on the National Register of Historic Districts: the Morehead
City Municipal Building and the Morehead City Historic District, which includes 123 contributing
structures. Listing on the National Register signifies that these structures and districts have been
determined to be worthy of preservation for their historical values.
Cultural Resources
Morehead City is home to several facilities for higher education in marine research, including University
of North Carolina’s Institute of Marine Sciences and North Carolina State University’s Center for Marine
Sciences and Technology. Duke University’s Marine Lab is in nearby Beaufort, while Morehead City is also
home to Carteret Community College.
The Town is also known as a destination for recreational fishing, due to its unique ecological setting.
Tourists also visit Morehead City for scuba diving, particularly because a few famous shipwrecks are
located nearby offshore.
Located in town are five art galleries, the Webb Memorial Library and Civic Center, and the History
Museum of Carteret County. Every year, Morehead City hosts the North Carolina Seafood Festival. Many
of the Town’s cultural and historical assets are located in the Downtown from 5th Street to 12th Street, and
draw visitors and residents to the area.
Natural Features and Resources
Parks, Preserve and Conservation
According to the Parks and Recreation Department website, the Town manages 86.87 acres of parkland.
The Town’s Parks and Recreation Department manages and operates an array of parks and recreation
facilities, including: 3 mini parks, 6 neighborhood parks, 2 community parks, 1 specialty park. Public
recreational facilities include 5 playgrounds, 10 picnic areas, 4 soccer fields, 4 tennis courts, a ball field,
and 3 basketball courts, as well as trails, boat launches, and other amenities.
There are also three Significant Natural Heritage Areas, as defined by the NC Natural Heritage Program,
within the Morehead City planning area. Two are located in wetlands on the eastern edge of the planning
area, and a third is located on Radio Island.
Water Bodies and Floodplains
Within the Town’s jurisdiction are 1,229 acres of conservation lands and open space, including coastal
wetlands, estuarine waters, estuarine shoreline, public trust areas, and federally-regulated wetlands.
These lands make up approximately 13% of the Town’s planning jurisdiction. Traditional land uses are not
desirable in these areas, but some development, such as public buildings or facilities to support existing
uses, are allowable according to the Town’s 2007 Land Use Plan. These lands are primarily found in the
northern and eastern portions of the Town’s planning jurisdiction.
According to effective FIRMs, over 6,600 acres of the land within the Town is located within a 100-yr or
500-yr special flood hazard area. A summary of acreage by flood zone is as follows: Zone VE (205 acres);
Zone AE (5,907 acres); Zone X 500-yr (515 acres); and Zone X Unshaded (6,888 acres).
Natural and Beneficial Floodplain Functions: Under natural conditions, a flood causes little or no damage
in floodplains. Nature ensures that floodplain flora and fauna can survive the more frequent inundations,
and the vegetation stabilizes soils during flooding. Floodplains reduce flood damage by allowing flood

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waters to spread over a large area. This reduces flood velocities and provides flood storage to reduce peak
flows downstream.
Wetlands
Wetlands in Morehead City generally follow the major hydrology and are found within areas that are
deemed flood hazard areas which provide additional regulations that make these areas difficult to
develop. According to the Town’s 2007 Core Land Use Plan, the Town’s planning jurisdiction contain s
approximately 1,229 acres of wetlands.
Natural and Beneficial Wetland Functions: The benefits of wetlands are hard to overestimate. They
provide critical habitat for many plant and animal species that could not survive in other habitats. They
are also critical for water management as they absorb and store vast quantities of storm water, helping
reduce floods and recharge aquifers. Not only do wetlands store water like sponges, they also filter and
clean water as well, absorbing toxins and other pollutants.
Threatened and Endangered Species
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service maintains a regular listing of threatened species, endangered species,
species of concern, and candidate species for counties across the United States. Carteret County has 12
species that are listed with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services. Table 3.1 below shows the species identified
as threatened, endangered, or other classification in Carteret County.
Table 3.1 – Threatened and Endangered Species
Common Name Scientific Name Federal Status
Red-cockaded woodpecker Picoides borealis Endangered
Piping Plover Charadrius melodus Threatened
Roseate tern Sterna dougallii dougallii Endangered
Red knot Calidris canutus rufa Threatened
Rough-leaved loosestrife Lysimachia asperulaefolia Endangered
Seabeach amaranth Amaranthus pumilus Threatened
West Indian Manatee Trichechus manatus Endangered
American alligator Alligator mississippiensis Similarity of Appearance
(Threatened)
Hawksbill sea turtle Eretmochelys imbricata Endangered
Leatherback sea turtle Dermochelys coriacea Endangered
Kemp's ridley sea turtle Lepidochelys kempii Endangered
Loggerhead sea turtle Caretta caretta Threatened
Source: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp0/reports/species-by-current-range-county?fips=37031)
3.4 HISTORY
For centuries before non-natives moved into the Carolinas, native Tuscarora Indians inhabited the area
that became Morehead City. In the early 18th century, white settlers began arriving in the region, often
migrating south from existing northern colonies. New settlers included those of German, Scotch-Irish,
French, and English descent, as well as families of Quakers.
Morehead City was envisioned and planned as a port city by the 29th Governor of North Carolina, John
Motley Morehead. In 1853, Morehead purchased 600 acres of land on Shepherd’s Point and by 1857, the
first lots were sold. At that same time, the North Carolina legislature approved and partially funded
construction of a railroad across the state with its terminus at Shepherd’s Point, improving access to the
new port town. State level support coupled with Morehead City’s natural locational attributes led to its
eventual development. The port at Shepherd’s Point, where the Newport River reached up to 20 feet deep

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and had a mile-wide channel, proved more accessible than the shallower Beaufort and Carolina City
channels.
The Town was established in 1858 and officially incorporated on February 20, 1861, with Bridges Arendell,
Jr. as its first mayor. The port supported Morehead City and Carteret County’s growth, with exports
including tobacco, grains, salted meats and fish, and lumber. The most significant industry was naval
stores-tar, pitch, rosin, and turpentine. Today, tourism has replaced exporting as Carteret County’s largest
industry.
3.5 ECONOMY
Wages and Employment
Per the 2011-2015 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, the mean household income for the
Town of Morehead City is $39,117. 23.6% of the population is considered to be living below the poverty
level. Table 3.2 shows employment and unemployment rates along with industry employment by major
classification for the Town. Major employers for Carteret County are listed in Table 3.3. Fishing and
Tourism also account for seasonal adjustments in the economy of Morehead City.
Table 3.2 – Employment and Occupation Statistics for Morehead City, NC
Employment Status Percentage
In labor force 62.3
Employed 56.1
Unemployed 5.1
Armed Forces 1.1
Not in labor force 37.7
Occupation
Management, business, science and arts 35.8
Service 17.7
Sales and office 23.0
Natural resources, construction and maintenance 11.2
Production, transportation and material moving 12.1
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2011-2015 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates
Table 3.3 – Major Employers in Carteret County, 2015
Corporation/Organization Service/Product by SIC Code # of Employees
Carteret County Public Schools Education & Health Services 1,054
Carteret General Hospital Education & Health Services 1,022
Carteret County Government Public Administration 547
Carteret Community College Education & Health Services 373
United States Coast Guard Public Administration 370
Source: Carteret Economic Development Council; Access NC

3.6 HOUSING
According to the 2011-2015 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, there are 5,296 housing units
in the Town of Morehead City, 78.1% of which are occupied. Approximately 50.1% of occupied units are
renter-occupied, indicating a high level of pre- and post-disaster vulnerability. Median home value in
Morehead City is $197,900. Of the Town’s owner-occupied housing units, 53.6% have a mortgage.

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The majority of householders moved into their current homes in the last 17 years; 36.6% moved in
between 2000 and 2009, and 36.9% moved in between 2010 and 2014. Householders of nearly 9% of
occupied housing units have no vehicle available to them, which suggests these residents may have
difficulty in the event of an evacuation.
3.7 POPULATION
The Town of Morehead City had 8,661 residents at the time of the 2010 U.S. Census and an estimated
population of 9,162 in 2015. As of 2015, the Morehead City population density is 1,347 persons per square
mile, which is much higher than the state average density of 254 persons per square mile. Table 3.4
provides demographic profile data from the 2015 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates.
Table 3.4 – Morehead City Demographic Profile Data, 2015
Demographic Morehead City
Gender/Age
Male 46.7%
Female 53.3%
Median Age (years) 43.3
Under 5 Years 6.2%
65 Years and Over 20.0%
Race/Ethnicity (One Race)
White 81.0%
Black or African American 12.7%
Asian 2.6%
American Indian/Alaska Native 0.6%
Other Race 6.0%
Hispanic or Latino 7.4%
Education
High School Graduate or Higher 88.2%
Bachelor’s Degree or Higher 28.2%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2011-2015 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates
1Hispanics may be of any race, so also are included in applicable race categories.
3.8 GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT TRENDS
As of 2015, the Town of Morehead City ranked 90th in size among North Carolina’s 500-plus
municipalities. From 2010 to 2015 the Town grew at a rate of 8.09%. Morehead City accounts for 1 3.4%
of Carteret County’s population, up slightly from 13.0% in 2010. According to the Town Land Use Plan, the
population in Morehead City is expected to reach 9,446 by 2030. In that time, the Morehead City planning
jurisdiction is expected to reach 17,315. Population projections from the Town Land Use Plan are shown
in Figure 3.4. Given that Morehead City surpassed its projected 2020 population by 2015, the actual 2020-
2030 population will likely exceed these estimates.
The major growth in Morehead City occurs along its major thoroughfare of Highway 70 and its secondary
major thoroughfare Highway 24. Additionally, because of the Town’s location (bordered by 3 bodies of
water), many commercial and housing developments are subject to inundation from coastal storms and
localized stormwater issues. Through the central and far eastern part of town, a rail line divides Highway
70 which makes crossing from one side to the other dangerous. Newer development is occurring on the
western edge of town while the eastern side of Morehead City is the more established area with an older
building stock.

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Over time, Morehead City will most likely expand further into its Extra Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ). As the
Town continues to expand in the future, it can be expected that older housing stock will be replaced with
newer housing stock, especially for those units close to the water.

Source: Morehead City Land Use Plan, 2007; U.S. Census Bureau 2010 Census
Figure 3.4 – Population Projections for Morehead City, NC 8,523 8,819 9,093 9,292 9,446 15,622 16,166 16,668 17,033 17,315 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030
MOREHEAD CITY POPULATION PROJECTIONS
Morehead City Corporate Area Morehead City Planning Jurisdiction

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4 HAZARD IDENTIFICATION

This section describes the Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment process for the development of the
Town of Morehead City Floodplain Management Plan. It describes how the Town met the following
requirements from the 10-step planning process:
• Planning Step 4: Assess the Hazard
• Planning Step 5: Assess the Problem
As defined by FEMA, risk is a combination of hazard, vulnerability, and exposure. “It is the impact that a
hazard would have on people, services, facilities, and structures in a community and refers to the
likelihood of a hazard event resulting in an adverse condition that causes injury or damage.”
This flood risk assessment covers the entire geographical area of the Town of Morehead City. The risk
assessment process identifies and profiles relevant hazards and assesses the exposure of lives, property,
and infrastructure to these hazards. The process allows for a better understanding of a jurisdiction‘s
potential risk to natural hazards and provides a framework for developing and prioritizing mitigation
actions to reduce risk from future hazard events. This risk assessment followed the methodology
described in the FEMA publication Understanding Your Risks—Identifying Hazards and Estimating Losses
(FEMA 386-2, 2002), which breaks the assessment down to a four-step process:

Data collected through this process has been incorporated into the following sections of this chapter:
 Section 4: Hazard Identification identifies the natural flood hazards that threaten the planning
area.
 Section 5: Hazard Profiles discusses the threat to the planning area and describes previous
occurrences of flood hazard events and the likelihood of future occurrences.
 Section 6: Vulnerability Assessment assesses the planning area’s exposure to natural flood
hazards; considering assets at risk, critical facilities, and future development trends.
 Section 7: Capability Assessment inventories existing mitigation activities and policies,
regulations, and plans that pertain to mitigation and can affect net vulnerability.
The Town of Morehead City’s FMPC conducted a hazard identification study to determine the natural
flood hazards that threaten the planning area.
4.1 RESULTS AND METHODOLOGY
Using existing flood hazard data and input gained through planning meetings, the FMPC agreed upon a
list of natural flood hazards that could affect the Town. Flood hazard data from the Pamlico Sound
Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan, the North Carolina Division of Emergency Management (NCEM), FEMA,
the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), and other sources were examined to assess
1. Identify
Hazards
2. Profile
Hazard Events
3. Inventory
Assets
4. Estimate
Losses
Requirement §201.6(c)(2): [The plan shall include] A risk assessment that provides the factual basis for activities
proposed in the strategy to reduce losses from identified hazards. Local risk assessments must provide
sufficient information to enable the jurisdiction to identify and prioritize appropriate mitigation actions to
reduce losses from identified hazards.
Requirement §201.6(c)(2)(i): [The risk assessment shall include a] description of the type…of all natural hazards
that can affect the jurisdiction.

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the significance of these hazards to the planning area. Significance was measured in general terms and
focused on key criteria such as frequency and resulting damage, which includes deaths and injuries, as
well as property and economic damage.
The flood hazards identified in Table 4.1 were evaluated as part of this plan. Only the more significant
hazards with the potential to cause significant human and/or monetary losses in the future have a more
detailed hazard profile and are analyzed further in Section 6 Vulnerability Assessment.
Table 4.1 – Summary of Flood Hazard Evaluation
Flood Hazard Included in
2013 State Plan?
Included in
Pamlico Sound
Regional HMP?
Identified as a
Significant Hazard to be
included in the Morehead City
FMP?
Flood: 100-/500-year Yes Yes Yes
Flood: Stormwater/Localized
Flooding No No Yes
Coastal/Stream Bank Erosion No Yes Yes
Dam/Levee Failure Yes Yes Yes
Hurricane/Tropical Storm Yes Yes Yes

4.2 DISASTER DECLARATION HISTORY
The FMPC researched past events that resulted in a federal and/or state emergency or disaster declaration
in the planning area for Morehead City in order to identify known flood hazards. Federal and/or state
disaster declarations may be granted when the Governor certifies that the combined local, county and
state resources are insufficient and that the situation is beyond their recovery capabilities. When the local
government‘s capacity has been surpassed, a state disaster declaration may be issued, allowing for the
provision of state assistance. If the disaster is so severe that both the local and state government
capacities are exceeded, a federal emergency or disaster declaration may be issued allowing for the
provision of federal assistance.
Table 4.2 displays flood-related major disaster declarations that included Carteret County as a designated
area. This table reflects the vulnerability and historic patterns of flood hazards for the County.
Table 4.2 – FEMA Major Disaster Declarations including Carteret County, 1966 – 2016
Hazard Type Disaster # Date
Hurricane Matthew DR-4285 October 10, 2016
Hurricane Irene DR-4019 August 31, 2011
Hurricane Ophelia DR-1608 October 7, 2005
Hurricane Isabel DR-1490 September 18, 2003
Hurricane Floyd & Irene DR-1292 September 16, 1999
Hurricane Dennis DR-1291 September 9, 1999
Hurricane Bonnie DR-1240 August 27, 1998
Hurricane Fran DR-1134 September 6, 1996
Hurricane Bertha DR-1127 July 18, 1996
Source: FEMA (https://www.fema.gov/disasters)
Note: The date column indicates the date of the disaster declaration, which may not coincide with the actual date of the event.

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5 HAZARD PROFILES

The hazards identified in Section 4 Hazard Identification, are profiled individually in this section.
Information provided by members of the FMPC has been integrated into this section with information
from other data sources.
Each hazard is profiled in the following format:
Hazard Description
This section provides a description of the hazard followed by details specific to the Morehead City planning
area. Where available, this section also includes information on the hazard extent, seasonal patterns,
speed of onset/duration, magnitude and any secondary effects.
Past Occurrences
This section contains information on historical events, including the extent or location of the hazard within
or near the Morehead City planning area.
Probability of Future Occurrence
This section gauges the likelihood of future occurrences based on past events and existing data. The
frequency is determined by dividing the number of events observed by the number of years on record
and multiplying by 100. This provides the percent chance of the event happening in any given year (e.g.
10 hurricanes or tropical storms over a 30-year period equates to a 33 percent chance of experiencing a
hurricane or tropical storm in any given year). The likelihood of future occurrences is categorized into one
of the classifications as follows:
• Highly Likely – Near 100 percent chance of occurrence within the next year
• Likely – Between 10 and 100 percent chance of occurrence within the next year (recurrence
interval of 10 years or less)
• Possible – Between 1 and 10 percent chance of occurrence within the next year (recurrence
interval of 11 to 100 years)
• Unlikely – Less than 1 percent chance or occurrence within the next 100 years (recurrence interval
of greater than every 100 years)
Those hazards determined to be of high or medium significance were characterized as priority hazards
that required further evaluation in Section 6 Vulnerability Assessment. Significance was determined by
frequency of the hazard and resulting damage, including deaths/injuries and property, crop and economic
damage. Hazards occurring infrequently or having little to no impact on the Morehead City planning area
were determined to be of low significance and not considered a priority hazard. These criteria allowed
the FMPC to prioritize hazards of greatest significance and focus resources where they are most needed.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration‘s National Center for Environmental Information
(NCEI) has been tracking various types of severe weather since 1950. Their Storm Events Database
contains an archive of destructive storm or weather data and information which includes local, intense
and damaging events. NCEI receives storm data from the National Weather Service (NWS). The NWS
receives their information from a variety of sources, which include but are not limited to: county, state
Requirement §201.6(c)(2)(i): [The risk assessment shall include a] description of the…location and extent of all
natural hazards that can affect the jurisdiction. The plan shall include information on previous occurrences of
hazard events and on the probability of future hazard events.

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and federal emergency management officials, local law enforcement officials, SkyWarn spotters, NWS
damage surveys, newspaper clipping services, the insurance industry and the general public, among
others. This database contains 34 flood related severe weather events that occurred in Carteret County
between January 1950 and November 2014. Table 5.1 summarizes these events.
Table 5.1 – NCEI Severe Weather Reports for Carteret County, January 1996 – November 2016
Type # of Events Property Damage Crop Damage Deaths Injuries
Coastal Flood 9 $1,000 $0 0 0
Flash Flood 16 $10,000 $0 0 0
Flood 16 $5,000 $0 0 0
Heavy Rain 5 $25,000 $0 0 0
Hurricane/Typhoon 11 $322,175,000 $13,050,000 0 5
Storm Surge/Tide 5 $25,000,000 $0 0 0
Tropical Storm 13 $6,362,000 $3,700,000 0 0
Total: 74 $353,578,000 $16,750,000 0 5
Source: National Center for Environmental Information Events Database, October 2016
Note: Losses reflect totals for all impacted areas within Carteret County.
The following subsections provide profiles of the natural flood hazards that the FMPC identified in Table
4.1 Summary of Flood Hazard Evaluation.
5.1 CLIMATE CHANGE AND SEA LEVEL RISE
Hazard Description
Climate change refers to a change in the state of the climate that can be identified (e.g., by using statistical
tests) by changes in the mean and/or the variability of its properties, and that persists for an extended
period, typically decades or longer. Climate change may be due to natural internal processes or external
forces such as modulations of the solar cycles, volcanic eruptions, and persistent anthropogenic changes
in the composition of the atmosphere or in land use (IPCC, 2014). Climate change is a natural occurrence
in which the earth has warmed and cooled periodically over geologic time. The recent and rapid warming
of the earth over the past century has been cause for concern, as this warming is due to the accumulation
of human-caused greenhouse gases, such as CO2, in the atmosphere (IPCC, 2007). This warming is
occurring almost everywhere in the world which suggests a global cause rather than changes in localized
weather patterns.
Due to sea-level rise projected throughout the 21st century and beyond, coastal systems and low-lying
areas will increasingly experience adverse impacts such as submergence, coastal flooding, and coastal
erosion. The population and assets projected to be exposed to coastal risks as well as human pressures
on coastal ecosystems will increase significantly in the coming decades due to population growth,
economic development, and urbanization (IPCC, 2014).
It can reasonably be assumed that the following climate risks could impact the Morehead City planning
area: 1) increasing temperatures; 2) increasing frequency and strength of severe weather events; 3) more
heavy rain/flooding; and 4) more frequent and prolonged drought. A discussion of the effect of these
climate risks on the individual hazards profiled in this plan has been included in the “Frequency/Likelihood
of Future Occurrence” subsection for each flood hazard as applicable.
Past Occurrences
There are generally two separate mechanics involved in global sea level rise. The first is directly attributed
to global temperature increases, which warm the oceans waters and cause them to expand. The second
is attributed to the melting of ice over land which simply adds water to the oceans. Global sea level rise

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is likely caused by a combination of these two mechanics and can be exasperated on the local level by
factors such as erosion and subsidence. The rate of sea level rise has varied throughout geologic history,
and studies have shown that global temperature and sea level are strongly correlated.
Historic trends in local MSL are best determined from tide gauge records. The Center for Operational
Oceanographic Products and Services (CO-OPS) has been measuring sea level for over 150 years, with tide
stations operating on all U.S. coasts. Changes in Mean Sea Level (MSL), either a sea level rise or sea level
fall, have been computed at 128 long-term water level stations using a minimum span of 30 years of
observations at each location. These measurements have been averaged by month to remove the effect
of higher frequency phenomena (e.g. storm surge) in order to compute an accurate linear sea level trend.
Figure 5.1 illustrates regional trends in sea level from NOAA. At the Beaufort, NC station (indicated by the
green arrow), the mean sea level trend is 2.89 mm/year with a 95% confidence interval of +/- 0.36
mm/year based on monthly mean sea level data from 1953 to 2015 which is equivalent to a change of
0.95 feet in 100 years.
Source: http://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/sltrends/sltrends.shtml
Figure 5.1 – Gulf/Atlantic Coast Sea Level Trends
Figure 5.2 shows the monthly mean sea level at NOAA’s Beaufort, NC station without the regular seasonal
fluctuations due to coastal ocean temperatures, salinities, winds, atmospheric pressures, and ocean
currents. The long-term linear trend is also shown, including its 95% confidence interval. The plotted
values are relative to the most recent Mean Sea Level datum established by CO-OPS.

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As more data are collected at water level stations, the linear mean sea level trends can be recalculated
each year. Figure 5.3 compares linear mean sea level trends and 95% confidence intervals calculated from
the beginning of the Beaufort, NC station record to recent years. The values do not indicate the trend in
each year, but the trend of the entire data period up to that year.

Since 1901, the average surface temperature across the contiguous 48 states has risen at an average rate
of 0.14°F per decade. Average temperatures have risen more quickly since the late 1970s (0.29 to 0.46°F
per decade since 1979). Eight of the top 10 warmest years on record for the contiguous 48 states have
occurred since 1998, and 2012 and 2015 were the two warmest years on record.
Worldwide, 2015 was the warmest year on record and 2006–2015 was the warmest decade on record
since thermometer-based observations began. Global average surface temperature has risen at an
average rate of 0.15°F per decade since 1901, similar to the rate of warming within the contiguous 48
states. Since the late 1970s, however, the United States has warmed faster than the global rate.
Source: http://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/sltrends/sltrends.shtml
Figure 5.2 – Mean Sea Level Trend for Beaufort, NC
Source: http://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/sltrends/sltrends.shtml
Figure 5.3 – Previous Mean Sea Level Trends for Beaufort, NC

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Figure 5.4, based on data from NOAA and prepared by the EPA, shows how annual average air
temperatures have changed in different parts of the United States since 1901.

Figure 5.4 – Temperature Change in the United States, 1901-2015
According to the 2014 National Climate Assessment, average annual precipitation in the U.S. has increased
by 5% since 1900. However, there is significant regional variability in these changes. The sout heastern
U.S. has experienced changes in the frequency and intensity of rainfall, with a 27% increase in very heavy
precipitation events. Recent increases in hurricane frequency and intensity have also been recorded as a
result of increased sea surface temperature.

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Probability of Future Occurrence
Highly Likely – Under current climate change models, changes in global temperatures, hydrologic cycles,
and storm frequency and intensity are expected to continue. Current science projects that the
southeastern United States could experience a general increase in average temperatures anywhere from
4.5°F to 9°F in the coming century (Karl et al, 111). With continued high emissions, annual maximum
precipitation and consecutive dry days are expected to increase in the southeastern U.S. in 2070-2099
compared to 1971-2000, as shown in Figure 5.55. Drought is also expected to increase over most of the
southern U.S. Heavy rain events are expected to increase, to the average annual precipitation may remain
constant. However, rainfall may also increase as a result of increased hurricane activity. The overall
number of hurricanes is projected to decline slightly, but the number of strong storms (Category 4 and 5)
is expected to increase. Additionally, hurricane precipitation rates are expected to increase by up to 20%.
The combination of higher temperatures and increased incidence of drought along with increased heavy
precipitation events suggests that the likelihood of flood events may increase as a result of climate change.

Source: National Climate Assessment, 2014
Figure 5.5 – Precipitation Change Projections for 2070-2099

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5.2 DAM/LEVEE FAILURE
Hazard Description
Dam Failure
A dam is a barrier constructed across a watercourse that stores, controls, or diverts water. Dams are
usually constructed of earth, rock, or concrete. The water impounded behind a dam is referred to as the
reservoir and is measured in acre-feet. One acre-foot is the volume of water that covers one acre of land
to a depth of one foot. Dams can benefit farm land, provide recreation areas, generate electrical power,
and help control erosion and flooding issues.
A dam failure is the collapse or breach of a dam that causes downstream flooding. Dam failures may be
caused by natural events, human-caused events, or a combination. Due to the lack of advance warning,
failures resulting from natural events, such as hurricanes, earthquakes, or landslides, may be particularly
severe. Prolonged rainfall and subsequent flooding is the most common cause of dam failure.
Dam failures usually occur when the spillway capacity is inadequate and water overtops the dam or wh en
internal erosion in dam foundation occurs (also known as piping). If internal erosion or overtopping cause
a full structural breach, a high-velocity, debris-laden wall of water is released and rushes downstream,
damaging or destroying anything in its path. Overtopping is the primary cause of earthen dam failure in
the United States.
Dam failures can result from any one or a combination of the following:
 Prolonged periods of rainfall and flooding;
 Inadequate spillway capacity, resulting in excess overtopping flows;
 Internal erosion caused by embankment or foundation leakage or piping;
 Improper maintenance, including failure to remove trees, repair internal seepage problems,
replace lost material from the cross-section of the dam and abutments, or maintain gates,
valves, and other operational components;
 Improper design, including the use of improper construction materials and construction
practices;
 Negligent operation, including the failure to remove or open gates or valves during high flow
periods;
 Failure of upstream dams on the same waterway; and
 High winds, which can cause significant wave action and result in substantial erosion.
Water released by a failed dam generates tremendous energy and can cause a flood that is catastrophic
to life and property. A catastrophic dam failure could challenge local response capabilities and require
evacuations to save lives. Impacts to life safety will depend on the warning time and the resources
available to notify and evacuate the public. Major casualties and loss of life could result, as well as water
quality and health issues. Potentially catastrophic effects to roads, bridges, and homes are also of major
concern. Associated water quality and health concerns could also be issues. Factors that influence the
potential severity of a full or partial dam failure are the amount of water impounded; the density, type,
and value of development and infrastructure located downstream; and the speed of failure.
Each state has definitions and methods to determine the Hazard Potential of a dam . In North Carolina,
dams are regulated by the state if they are 25 feet or more in height and impound 50 acre -feet or more.
Dams and impoundments smaller than that may fall under state regulation if it is determined that failure
of the dam could result in loss of human life or significant damage to property below the dam. The height
of a dam is from the highest point on the crest of the dam to the lowest point on the downstream toe,

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and the storage capacity is the volume impounded at the elevation of the highest point on the crest of
the dam.
Dam Safety Program engineers determine the "hazard potential" of a dam, meaning the probable damage
that would occur if the structure failed, in terms of loss of human life and economic loss or environmental
damage. Dams are assigned one of three classes based on the nature of their hazard potential:
1. Class A (Low Hazard) includes dams located where failure may damage uninhabited low value
non-residential buildings, agricultural land, or low volume roads.
2. Class B (Intermediate Hazard) includes dams located where failure may damage highways or
secondary railroads, cause interruption of use or service of public utilities, cause minor damage
to isolated homes, or cause minor damage to commercial and industrial buildings. Damage to
these structures will be considered minor only when they are located in backwater areas not
subjected to the direct path of the breach flood wave; and they will experience no more than 1.5
feet of flood rise due to breaching above the lowest ground elevation adjacent to the outside
foundation walls or no more than 1.5 feet of flood rise due to breaching above the lowest floor
elevation of the structure.
3. Class C (High Hazard) includes dams located where failure will likely cause loss of life or serious
damage to homes, industrial and commercial buildings, important public utilities, primary
highways, or major railroads.
Table 5.2 – Dam Hazards Classification
Hazard
Classification Description Quantitative Guidelines
Low Interruption of road service, low volume roads Less than 25 vehicles per day
Economic damage Less than $30,000
Intermediate
Damage to highways, interruption of service 25 to less than 250 vehicles per day
Economic damage $30,000 to less than $200,000
Loss of human life* Probable loss of 1 or more human lives
High
Economic damage More than $200,000
*Probable loss of human life due to breached
roadway or bridge on or below the dam 250 or more vehicles per day
Source: NCDENR
Table 5.3 provides details for one dam included in the North Carolina Dam Inventory that is located within
Carteret County and has the potential to affect the Town if a breach were to occur. The dam is classified
as high hazard and is privately owned. Error! Reference source not found. on the following page reflects
the location of the dam within the County.
Table 5.3 – North Carolina Dam Inventory for Carteret County, NC
Dam Name NIDID Owner Height
(Ft.)
NID
Storage
(acre-feet)
Hazard
Description
Primary
Purpose River
Walker
Millpond Dam
NC01106 Private 15 806 High Recreation Black Creek
Source: North Carolina Dam Inventory, November 2016; National Inventory of Dams

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Source: National Inventory of Dams, March 2017
Figure 5.6 – North Carolina Dam Inventory for Town of Morehead City, NC
Levee Failure
FEMA defines a levee as “a man-made structure, usually an earthen embankment, designed and
constructed in accordance with sound engineering practices to contain, control, or divert the flow of water
in order to reduce the risk from temporary flooding.” Levee systems consist of levees, floodwalls, and
associated structures, such as closure and drainage devices, which are constructed and operated in
accordance with sound engineering practices. Levees often have “interior drainage” systems that work
in conjunction with the levees to take water from the landward side to the water side. An interior drainage
system may include culverts, canals, ditches, storm sewers, and/or pumps.
Levees and floodwalls are constructed from the earth, compacted soil or artificial materials, such as
concrete or steel. To protect against erosion and scouring, earthen levees can be covered with grass and
gravel or hard surfaces like stone, asphalt, or concrete. Levees and floodwalls are typically built parallel to
a waterway, most often a river, in order to reduce the risk of flooding to the area behind it. Figure 5.7
below shows the components of a typical levee.

Walker
Millpond Dam

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Source: FEMA, What is a Levee Fact Sheet, August 2011
Figure 5.7 – Components of a Typical Levee
Levees provide strong flood protection, but they are not failsafe. Levees are designed to protect against
a specific flood level and could be overtopped during severe weather events. Levees re duce, not
eliminate, the risk to individuals and structures behind them. A levee system failure or overtopping can
create severe flooding and high water velocities. It is important to remember that no levee provides
protection from events for which it was not designed, and proper operation and maintenance are
necessary to reduce the probability of failure.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers National Levee Database (NLD) does not identify any levees within
Carteret County or the Town of Morehead City planning area.
Past Occurrences
There are no past reported dam breaches or levee failures within the Town of Morehead City.
Probability of Future Occurrence
Unlikely – There is one high hazard dam within Carteret County that could impact the Town. A flooding
hazard from future dam failure is unlikely. There are no significant levees located within the County.
Climate Change and Dam Failure
Studies have been conducted to investigate the impact of climate change scenarios on dam safety. Dam
failure is already tied to flooding and the increased pressure flooding places on dams. Climate change
impacts on dam failure will most likely be those related to changes in precipitation and flood likelihood.
Climate change projections suggest that precipitation may increase and occur in more extreme events,
which may increase risk of flooding, putting stress on dams and increasing likelihood of dam failure. T he
safety of dams for the future climate can be based on an evaluation of changes in design floods and the
freeboard available to accommodate an increase in flood levels. The results from the studies indicate that
the design floods with the corresponding outflow floods and flood water levels will increase in the future,
and this increase will affect the safety of the dams in the future. Studies concluded that the total
hydrological failure probability of a dam will increase in the future climate and that the extent and depth
of flood waters will increase by the future dam break scenario (Chernet, 2013).

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5.3 FLOOD: 100-/500-YEAR
Hazard Description
Flooding is defined by the rising and overflowing of a body of water onto normally dry land. As defined
by FEMA, a flood is a general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of 2 or more
acres of normally dry land area or of 2 or more properties. Flooding can result from an overflow of inland
waters or an unusual accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source.
Certain health hazards are also common to flood events. While such problems are often not reported,
three general types of health hazards accompany floods. The first comes from the water itself.
Floodwaters carry anything that was on the ground that the upstream runoff picked up, including dirt, oil,
animal waste, and lawn, farm and industrial chemicals. Pastures and areas where farm animals are kept
or their wastes are stored can contribute polluted waters to the receiving streams.
Floodwaters also saturate the ground, which leads to infiltration into sanitary sewer lines. When
wastewater treatment plants are flooded, there is nowhere for the sewage to flow. Infiltration and lack
of treatment can lead to overloaded sewer lines that can back up into low -lying areas and homes. Even
when it is diluted by flood waters, raw sewage can be a breeding ground for bacteria such as e.coli and
other disease causing agents.
The second type of health problem arises after most of the water has gone. Stagnant pools can become
breeding grounds for mosquitoes, and wet areas of a building that have not been properly cleaned breed
mold and mildew. A building that is not thoroughly cleaned becomes a health hazard, especially for small
children and the elderly.
Another health hazard occurs when heating ducts in a forced air system are not properly cleaned after
inundation. When the furnace or air conditioner is turned on, the sediments left in the ducts are circulated
throughout the building and breathed in by the occupants. If the Town water system loses pressure, a
boil order may be issued to protect people and animals from contaminated water.
The third problem is the long-term psychological impact of having been through a flood and seeing one‘s
home damaged and personal belongings destroyed. The cost and labor needed to repair a flood-damaged
home puts a severe strain on people, especially the unprepared and uninsured. There is also a long-term
problem for those who know that their homes can be flooded again. The resulting stress on floodplain
residents takes its toll in the form of aggravated physical and mental health problems.
Sources and Types of Flooding
Flooding within the Town of Morehead City can be attributed to three main sources as noted below.
Flooding primarily occurs along the waterfronts of Bogue Sound, the Newport River, Calico Creek, and Dill
Creek.
Coastal Tidal Flooding: All lands bordering the coast along Bogue Sound are prone to tidal
affects/flooding. Coastal land such as sand bars, barrier islands and deltas provi de a buffer zone to help
protect human life and real property relative to the sea much as flood plains provide a buffer zone along
rivers and other bodies of water. Coastal floods usually occur as a result of abnormally high tides or tidal
waves, storm surge and heavy rains in combination with high tides, tropical storms and hurricanes.
Riverine Flooding: The Town of Morehead City has numerous streams and tributaries running throughout
its jurisdiction that are susceptible to overflowing their banks during and following excessive precipitation
events. While flash flooding caused by surface water runoff is not uncommon in Morehead City, riverine
flood events (such as the “100-year flood”) will cause significantly more damage and economic disruption

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for the area. Morehead City’s floodplain maps are currently being updated by FEMA. This plan examines
both the effective and the preliminary FIRMs.
Flash or Rapid Flooding: Flash flooding is the result of heavy, localized rainfall, possibly from slow-moving
intense thunderstorms that cause small streams and drainage systems to overflow. Flash flood hazards
caused by surface water runoff are most common in urbanized cities, where greater population density
generally equates to more impervious surface (e.g., pavement and buildings) which increases the amount
of surface water generated. Flooding can occur when the capacity of the stormwater system is exceeded
or if conveyance is obstructed by debris, sediment and other materials that limit the volume of drainage.
Flooding and Floodplains
In the case of riverine flooding, the area adjacent to a channel is the floodplain, as shown in Figure 5.8. A
floodplain is flat or nearly flat land adjacent to a stream or river that experiences occasional or periodic
flooding. It includes the floodway, which consists of the stream channel and adjacent areas that carry
flood flows, and the flood fringe, which are areas covered by the flood, but which do not experience a
strong current. Floodplains are made when floodwaters exceed the capacity of the main channel or
escape the channel by eroding its banks. When this occurs, sediments (including rocks and debris) are
deposited that gradually build up over time to create the floor of the floodplain. Floodplains generally
contain unconsolidated sediments, often extending below the bed of the stream.

Figure 5.8 – Characteristics of a Floodplain
In coastal areas, flooding occurs due to high tides, tidal waves, storm surge, or heavy rains in combination
with these other sources. In these areas, flood hazards typically include the added risk of wave action
delineated by the VE Zone and Coastal A Zone. Wave height and intensity decreases as floodwaters move
inland. Figure 5.9 shows the typical coastal floodplain and the breakdown of flood zones in these settings.
These flood zones are discussed further in Table 5.4.

Source: FEMA
Figure 5.9 – Characteristics of a Coastal Floodplain

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In its common usage, the floodplain most often refers to that area that is inundated by the “100-year
flood,” which is the flood that has a 1% chance in any given year of being equaled or exceeded. The 500-
year flood is the flood that has a 0.2 percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year. The
potential for flooding can change and increase through various land use changes and changes to land
surface, which result in a change to the floodplain. A change in environment can create localized flooding
problems inside and outside of natural floodplains by altering or confining natural drainage channels.
These changes are most often created by human activity.
The 100-year flood, which is the minimum standard used by most federal and state agencies, is used by
the NFIP as the standard for floodplain management and to determine the need for flood insurance.
Participation in the NFIP requires adoption and enforcement of a local floodplain management ordinance
which is intended to prevent unsafe development in the floodplain, thereby reducing future flood
damages. Participation in the NFIP allows for the federal government to make flood insurance available
within the community as a financial protection against flood losses. Since floods have an annual
probability of occurrence, have a known magnitude, depth and velocity for each event, and in most cases,
have a map indicating where they will occur, they are in many ways often the most predictable and
manageable hazard.
Regulated floodplains are illustrated on inundation maps called Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs). It is
the official map for a community on which FEMA has delineated both the SFHAs and the risk premium
zones applicable to the community. SFHAs represent the areas subject to inundation by the 100-year
flood event. Structures located within the SFHA have a 26-percent chance of flooding during the life of a
standard 30-year mortgage. Flood prone areas were identified within the Town of Morehead City using
both the effective FIRMs and the preliminary FIRMs that are still under review. Table 5.4 summarizes the
flood insurance zones identified by the DFIRMs.
Table 5.4 – Mapped Flood Insurance Zones within Morehead City, NC
Zone Description
VE
Also known as the coastal high hazard areas. They are areas subject to high velocity water including waves;
they are defined by the 1% annual chance (base) flood limits (also known as the 100-year flood) and wave
effects 3 feet or greater. The hazard zone is mapped with base flood elevations (BFEs) that reflect the
combined influence of stillwater flood elevations, primary frontal dunes, and wave effects 3 feet or
greater.
AE
AE Zones, also within the 100-year flood limits, are defined with BFEs that reflect the combined influence
of stillwater flood elevations and wave effects less than 3 feet. The AE Zone generally extends from the
landward VE zone limit to the limits of the 100-year flood from coastal sources, or until it reaches the
confluence with riverine flood sources. The AE Zones also depict the SFHA due to riverine flood sources,
but instead of being subdivided into separate zones of differing BFEs with possible wave effects added,
they represent the flood profile determined by hydrologic and hydraulic investigations and have no wave
effects. The Coastal AE Zone is differentiated from the AE Zone by the Limit of Moderate Wave Action
(LiMWA), and includes areas susceptible to wave action between 1.5 to 3 feet.
0.2% Annual
Chance (shaded
Zone X)
Moderate risk areas within the 0.2-percent-annual-chance floodplain, areas of 1-percent-annual-chance
flooding where average depths are less than 1 foot, areas of 1-percent-annual-chance flooding where the
contributing drainage area is less than 1 square mile, and areas protected from the 1-percent-annual-
chance flood by a levee. No BFEs or base flood depths are shown within these zones. (Zone X (shaded) is
used on new and revised maps in place of Zone B.)
Zone X
(unshaded)
Minimal risk areas outside the 1-percent and .2-percent-annual-chance floodplains. No BFEs or
base flood depths are shown within these zones. Zone X (unshaded) is used on new and
revised maps in place of Zone C.
Figure 5.10 and Figure 5.11 reflect the effective and preliminary mapped flood insurance zones,
respectively, for the Town of Morehead City. Approximately 57% of the Morehead City corporate limits

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falls within the 100-year floodplain in the preliminary FIRMs, up from 49% in the effective FIRM. Table
5.5 summarizes acreage of land area and water area by flood zone on the effective and preliminary maps.
Table 5.5 – Flood Zone Acreage in Morehead City, Effective and Preliminary
Jurisdiction
Flood Zone Acreage
Zone AE
(100-year)
Zone VE
(100-year)
Zone X
Shaded
(500-year)
Zone X
Unshaded Total
Town of Morehead City (land only)
(Effective 7/2/04) 4,180.07 25.64 511.66 6,886.91 11,604.28
Water Area 1,726.27 179.36 -- -- --
Town of Morehead City (land only)
(Preliminary 6/30/16) 3,995.04 1,029.80 824.94 5,755.17 11,604.95
Water Area 561.71 1,345.83 -- -- --
Note: The discrepancy in total land area is due to rounding errors.

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February 2017

Figure 5.10 – Morehead City Effective DFIRM Flood Zones

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February 2017

Figure 5.11 – Morehead City Preliminary DFIRM Flood Zones

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The NFIP utilizes the 100-year flood as a basis for floodplain management. The Flood Insurance Study
(FIS) defines the probability of flooding as flood events of a magnitude which are expected to be equaled
or exceeded once on the average during any 100 year period (recurrence intervals). Or considered
another way, properties within a 100-year flood zone have a one percent probability of being equaled or
exceeded during any given year. Mortgage lenders require that owners of properties with federally-
backed mortgages located within SFHAs purchase and maintain flood insurance policies on their
properties. Consequently, newer and recently purchased properties in the community are typically
insured against flooding.
Past Occurrences
Table 5.6 shows detail for flood events reported by the NCEI since 1996 for Carteret County.
Table 5.6 – NCEI Flooding in Carteret County – January 1996 to November 2016
Location Date Event Type Injuries
/Deaths
Property
Damage
Crop
Damage
CARTERET (ZONE) 11/21/2006 Coastal Flood 0/0 $0 $0
CARTERET (ZONE) 5/7/2007 Coastal Flood 0/0 $0 $0
CARTERET (ZONE) 11/2/2007 Coastal Flood 0/0 $0 $0
CARTERET (ZONE) 9/24/2008 Coastal Flood 0/0 $1,000 $0
CARTERET (ZONE) 9/25/2008 Coastal Flood 0/0 $0 $0
CARTERET (ZONE) 11/12/2009 Coastal Flood 0/0 $0 $0
CARTERET (ZONE) 11/14/2009 Coastal Flood 0/0 $0 $0
CARTERET (ZONE) 9/27/2015 Coastal Flood 0/0 $0 $0
CARTERET (ZONE) 10/3/2015 Coastal Flood 0/0 $0 $0
EMERALD ISLE 10/8/1996 Flash Flood 0/0 $0 $0
NEWPORT 5/5/1998 Flash Flood 0/0 $0 $0
NEWPORT 8/30/1999 Flash Flood 0/0 $0 $0
COUNTYWIDE 9/15/1999 Flash Flood 0/0 $0 $0
COUNTYWIDE 9/16/1999 Flash Flood 0/0 $0 $0
COUNTYWIDE 10/17/1999 Flash Flood 0/0 $0 $0
MOREHEAD CITY 7/27/2002 Flash Flood 0/0 $0 $0
MOREHEAD CITY 8/28/2002 Flash Flood 0/0 $0 $0
SALTER PATH 8/28/2002 Flash Flood 0/0 $0 $0
NEWPORT 9/1/2002 Flash Flood 0/0 $0 $0
WEST CENTRAL
PORTION 10/11/2002 Flash Flood 0/0 $0 $0
NEWPORT 8/23/2003 Flash Flood 0/0 $0 $0
NEWPORT 9/18/2003 Flash Flood 0/0 $0 $0
MOREHEAD CITY 6/30/2004 Flash Flood 0/0 $0 $0
EAST PORTION 8/3/2004 Flash Flood 0/0 $0 $0
CAPE CARTERET 9/30/2010 Flash Flood 0/0 $10,000 $0
CARTERET (ZONE) 10/8/2005 Flood 0/0 $0 $0
BEAUFORT 9/9/2007 Flood 0/0 $5,000 $0
NEWPORT 11/12/2009 Flood 0/0 $0 $0
PELETIER 11/12/2009 Flood 0/0 $0 $0
CAPE CARTERET 11/19/2009 Flood 0/0 $0 $50M
TRUTTNEYS LNDG 11/19/2009 Flood 0/0 $0 $0
CAPE CARTERET 9/29/2010 Flood 0/0 $0 $0
BEAUFORT 7/21/2014 Flood 0/0 $1.2M $0
BEAUFORT 7/24/2014 Flood 0/0 $0 $0

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Location Date Event Type Injuries
/Deaths
Property
Damage
Crop
Damage
EDGEWATER 7/24/2014 Flood 0/0 $0 $0
CAMP GLENN 7/23/2015 Flood 0/0 $0 $0
BEAUFORT 7/23/2015 Flood 0/0 $0 $0
ATLANTIC BEACH 7/23/2015 Flood 0/0 $0 $0
CAMP GLENN 7/23/2015 Flood 0/0 $0 $0
ATLANTIC BEACH 9/27/2015 Flood 0/0 $0 $0
CEDAR PT BEACH 11/19/2015 Flood 0/0 $0 $0
MOREHEAD CITY 9/3/1998 Heavy Rain 0/0 $0 $0
CORE CREEK 9/9/2007 Heavy Rain 0/0 $0 $0
CEDAR PT 9/27/2010 Heavy Rain 0/0 $0 $0
NEWPORT 5/30/2012 Heavy Rain 0/0 $0 $0
CAMP GLENN 5/30/2012 Heavy Rain 0/0 $0 $0
Source: NCEI, February 2017
The following provides details on select flood events recorded in the NCEI database. These scenarios
represent the types of flood events that can be expected in the future in the Town of Morehead City.
May 5, 1998 – A slow moving cold front and a nearly stationary low pressure aloft combined to produce
severe weather and heavy rains across east central North Carolina. In terms of flash flooding, the hardest
hit areas were western Carteret, southern Craven and Pamlico counties, where widespread poor drainage
flooding and deep ponding of water on roads occurred. Havelock recorded 6.00" of rain, Newport 5.10",
and Cherry Point 4.07".
July 27, 2002 – Up to 4-5 inches of rain fall over Morehead City in a 3 hour time period. This caused
flooding of many major roads in Morehead City and Atlantic Beach. Numerous vehicles were flooded and
abandoned.
July 24, 2014 – The combination of a cold front approaching from the west and the sea breeze led to
numerous showers and a few thunderstorms during the afternoon of July 24th across eastern North
Carolina. Heavy rain led to flooding along Highway 70 just west of Morehead City. One car drove into a
flooded ditch and stalled in water up to 3 feet deep.
November 19, 2015 – Deep moisture ahead of an approaching cold front resulted in flooding rainfall
across southern portions of Eastern NC primarily in Carteret County where 4-8 inches of rainfall occurred
in a short period of time in the afternoon. This resulted in flooding of many roads across the county with
2-3 feet of water in some locations. In Morehead City, 15th Street and Bridges Street were blocked and
flooded, and John Platt Drive and Penny Lane was flooded.
Probability of Future Occurrence
Possible – By definition of the 100-year flood event, SFHAs are defined as those areas that will be
inundated by the flood event having a 1-percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year.
Properties located in these areas have a 26 percent chance of flooding over the life of a 30-year mortgage.
Climate Change and Flooding
It is likely (66-100% probability) that the frequency of heavy precipitation or the proportion of total rainfall
from heavy falls will increase in the 21st century across the globe. More specifically, it is “very likely” (90-
100% probability) that most areas of the United States will exhibit an increase of at least 5% in the
maximum 5-day precipitation by late 21st century. The mean change in the annual number of days with
rainfall over 1 inch for the Southeastern United States is 0.5 to 1.5 days. As the number of heavy rain
events increase, more flooding and pooling water can be expected (Romero-Lankao, et.al 2014).

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5.4 FLOOD: STORMWATER/LOCALIZED FLOODING
Hazard Description
Localized stormwater flooding can also occur throughout the Town of Morehead City. Localized
stormwater flooding occurs when heavy rainfall and an accumulation of runoff overburden the
stormwater drainage system. The cause of localized stormwater flooding in Morehead City can be
attributed to its generally flat topography, abundance of water features, and the large amount of
developed and impervious land, which limits ground absorption and increases surface water runoff.
The areas of localized flooding are listed below in Table 5.7.
Table 5.7 – Areas of Localized Flooding
Area Street Name or Intersection Type of Flooding
1 Portion of Hwy 70 near McCabe Road Heavy Rain
2 Lowes Home Improvement Entrance on Hwy 70 Heavy Rain
3 Taylor Street Area Heavy Rain
4 Waldron Drive Area Heavy Rain
5 Portion of Country Club Road Heavy Rain
6 Joslyn Drive between Jersey St and Anne Neal Rd Heavy Rain
7 N 20th Street Near Blair Farm Parkway Heavy Rain
8 Shep Willis Road Heavy Rain
9 Portion of South Yaupon Terrace Tidal
10 Bridges Street between N 14th and N 15th Street Heavy Rain
11 South 15th Street Street End Tidal or Heavy Rain
12 Shepard St between S 8th and S 10th Street Tidal or Heavy Rain
13 Bay St and N 9th Street Area Tidal
14 Street End Area on Bay at N 6th and N 7th Street Tidal

Localized flooding may be caused by the following issues:
Inadequate Capacity – An undersized/under capacity pipe system can cause water to back-up behind a
structure which can lead to areas of ponded water and/or overtopping of banks.
Clogged Inlets – Debris covering the asphalt apron and the top of grate at catch basin inlets may
contribute to an inadequate flow of stormwater into the system. Debris within the basin itself may also
reduce the efficiency of the system by reducing the carrying capacity.
Blocked Drainage Outfalls – Debris blockage or structural damage at drainage outfalls may prevent the
system from discharging runoff, which may lead to a back-up of stormwater within the system.
Improper Grade – Poorly graded asphalt around catch basin inlets may prevent stormwater from entering
the catch basin as designed. Areas of settled asphalt may create low spots within the roadway that allow
for areas of ponded water.
Figure 5.12 on the following page depicts the areas of localized stormwater flooding identified by the
FMPC.

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Source: Town of Morehead City, 2017
Figure 5.12 - Localized Flooding Locations

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Past Occurrences
Table 5.8 shows detail for flash flood events reported by the NCEI since 1996 for Carteret County.
Table 5.8 – NCEI Flash Flooding in Carteret County – January 1996 to November 2016
Location Date Event Type Injuries
/Deaths
Property
Damage
Crop
Damage
EMERALD ISLE 10/8/1996 Flash Flood 0/0 $0 $0
NEWPORT 5/5/1998 Flash Flood 0/0 $0 $0
NEWPORT 8/30/1999 Flash Flood 0/0 $0 $0
COUNTYWIDE 9/15/1999 Flash Flood 0/0 $0 $0
COUNTYWIDE 9/16/1999 Flash Flood 0/0 $0 $0
COUNTYWIDE 10/17/1999 Flash Flood 0/0 $0 $0
MOREHEAD CITY 7/27/2002 Flash Flood 0/0 $0 $0
MOREHEAD CITY 8/28/2002 Flash Flood 0/0 $0 $0
SALTER PATH 8/28/2002 Flash Flood 0/0 $0 $0
NEWPORT 9/1/2002 Flash Flood 0/0 $0 $0
WEST CENTRAL PORTION 10/11/2002 Flash Flood 0/0 $0 $0
NEWPORT 8/23/2003 Flash Flood 0/0 $0 $0
NEWPORT 9/18/2003 Flash Flood 0/0 $0 $0
MOREHEAD CITY 6/30/2004 Flash Flood 0/0 $0 $0
EAST PORTION 8/3/2004 Flash Flood 0/0 $0 $0
CAPE CARTERET 9/30/2010 Flash Flood 0/0 $10,000 $0
Total 0/0 $10,000 $0
Source: NCEI, February 2017
See Past Occurrences in Section 5.4 Flood: 100-/500-year for detailed descriptions of past stormwater
flooding events.
Probability of Future Occurrence
Highly Likely – Given the 16 flash flood events and 5 heavy rain events recorded in NCEI over a 20 year
period, there is a near 100 percent chance of occurrence within the next year. Precipitation resulting from
heavy rainstorms, including tropical storms and hurricanes, makes it highly likely that unmitigated
properties will continue to experience localized flooding.
5.5 HURRICANE AND TROPICAL STORM
Hazard Description
A hurricane is a type of tropical cyclone or severe tropical storm that forms in the southern Atlantic Ocean,
Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and in the eastern Pacific Ocean. All Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coastal
areas are subject to hurricanes. The Atlantic hurricane season lasts from June to November, with the peak
season from mid-August to late October.
While hurricanes pose the greatest threat to life and property, tropical storms and depressions also can
be devastating. A tropical disturbance can grow to a more intense stage through an increase in sustained
wind speeds. The progression of a tropical disturbance is described below.
• Tropical Depression: A tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 38 mph (33 knots) or less.
• Tropical Storm: A tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph (34 to 63 knots).
• Hurricane: A tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 74 mph (64 knots) or higher. In the
western North Pacific, hurricanes are called typhoons; similar storms in the Indian Ocean and South
Pacific Ocean are called cyclones.

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• Major Hurricane: A tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 111 mph (96 knots) or higher,
corresponding to a Category 3, 4 or 5 on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.
The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale classifies hurricanes by intensity into one of five categories as
shown in Table 5.9. This scale estimates potential property damage. Hurricanes reaching Category 3 and
higher are considered major hurricanes because of their potential for significant loss of life and damage.
Category 1 and 2 storms are still dangerous, however, and require preventative measures.
Table 5.9 – Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, 2012
Category Wind Speed (mph) Potential Damage
1 74-95
Very dangerous winds will produce some damage: Well-constructed frame
homes could have damage to roof, shingles, vinyl siding and gutters. Large
branches of trees will snap and shallowly rooted trees may be toppled.
Extensive damage to power lines and poles likely will result in power outages
that could last a few to several days.
2 96-110
Extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage: Well-constructed
frame homes could sustain major roof and siding damage. Many shallowly
rooted trees will be snapped or uprooted and block numerous roads. Near-
total power loss is expected with outages that could last from several days to
weeks.
3 111-129
Devastating damage will occur: Well-built framed homes may incur major
damage or removal of roof decking and gable ends. Many trees will be snapped
or uprooted, blocking numerous roads. Electricity and water will be unavailable
for several days to weeks after the storm passes.
4 130-156
Catastrophic damage will occur: Well-built framed homes can sustain severe
damage with loss of most of the roof structure and/or some exterior walls.
Most trees will be snapped or uprooted and power poles downed. Fallen trees
and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last weeks to
possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.
5 > 157
Catastrophic damage will occur: A high percentage of framed homes will be
destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse. Fallen trees and power
poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last for weeks to possibly
months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.
Source: National Hurricane Center/NOAA
Storm Surge
The greatest potential for loss of life related to a hurricane is from the storm surge. Storm surge is water
that is pushed toward the shore by the force of the winds swirling around the storm as shown in Figure
5.13. This advancing surge combines with the normal tides to create the hurricane storm tide, which can
increase the mean water level to heights impacting roads, homes and other critical infrastructure. In
addition, wind driven waves are superimposed on the storm tide. This rise in water level can cause severe
flooding in coastal areas, particularly when the storm tide coincides with the normal high tides.
The maximum potential storm surge for a particular location depends on a number of different factors.
Storm surge is a very complex phenomenon because it is sensitive to the slightest changes in storm
intensity, forward speed, size (radius of maximum winds-RMW), angle of approach to the coast, central
pressure (minimal contribution in comparison to the wind), and the shape and characteristics of coastal
features such as bays and estuaries. Other factors which can impact storm surge are the width and slope
of the continental shelf. A shallow slope will potentially produce a greater storm surge than a steep shelf.

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Source: NOAA/The COMET Program
Figure 5.13 – Components of Hurricane Storm Surge
Storm Surge Mapping
The Sea, Lake and Overland Surges from Hurricanes (SLOSH) model is a computerized numerical model
developed by the National Weather Service to estimate storm surge heights resulting from historical,
hypothetical, or predicted hurricanes by taking into account the atmospheric pressure, size, forw ard
speed, and track data. These parameters are used to create a model of the wind field which drives the
storm surge. The SLOSH model consists of a set of physics equations which are applied to a specific locale's
shoreline, incorporating the unique bay and river configurations, water depths, bridges, roads, levees and
other physical features. The model creates outputs for all different storm simulations from all points of
the compass. Each direction has a MEOW (maximum envelope of water) for each category of storm (1-
5), and all directions combined result in a MOMs (maximum of maximums) set of data.
Anticipated SLOSH model surge elevations for Category 3 – Category 5 hurricanes are shown for
Morehead City in Figure 5.14 through Figure 5.16 on the following pages. Given Morehead City’s coastal
location and low elevation, it is very vulnerable to storm surge flooding.

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Source: NOAA/NWS/NHC Storm surge Unit
Figure 5.14 – SLOSH Storm Surge Model for a Category 3 Storm

Source: NOAA/NWS/NHC Storm surge Unit
Figure 5.15 – SLOSH Storm Surge Model for a Category 4 Storm

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Source: NOAA/NWS/NHC Storm surge Unit
Figure 5.16 – SLOSH Storm Surge Model for a Category 5 Storm
Past Occurrences
Morehead City is vulnerable to flood damage from hurricane rains and storm surge. Morehead City has
been exposed to 87 hurricanes/tropical storms including 32 tropical depressions since 1851. (Source:
http://csc.noaa.gov/hurricanes). Type and frequency are as follows in Table 5.10. A listing of all
hurricanes/tropical storms that came within 50 nautical miles of Morehead City since 1851 is provided on
the following pages in Table 5.11.
Table 5.10 – Hurricane Type & Frequency
Storm Intensity Number of
Occurrences Rate of Occurrence
Tropical Storm 32 1 in 5.2 years
CAT I Hurricane 23 1 in 7.2 years
CAT II Hurricane 12 1 in 13.8 years
CAT III Hurricane 10 1 in 16.5 years
CAT IV Hurricane 9 1 in 18.3 years
CAT V Hurricane 1 1 in 165 years
TOTAL 87 1 in 1.9 years

Figure 5.17 on the following page illustrates past hurricane strike data for land falling major hurricanes
over the Town of Morehead City as provided by the National Hurricane Center
(http://coast.noaa.gov/hurricanes/#).

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Source: NOAA/National Hurricane Center
Figure 5.17 – Historical Hurricane Tracks (1851-2016)

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Table 5.11 – Historical Hurricane Tracks Near Morehead City, NC
Storm Name Max Saffir-Simpson Date
Unnamed 1852 H2 10/06/1852 – 10/11/1852
Unnamed 1856 H3 08/25/1856 – 09/03/1856
Unnamed 1856 TS 08/19/1856 – 08/21/1856
Unnamed 1857 H2 09/06/1857 – 09/18/1857
Unnamed 1861 H1 09/27/1861 – 09/28/1861
Unnamed 1861 H1 11/01/1861 – 11/03/1861
Unnamed 1863 TS 09/16/1863 – 09/19/1863
Unnamed 1876 H3 09/12/1876 – 09/19/1876
Unnamed 1878 H2 10/18/1878 – 10/25/1878
Unnamed 1879 H3 08/13/1879 – 08/20/1879
Unnamed 1880 H1 09/13/1880 – 09/11/1880
Unnamed 1882 TS 09/21/1882 – 09/24/1882
Unnamed 1882 H4 10/05/1882 – 10/15/1882
Unnamed 1885 H2 08/21/1885 – 08/28/1885
Unnamed 1888 H2 10/08/1888 – 10/12/1888
Unnamed 1889 H1 07/15/1889 – 07/20/1889
Unnamed 1893 H4 09/27/1893 – 10/05/1893
Unnamed 1894 H3 09/18/1894 – 10/01/1984
Unnamed 1897 TS 09/20/1897 – 09/25/1897
Unnamed 1899 TS 10/02/1899 – 10/08/1899
Unnamed 1900 TS 10/10/1900 – 10/15/1900
Unnamed 1901 H1 07/04/1901 – 07/13/1901
Unnamed 1901 H1 09/09/1901 – 09/19/1901
Unnamed 1907 TS 06/24/1907 – 06/30/1907
Unnamed 1908 H1 05/24/1908 – 05/31/1908
Unnamed 1908 H1 07/24/1908 – 08/03/1908
Unnamed 1908 TS 08/30/1908 – 19/02/1908
Unnamed 1910 TS 08/23/1910 – 08/29/1910
Unnamed 1910 H4 10/09/1910 – 10/23/1910
Unnamed 1912 TS 06/07/1912 – 06/17/1912
Unnamed 1913 H1 08/30/1913 – 09/04/1913
Unnamed 1918 H1 08/23/1918 – 08/26/1918
Unnamed 1924 H1 09/13/1924 – 09/19/1924
Unnamed 1925 TS 11/27/1925 – 12/05/1925
Unnamed 1932 TS 09/09/1932 – 09/18/1932
Unnamed 1934 TS 09/01/1934 – 09/04/1934
Unnamed 1937 TS 07/29/1937 – 08/02/1937
Unnamed 1942 TS 10/10/1942 – 10/13/1942
Unnamed 1945 H2 06/20/1945 – 07/04/1945
Unnamed 1946 H1 07/05/1946 – 07/10/1946
Unnamed 1946 H2 10/05/1946 – 10/14/1946
Unnamed 1949 H2 08/21/1949 – 08/30/1949
Barbara 1953 H1 08/11/1953 – 08/16/1953
Unnamed 1954 TS 05/28/1954 – 05/31/1954
Connie 1955 H4 08/03/1954 – 08/15/1954
Ione 1955 H4 09/10/1955 – 09/27/1955
Unnamed 1956 TS 10/14/1956 – 10/19/1956
Helene 1958 H4 09/21/1958 – 10/04/1958

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Storm Name Max Saffir-Simpson Date
Unnamed 1959 TS 08/02/1959 – 08/06/1959
Donna 1960 H3 08/29/1960 – 09/14/1960
Alma 1962 H2 08/26/1962 – 09/02/1962
Dora 1964 H4 08/28/1964 – 09/16/1964
Isbell 1964 H3 10/08/1964 – 10/17/1964
Doria 1967 H1 09/08/1967 – 09/21/1967
Gladys 1968 H1 10/13/1968 – 10/21/1968
Abby 1968 H1 06/01/1968 – 06/13/1968
Unnamed 1970 TS 08/15/1970 – 08/19/1970
Ginger 1971 H2 09/06/1971 – 10/05/1971
Doria 1971 TS 08/20/1971 – 08/29/1971
Unnamed 1972 TD 07/10/1972 – 07/12/1972
Amy 1975 TS 06/27/1975 – 07/04/1975
Clara 1977 H1 09/05/1977 – 09/12/1977
Bob 1979 H1 07/09/1979 – 07/16/1979
Dennis 1981 H1 08/07/1981 – 08/22/1981
Unnamed 1982 TS 06/18/1982 – 06/20/1982
Diana 1984 H4 09/08/1984 – 19/16/1984
Kate 1985 H3 11/15/1985 – 11/23/1985
Charley 1986 H1 08/13/1986 – 08/30/1986
Allison 1995 H1 06/03/1995 – 06/11/1995
Arthur 1996 TS 06/17/1996 – 06/23/1996
Josephine 1996 TS 10/04/1996 – 10/16/1996
Bonnie 1998 H3 08/19/1998 – 08/31/1998
Dennis 1999 H2 08/24/1999 – 09/08/1999
Floyd 1999 H4 09/07/1999 – 09/17/1999
Allison 2001 TS 06/05/2001 – 06/19/2001
Kyle 2002 H1 09/20/2002 – 10/12/2002
Arthur 2002 TS 07/14/2002 – 07/19/2002
Isabel 2003 H5 09/06/2003 – 09/20/2003
Alex 2004 H3 07/31/2004 – 08/06/2004
Bonnie 2004 TS 08/03/2004 – 08/14/2004
Ophelia 2005 H1 09/06/2005 – 09/23/2005
Barry 2007 TS 05/31/2007 – 06/05/2007
Gabrielle 2007 TS 09/08/2007 – 09/11/2007
Cristobal 2008 TS 07/19/2008 – 07/23/2008
Irene 2011 H3 08/21/2011 – 08/30/2001
Beryl 2012 TS 05/25/2012 – 06/02/2012
Arthur 2014 H2 06/28/2014 – 07/09/2014
Source: NOAA Historical Hurricane Tracks, 2016
The following is a description of past occurrences of hurricanes and tropical storms recorded by NCEI:
Hurricane Dennis: Hurricane Dennis was responsible for these heavy rains across eastern North Carolina.
In terms of flash flooding, the hardest hit counties were Carteret and Southern Craven. Cherry Point MCAS
reported 6.09 inches of rainfall while Newport NWSO observed 7.07 inches.
Hurricane Alex: Hurricane Alex, a category two storm with 100 mph sustained winds, brushed the Outer
Banks of North Carolina during the late morning to early afternoon hours on August 3rd. Storm surge
along the coast, along the lower reaches of the Neuse and Pamlico Rivers, and across ot her counties
adjacent to the Pamlico and Albemarle Sounds were estimated at 1 to 3 feet where no significant damage

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occurred. The first outer rainbands began affecting the area during the early morning hours and continued
through the day. Four to eight inches of rainfall was estimated across eastern Craven and Carteret
Counties. Freshwater flooding was reported across Craven and Carteret Counties.
Tropical Storm Tammy: A combination of weather systems including the remnants of Tropical Storm
Tammy and low pressure associated with an approaching cold front linked up to cause flooding rains
across the area. During a three day period from October 6th through the 8th portions of eastern North
Carolina received up to a foot of rainfall. Six to eight inch rainfall totals were common across much of the
area. This resulted in flash flooding and widespread flooding across Beaufort, Carteret, Craven, Duplin,
Lenoir, Martin, Onslow, Pamlico, and Pitt counties. Many roads across the area were closed due to
flooding, and property damage was reported in several counties.
Tropical Storm Nicole: Torrential rain moved across most of Carteret County during the late afternoon
and evening of September 30th as the remnants of Tropical Storm Nicole moved north across the region.
This rain fell on saturated ground from very heavy rain the previous few days. Significant flash flooding
developed especially for areas from Emerald Isle and Cape Carteret east toward Morehead City. Rapid
water rises washed out several roads in the western portion of the county with some subdivisions briefly
cutoff form major roads. Minor flooding of a few residences was reported over the western portion of the
county.
Table 5.12 shows hurricane and tropical storm data reported by NCEI since 1996 for Carteret County.
Table 5.12 – NCEI Hurricane/Tropical Storm Data for Carteret County
Date Event Type Deaths/
Injuries Property Damage Crop Damage
7/12/1996 Hurricane 0/0 $50,000,000 $6,000,000
8/29/1996 Hurricane 0/0 $0 $0
9/4/1996 Hurricane 0/0 $200,000,000 $0
8/26/1998 Hurricane 0/0 $0 $0
8/30/1999 Hurricane 0/0 $0 $0
9/14/1999 Hurricane 0/0 $28,000,000 $4,000,000
10/16/1999 Hurricane 0/0 $0 $0
9/17/2003 Hurricane 0/0 $16,000,000 $0
8/3/2004 Hurricane 0/0 $25,000 $0
8/14/2004 Hurricane 0/0 $250,000 $50,000
9/13/2005 Hurricane 0/5 $27,900,000 $3,000,000
6/18/1996 Tropical Storm 0/0 $0 $0
6/18/1996 Tropical Storm 0/0 $0 $0
10/8/1996 Tropical Storm 0/0 $0 $0
9/1/1999 Tropical Storm 0/0 $6,300,000 $3,700,000
9/10/2002 Tropical Storm 0/0 $2,000 $0
8/31/2006 Tropical Storm 0/0 $50,000 $0
9/5/2008 Tropical Storm 0/0 $0 $0
9/2/2010 Tropical Storm 0/0 $5,000 $0
10/28/2012 Tropical Storm 0/0 $0 $0
6/6/2013 Tropical Storm 0/0 $0 $0
5/8/2015 Tropical Storm 0/0 $0 $0
9/2/2016 Tropical Storm 0/0 $5,000 $0
10/8/2016 Tropical Storm 0/0 $0 $0
2/27/2004 Storm Surge / Tide 0/0 $0 $0
4/15/2005 Storm Surge / Tide 0/0 $0 $0

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Date Event Type Deaths/
Injuries Property Damage Crop Damage
5/6/2005 Storm Surge / Tide 0/0 $0 $0
7/20/2006 Storm Surge / Tide 0/0 $0 $0
8/26/2011 Storm Surge / Tide 0/0 $25,000,000 $0
Total 0/5 $353,537,000 $16,750,000
Source: NCEI, November 2016
Probability of Future Occurrence
Likely – Given the 24 hurricane, tropical storm, and storm surge occurrences recorded by NOAA over a
period of 20 years (1996-2016), hurricane-related flooding in Morehead City is likely in the future. A
hurricane or tropical storm affects Morehead City on average once every 1.9 years.
Climate Change and Hurricane and Tropical Storms
One of the primary factors contributing to the origin and growth of tropical storm and hurricanes systems
is water temperature. Sea surface temperature may increase significantly in the main hurricane
development region of the North Atlantic during the next century as well as in the Gulf of Mexico. Studies
suggest that there will be an increase in the number of Category 4 and 5 storms as well as an increase in
rainfall rates from these storms. (Source: National Climate Assessment, 2014).
5.6 COASTAL/STREAM BANK EROSION
Hazard Description
Coastal Erosion
Coastal erosion is a process whereby large storms, flooding, strong wave action, sea level rise, and human
activities, such as inappropriate land use, alterations, and shore protection structures, wears away the
beaches and bluffs along the coast. Erosion undermines and often destroys homes, businesses, and public
infrastructure and can have long-term economic and social consequences. According to NOAA, coastal
erosion is responsible for approximately $500 million per year in coastal property loss in the United States,
including damage to structures and loss of land. To mitigate coastal erosion, the federal government
spends an average of $150 million every year on beach nourishment and other shoreline erosion control
measures.
Coastal erosion has both natural causes and causes related to human activities. Gradual coastal
erosion/replenishment results naturally from the impacts of tidal longshore currents. Severe coastal
erosion can occur over a very short period of time when the state is impacted by hurricanes, tropical
storms and other weather systems. Sand is continually removed by longshore currents in some areas but
it is also continually replaced by sand carried in by the same type of currents. Structures such as piers or
sea walls, jetties, and navigational inlets may interrupt the movement of sand. Sand can become
“trapped” in one place by these types of structures. The currents will, of course, continue to flow, though
depleted of sand trapped elsewhere. With significant amounts of sand trapped in the system, the
continuing motion of currents (now deficient in sand) results in erosion. In this way, human construction
activities that result in the unnatural trapping of sand have the potential to result in significant coastal
erosion.
Erosion rates and potential impacts are highly localized. Severe storms can remo ve wide beaches, along
with substantial dunes, in a single event. In undeveloped areas, these high recession rates are not likely
to cause significant concern, but in some heavily populated locations, one or two feet of erosion may be
considered catastrophic (NOAA, 2014).

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Stream Bank Erosion
Stream banks erode by a combination of direct stream processes, like down cutting and lateral erosion,
and indirect processes, like mass-wasting accompanied by transportation. When the channel bends,
water on the outside of the bend (the cut-bank) flows faster and water on the inside of the bend (the
point) flows slower as shown in Figure 5.18. This distribution of velocity results in erosion occurring on
the outside of the bend and deposition occurring on the inside of the bend.

Figure 5.18 – Stream Meanders
Stream bank erosion is a natural process, but acceleration of this natural process leads to a
disproportionate sediment supply, stream channel instability, land loss, habitat loss and other adverse
effects. Stream bank erosion processes, although complex, are driven by two major components: stream
bank characteristics (erodibility) and hydraulic/gravitational forces. Many land use activities can affect
both of these components and lead to accelerated bank erosion. The vegetation rooting characteristics
can protect banks from fluvial entrainment and collapse, and also provide internal bank strength. When
riparian vegetation is changed from woody species to annual grasses and/or forbs, the internal strength
is weakened, causing acceleration of mass wasting processes. Stream bank aggradation or degradation is
often a response to stream channel instability. Since bank erosion is often a symptom of a larger, more
complex problem, the long-term solutions often involve much more than just bank stabilization.
Numerous studies have demonstrated that stream bank erosion contributes a large portion of the annual
sediment yield.
Determining the cause of accelerated streambank erosion is the first step in solving the problem. When
a stream is straightened or widened, streambank erosion increases. Accelerated streambank erosion is
part of the process as the stream seeks to re-establish a stable size and pattern. Damaging or removing
streamside vegetation to the point where it no longer provides for bank stability can cause a dramatic
increase in bank erosion. A degrading streambed results in higher and often unstable, eroding banks.
When land use changes occur in a watershed, such as clearing land for agriculture or development, runoff
increases. With this increase in runoff the stream channel will adjust to accommodate the additional flow,
increasing streambank erosion. Addressing the problem of streambank erosion requires an understanding
of both stream dynamics and the management of streamside vegetation.

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Past Occurrences
The Morehead City CAMA Land Use Plan notes that all soil types in Morehead City have a slight erosion
hazard. According to the Pamlico Sound Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan, of which Morehead City is a
part, the average erosion rate for all co astal communities in the Pamlico Sound region is 2 feet per year.
This measure alone is not sufficient to project future erosion, as future erosion rates will likely increase
due to sea level rise.
Erosion is generally an ongoing process rather than an episodic hazard, and its impacts are easier to see
and understand over time. According to the National Weather Service (NWS) Newport/Morehead City
Weather Forecast Office, Google Earth Imagery shows substantial erosion of Shackleford Banks and
Sugarloaf Island over the past two decades. Since 1993, the west side of Shackleford Banks, between
Bogue and Shackleford, has eroded approximately 1,980 yards. The extent of this erosion is shown in
Google Earth images from 1993 and 2015 in Figure 5.19 and Figure 5.20, respectively.
Sugaloaf Island has eroded mainly along 375 feet of its western-side and has lost an area of approximately
351,735 square feet. The extent of this erosion on Sugarloaf Island is shown in Google Earth images from
1993 and 2015 in Figure 5.21 and Figure 5.22, respectively.

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Source: Google Earth, NWS
Figure 5.19 – Shackleford Banks, 1993

Source: Google Earth, NWS
Figure 5.20 – Shackleford Banks, 2015

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Source: Google Earth, NWS
Figure 5.21 – Sugarloaf Island, 1993

Source: Google Earth, NWS
Figure 5.22 – Sugarloaf Island, 2015

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The extent of erosion along these naturally protective barriers means that with future coastal storms or
tropical cyclones, there will be more water pushed into the Morehead City a rea. These impacts do not
include sea level rise, which will likely further exacerbate this hazard and its impacts.
Though shoreline erosion is typically an ongoing process, it can intensify during storm events, particularly
with hurricane storm tides. The following events are noted in the Pamlico Sound Regional Hazard
Mitigation Plan for causing significant erosion in or near the Morehead City area.
July 12, 1996 – Hurricane Bertha made landfall between Surf City and North Topsail Beach, causing
substantial storm surge flooding and beach erosion along the coast.
September 5, 1996 – Hurricane Fran caused extensive flooding and shoreline erosion, with a storm surge
reaching 7.3 feet near Morehead City.
August 31, 2006 – Tropical Storm Ernesto caused minor storm surge flooding and beach erosion along the
Onslow and Carteret County coastlines and the Neuse River. Storm total rainfall ranged from 4 inches to
near 10 inches.
Probability of Future Occurrence
Possible – Erosion is a natural, dynamic, and continuous process that can be expected to occur in the
future. Erosion of coastal and estuarine shorelines is an ongoing and natural process within the
northeastern North Carolina coastal system. Erosion rates are extremely variable, but the majority of the
coastal/estuarine shorelines are currently eroding. As noted in the Pamlico Sound Regional Hazard
Mitigation Plan, the average minimum and maximum blocked erosion rate is two feet per year for all
coastal communities in the Pamlico Sound region. Given Morehead City’s coastal setting and large amount
of coastline along the Bogue Sound, Newport River, Calico Bay, and other inlets, the likelihood of
occurrence for coastal/estuarine erosion is “possible.”
Climate Change and Erosion
Sea-level rise will raise all tide levels, from low tide to storm surge (see Figure 5.18). Wave action at higher
tide levels may cause erosion of sandy beaches. The combined effects of wind and waves could damage
dunes, leaving the beachfront more vulnerable (UF/IFAS Extension, 2013).

Source: Jane Hawkey, IAN Image Library (ian.umces.edu/imagelibrary/)
Figure 5.23 – Sea Level Rise and Coastal Erosion of Dunes

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5.7 ASSESSMENT OF AREAS LIKELY TO FLOOD
The following targeted areas are identified by the FMPC as areas likely to flood in the future.
Identified Area #1: 100-year SFHAs
Approximately 57% of the Morehead City corporate limits falls within the 100-year floodplain in the
preliminary FIRMs, up from 49% in the effective FIRM. Changes in floodplain development and future
development within the watershed in general is likely to increase the size of the SFHAs due to an increase
in impervious area.
Identified Area #2: Areas of Localized Stormwater Flooding
Due to the level topography and the heavy precipitation resulting from thunderstorms, tropical storms,
and hurricanes, it is highly likely that unmitigated properties will continue to experience localized flooding.
An increase in impervious area due to future development could exacerbate the localizing flooding issues
unless measures are taken to reduce the volume of runoff.
Identified Area #3: Repetitive Loss Areas
Repetitive loss properties have a greater need for flood protection. Repetitive loss can be attributed to
development within the 100-year floodplain as well as localized stormwater flooding. As mentioned
above, both types of flooding could increase in the future if measures are not taken to mitigate the effects
of development. Therefore, it is very likely that unmitigated repetitive loss properties will continue to
flood in the future. Repetitive loss areas identified by the FMPC are shown in Figure 5.19.
Impact of Future Flooding
Changes in the watershed (particularly an increase in impervious area) could make these targeted areas
even more likely to flood in the future. Morehead City falls within the Newport Marshes-Lower Newport
River Basin, the Morehead City-Drum Shoals Basin, the Carrot Island-Beaufort Inlet Basin, the Middle
Newport River Basin, and the Town of Salter Path-Jumping Run Basin.
The SFHA extends along the Bogue Sound shoreline of the Town in the Morehead City-Drum Shoals Basin
and the Carrot Island-Beaufort Inlet Basin, through downtown and northeast Morehead City along the
Calico Bay and Newport River in the Newport Marshes-Lower Newport River Basin, and in the northwest
portion of the Town in the Middle Newport River Basin. Areas of localized stormwater flooding are also
located within these three basins. Repetitive loss properties and historical claims properties are also found
in these three basins, with higher concentrations in the Carrot Island and Newport Marshes basins in the
eastern portion of Morehead City.
Based on future land use plans (discussed in further detail in Section 6.3), which recommend downtown
mixed use, commercial, high density residential, medium density residential, and low density residential
uses for much of the land area in these basins, each of these basins is likely to experience an increase in
impervious surface. Recent years have already seen significant growth in the northeast portion of Town
around the Calico Bay and Crab Point Bay. According to the Planning & Inspections Department’s 2015
Annual Report, issuance of building permits has been on the rise since 2013, with much of the growth in
2015 attributable to residential development. If these areas continue to grow, it may increase the severity
of future floods by limiting the capacity of the floodplains to perform natural flood management functions.
New development or redevelopment, if it occurs in or near the SFHA or localized flooding areas, could
also increase exposure of people and property to flood impacts. As discussed in Section 5.1, future flood
conditions in these areas will also be impacted by climate change and sea level rise.

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Figure 5.24 – General Areas of Repetitive Flooding in Morehead City

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5.8 FLOOD HAZARDS PROFILE SUMMARY
Table 5.13 summarizes the results of the hazard profile for the Town of Morehead City based on hazard
identification data and input from the FMPC. For each hazard profiled within Chapter 5, this table includes
the likelihood of future occurrence and whether or not the hazard has been included in Chapter 6
Vulnerability Assessment.
Table 5.13 – Summary of Flood Hazard Profile Results
Hazard Likelihood of Future
Occurrence Vulnerability Assessment
Climate Change & Sea Level Rise Highly Likely Yes
Flood: 100-/500-year Possible Yes
Flood: Stormwater/Localized Flooding Highly Likely Yes
Coastal/Stream Bank Erosion Possible No
Dam/Levee Failure Unlikely Yes
Hurricane/Tropical Storm Likely Yes

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6 VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT

Chapter 6 quantifies the vulnerability of The Town of Morehead City to the priority hazards identified in
Table 5.13. It consists of the following subsections:
 6.1 Methodology
 6.2 Asset Inventory
 6.3 Land Use
 6.4 Vulnerability Assessment Results
 6.5 Priority Risk Index Results
The FMPC conducted a vulnerability assessment of the hazards identified as a priority in order to assess
the impact that each hazard would have on the Town. The vulnerability assessment quantifies, to the
extent feasible using best available data, assets at risk to natural hazards and estimates potential losses.
The vulnerability assessments followed the methodology described in the FEMA publication
Understanding Your Risks—Identifying Hazards and Estimating Losses (August 2001). The vulnerability
assessment first describes the total vulnerability and values at risk and then discusses vulnerability by
hazard. Data used to support this assessment included the following:
 Geographic Information System (GIS) datasets, including building footprints, topography, aerial
photography, and transportation layers;
 Hazard layer GIS datasets from state and federal agencies;
 Written descriptions of inventory and risks provided by the State Hazard Mitigation Plan; and
 Written descriptions of inventory and risks provided by the Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan.
6.1 METHODOLOGY
Two distinct risk assessment methodologies were used in the formation of this vulnerability assessment.
The first consists of a quantitative analysis that relies upon best available data and technology, while the
second approach consists of a qualitative analysis that relies on local knowledge and rational decision
making. The data provided by NCEM and the Integrated Hazard Risk Management (IHRM) Program come
from models and methods commonly used by government risk assessors. One of these methods is FEMA’s
Hazus-MH, a nationally applicable standardized set of models for estimating potential losses from
earthquakes, floods, and hurricanes. Hazus uses GIS technology to estimate physical, economic, and social
impacts of disasters. IHRM focused on collecting information on specific buildings and other critical
infrastructure such as public utilities so that losses from damages could be calculated for each building or
piece of infrastructure. The results factor in overall risk and its components of probability , consequence,
and vulnerability.
44 CFR Subsection D §201.6(c)(2)(ii): [The risk assessment shall include a] description of the jurisdiction’s
vulnerability to the hazards described in paragraph (c)(2)(i) of this section. This description shall include an
overall summary of each hazard and its impact on the community. Plans approved after October 1, 2008 must
also address NFIP insured structures that have been repetitively damaged by floods. The plan should describe
vulnerability in terms of:
A) The types and numbers of existing and future buildings, infrastructure, and critical facilities located in the
identified hazard areas;
(B): An estimate of the potential dollar losses to vulnerable structures identified in paragraph (c)(2)(ii)(A) of this
section and a description of the methodology used to prepare the estimate; and
(C): Providing a general description of land uses and development trends within the community so that mitigation
options can be considered in future land use decisions.

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Morehead City’s GIS-based flood risk assessment was completed using the best data made available at
the time of the analysis. Digital data was collected from local, regional and national sources that included
the Town of Morehead City, the NCEM, and FEMA. This analysis took advantage of the release of FEMA’s
Preliminary Flood Insurance Study for Carteret County. Flood vulnerability has been considered for both
the Effective and Preliminary flood maps.
6.2 ASSET INVENTORY
An inventory of assets within the Town of Morehead City was compiled in order to identify those
structures potentially at risk to the identified hazards. Assets include elements such as buildings, property,
business/industry goods, and civil infrastructure. All buildings – residential and nonresidential – with a
building footprint of 800 square feet or greater were digitized by NCEM from recent aerial imagery if they
were not readily available from state or county sources. Critical infrastructure and key resources, as
defined by FEMA, were the focus of the non-building data collection. By understanding the type and
number of assets that exist and where they are located in relation to known hazard areas, the relative risk
and vulnerability for such assets can be assessed.
Properties at Risk
The properties identified to be at risk include all improved properties in Morehead City according to
building footprint data provided by NCEM. The information is provided for the effective FIRM and the
preliminary FIRM in Table 6.1 and Table 6.2, respectively. Risk information is detailed in terms of the
number of buildings by flood zone, occupancy type, and total assessed value of improvements that may
be exposed to the identified hazards. The building footprint data was used to provide an accurate
assessment of how many buildings are located in hazard areas.
Table 6.1 – Town of Morehead City Properties at Risk
(Effective July 2003 FIRM)
Occupancy Type
Total Number
of Buildings
with Loss
Total Building
Value
Estimated Content
Value Total Value
Zone AE
Agricultural 11 $35,688 $35,688 $71,376
Commercial 124 $51,682,375 $44,509,740 $96,192,114
Education 3 $2,126,877 $2,126,877 $4,253,755
Government 30 $135,170,427 $123,210,285 $258,380,712
Industrial 11 $2,911,999 $2,935,421 $5,847,420
Religious 3 $1,189,352 $1,189,352 $2,378,704
Residential 1,373 $308,112,094 $89,962,061 $398,074,156
Total 1,555 $501,228,812 $263,969,425 $765,198,237
Zone X (500-Year)
Agricultural 0 $0 $0 $0
Commercial 16 $8,894,229 $9,013,491 $17,907,721
Education 4 $7,232,486 $8,087,384 $15,319,871
Government 14 $22,444,318 $22,444,318 $44,888,636
Industrial 2 $551,151 $525,139 $1,076,289
Religious 2 $617,758 $617,758 $1,235,515
Residential 385 $73,017,381 $25,710,464 $98,727,845
Total 423 $112,757,323 $66,398,554 $179,155,877
Zone X (Unshaded)
Agricultural 2 $44,689 $44,689 $89,378

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Source: North Carolina Emergency Management, Risk Management, 2016
Table 6.2 –Town of Morehead City Properties at Risk
(Preliminary June 2016 FIRM)
Commercial 552 $361,276,306 $368,696,077 $729,972,383
Education 53 $120,230,455 $112,193,447 $232,423,902
Government 19 $14,511,219 $15,638,508 $30,149,727
Industrial 105 $28,421,047 $32,567,208 $60,988,255
Religious 85 $55,968,104 $54,091,357 $110,059,460
Residential 5,477 $840,847,091 $352,761,158 $1,193,608,249
Total 6,293 $1,421,298,910 $935,992,443 $2,357,291,353
Zone VE
Agricultural 0 $0 $0 $0
Commercial 0 $0 $0 $0
Education 0 $0 $0 $0
Government 0 $0 $0 $0
Industrial 0 $0 $0 $0
Religious 0 $0 $0 $0
Residential 18 $7,130,531 $1,654,248 $8,784,778
Total 18 $7,130,531 $1,654,248 $8,784,778
Occupancy Type
Total Number
of Buildings
with Loss
Total Building
Value
Estimated Content
Value Total Value
Zone AE
Agricultural 11 $351,891 $351,889 $703,779
Commercial 161 $65,089,106 $56,637,577 $121,726,683
Education 6 $7,688,785 $7,708,394 $15,397,180
Government 41 $152,779,507 $140,819,366 $293,598,873
Industrial 21 $6,770,536 $6,392,166 $13,162,702
Religious 7 $3,443,348 $2,349,745 $5,793,093
Residential 1,985 $368,241,652 $125,532,956 $493,774,608
Total 2,232 $604,364,825 $339,792,093 $944,156,918
Zone X (500-Year)
Agricultural 0 $0 $0 $0
Commercial 35 $20,824,216 $19,296,879 $40,121,095
Education 6 $25,043,055 $21,850,097 $46,893,152
Government 5 $5,153,252 $5,153,252 $10,306,503
Industrial 13 $3,060,130 $2,762,630 $5,822,760
Religious 13 $8,835,495 $8,763,482 $17,598,977
Residential 691 $130,991,727 $42,069,666 $173,061,392
Total 763 $193,907,875 $99,896,005 $293,803,880
Zone X (Unshaded)
Agricultural 2 $44,689 $44,689 $89,378
Commercial 493 $336,050,550 $346,922,212 $682,972,761
Education 48 $96,857,979 $92,849,218 $189,707,196
Government 5 $5,153,252 $5,153,252 $10,306,503
Industrial 103 $31,868,287 $35,106,142 $66,974,429
Religious 62 $38,751,367 $38,040,237 $76,791,603
Residential 4,551 $730,762,337 $304,696,322 $1,035,458,659
Total 5,264 $1,239,488,460 $822,812,071 $2,062,300,531

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Source: North Carolina Emergency Management, Risk Management, 2016
Note: Content value estimations are generally based on the FEMA Hazus methodology of estimating value
as a percent of improved structure values by property type. The residential property type assumes a
content replacement value equal to 50% of the building value. Agricultural, commercial, education,
government, and religious property types assume a content replacement value equal to 100% of the
building value. The industrial property type assumes a content replacement value equal to 150% of the
building value.
Critical Facilities at Risk
Of significant concern with respect to any disaster event is the location of critical facilities in the planning
area. Critical facilities are often defined as those essential services and facilities in a major emergency
which, if damaged, would result in severe consequences to public health and safety or a facility which, if
unusable or unreachable because of a major emergency, would seriously and adversely affect the health,
safety, and welfare of the public. A list of critical facilities and the total numbers of critical facilities by
type in Morehead City are listed in Table 6.3 and shown Figure 6.1.
Table 6.3 – Critical Facilities at Risk in Morehead City
Facility Name Count Structure Value
Civic 1 $4,182,898
Education 7 $7,570,038
Fire/EMS 5 $3,080,698
Government 9 $212,735,534
Medical 2 $16,065,309
Nursing Home 4 $11,886,621
Police 5 $28,033,803
School 19 $83,451,406
Shelter (Emergency) 1 $10,626,076
Utility 27 $18,264,247
Total 80 $395,896,630

Planning for Critical Facility Protection
The Town of Morehead City has several options to consider in planning to reduce the vulnerability of these
critical facilities. Per FEMA guidance, of primary concern is the protection of essential systems and
equipment in order to maintain the function of these critical facilities for community resilience during and
after hazard events. One way to protect critical facilities is to ensure that electrical systems, mechanical
systems, and other essential equipment is sufficiently elevated above the base flood elevation. Another
option is to install dry floodproofing in order to protect these critical components from floodwaters, flood
Zone VE
Agricultural 0 $0 $0 $0
Commercial 2 $467,578 $467,578 $935,157
Education 0 $0 $0 $0
Government 0 $0 $0 $0
Industrial 0 $0 $0 $0
Religious 0 $0 $0 $0
Residential 19 $8,572,707 $2,307,289 $10,879,997
Total 21 $9,040,286 $2,774,868 $11,815,154

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forces, and leakage. Among the components that should be considered for protection are electrical
service and distribution systems; data systems; heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems; water
and wastewater systems; emergency power systems, and elevators.
Alternatively, Morehead City can consider relocating these vulnerable critical facilities to new locations
outside the floodplain. However, additional protection may still be required because areas outside the
1%-annual-chance and 0.2%-annual-chance floodplain are still at low risk to flooding. According to FEMA,
properties outside of high-risk flood areas account for over 20 percent of NFIP claims and one-third of
disaster assistance for flooding.
The Morehead City FMPC considered these concerns in developing their mitigation strategies.

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Figure 6.1 – Morehead City Critical Facilities

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6.3 LAND USE
A land use plan is intended to provide a framework that will guide local government officials and private
citizens as they make day-to-day and long-term decisions affecting development. The August 2007 Core
Land Use Plan serves as an overall "blueprint" for the development of Morehead City that when
implemented results in the most suitable and appropriate use of the land and protection of the Town's
natural resources. In addition to serving as a guide to the overall development of Morehead City, the Land
Use Plan will be used by local, state and federal agencies in CAMA permitting decisions, project funding
and project consistency determinations. The effective period for the 2005 Land Use Plan Update is for
the ten-year period following adoption of the plan.
Existing Land Use
Over 50% of the total land area in Morehead City is developed. Vacant or undeveloped land makes up
approximately 49% of the total area within the Morehead City planning jurisdiction. Approximately 60%
of the developed area (30% of the total land area) within the Morehead City planning jurisdiction is in
residential use. Commercial uses represent approximately 11 % of the developed area (5% of the total),
industrial uses comprise approximately 5% of the developed area (3% of the total) and institutional uses
represent 7% of the developed area (4% of the total). Agriculture/open space (which includes farming
operations, parks, recreation areas and golf courses) represents approximately 17% of areas considered
as developed (9% of the total area). On the following page, Figure 6.2, Existing Land Use shows the current
land use for each parcel in the planning area.
Future Land Use
The purpose of the Future Land Use Map is to graphically depict Morehead City's policies for growth and
land development and the projected patterns of future land use. The Future Land Use Map has been
prepared with consideration given to land development objectives and policies, natural constraints and
limitations, overall land suitability, and the ability to provide the infrastructure to support growth and
development.
The Town's Future Land Use Map classifications include the following categories and subcategories:
 Residential
 Low Density Residential
 Medium Density Residential
 High Density Residential
 General Commercial
 Downtown Mixed Use
 Public and Institutional
 General Industrial
 Port Mixed Use
 Conservation/Open Space
Generally, growth and land development is anticipated to occur in all future land use categories except
for the Conservation/Open Space classification. The type and intensity of projected development varies
within each future land use map classification. Future Land Use projections are delineated in Figure 6.3,
Future Land Use Map.

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Source: Town of Morehead City, 2017
Figure 6.2 – Town of Morehead City Existing Land Use Map

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Source: Town of Morehead City, 2017
Figure 6.3 – Town of Morehead City Future Land Use

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6.4 VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT RESULTS
The Disaster Mitigation Act regulations require that the FMPC evaluate the risks associated with each of
the hazards identified in the planning process. This section summarizes the possible impacts and
quantifies the Town’s vulnerability to each of the hazards identified as a priority hazard in Table 5.13. The
hazards evaluated as part of this vulnerability assessment are:
 Climate Change and Sea Level Rise
 Dam Failure
 Flood: 100-/500-year
 Flood: Stormwater/Localized Flooding
 Hurricane & Tropical Storm
Vulnerability can be quantified in those instances where there is a known, identified hazard area, such as
a mapped floodplain. In these instances, the numbers and types of buildings subject to the identified
hazard can be counted and their values tabulated. Other information can be collected in regard to the
hazard area, such as the location of critical facilities, historic structures, and valued natural resources (e.g.,
an identified wetland or endangered species habitat). Together, this information conveys the impact, or
vulnerability, of that area to that hazard.
The conclusions drawn from the hazard profiling and vulnerability assessment process can be used to
prioritize all potential hazards to the Morehead City planning area. The Priority Risk Index (PRI) is a good
practice to use when prioritizing hazards because it provides a standardized numerical value so that
hazards can be compared against one another (the higher the PRI value, the greater the hazard risk). PRI
values are obtained by assigning varying degrees of risk to five categories for each hazard (probability,
impact, spatial extent, warning time, and duration). Each degree of risk has been assigned a value (1 to
4) and a weighting factor as summarized below in Table 6.4.
Table 6.4 – Priority Risk Index
RISK ASSESSMENT
CATEGORY
LEVEL DEGREE OF RISK CRITERIA INDEX WEIGHT
PROBABILITY
What is the
likelihood of a
hazard event
occurring in a given
year?
UNLIKELY LESS THAN 1% ANNUAL PROBABILITY 1
30%
POSSIBLE BETWEEN 1 & 10% ANNUAL PROBABILITY 2
LIKELY BETWEEN 10 &100% ANNUAL PROBABILITY 3
HIGHLY LIKELY 100% ANNUAL PROBABILTY 4

IMPACT
In terms of injuries,
damage, or death, would
you anticipate impacts to
be minor, limited,
critical, or catastrophic
when a significant hazard
event occurs?
MINOR
VERY FEW INJURIES, IF ANY. ONLY MINOR PROPERTY
DAMAGE & MINIMAL DISRUPTION ON QUALITY OF LIFE.
TEMPORARY SHUTDOWN OF CRITICAL FACILITIES.
1
30%
LIMITED
MINOR INJURIES ONLY. MORE THAN 10% OF PROPERTY IN
AFFECTED AREA DAMAGED OR DESTROYED. COMPLETE
SHUTDOWN OF CRITICAL FACILITIES FOR > 1 DAY
2
CRITICAL
MULTIPLE DEATHS/INJURIES POSSIBLE.
MORE THAN 25% OF PROPERTY IN AFFECTED AREA
DAMAGED OR DESTROYED. COMPLETE SHUTDOWN OF
CRITICAL FACILITIES FOR > 1 WEEK.
3
CATASTROPHIC
HIGH NUMBER OF DEATHS/INJURIES POSSIBLE. MORE
THAN 50% OF PROPERTY IN AFFECTED AREA DAMAGED OR
DESTROYED. COMPLETE SHUTDOWN OF CRITICAL
FACILITIES > 30 DAYS.
4

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RISK ASSESSMENT
CATEGORY
LEVEL DEGREE OF RISK CRITERIA INDEX WEIGHT
SPATIAL EXTENT
How large of an area
could be impacted by a
hazard event? Are
impacts localized or
regional?
NEGLIGIBLE LESS THAN 1% OF AREA AFFECTED 1
20%
SMALL BETWEEN 1 & 10% OF AREA AFFECTED 2
MODERATE BETWEEN 10 & 50% OF AREA AFFECTED 3
LARGE BETWEEN 50 & 100% OF AREA AFFECTED 4
WARNING TIME
Is there usually some lead
time associated with the
hazard event? Have
warning measures been
implemented?
MORE THAN 24 HRS SELF DEFINED 1
10%
12 TO 24 HRS SELF DEFINED 2
6 TO 12 HRS SELF DEFINED 3
LESS THAN 6 HRS SELF DEFINED 4
DURATION
How long does the hazard
event usually last?
LESS THAN 6 HRS SELF DEFINED 1
10%
LESS THAN 24 HRS SELF DEFINED 2
LESS THAN 1 WEEK SELF DEFINED 3
MORE THAN 1 WEEK SELF DEFINED 4
The application of the PRI results in numerical values that allow identified hazards to be ranked against
one another (the higher the PRI value, the greater the hazard risk). The sum of all five risk assessment
categories equals the final PRI value, demonstrated in the equation below (the highest possible PRI value
is 4.0).
PRI VALUE = [(PROBABILITY x .30) + (IMPACT x .30) + (SPATIAL EXTENT x .20) + (WARNING TIME x .10) +
(DURATION x .10)]
The purpose of the PRI is to categorize and prioritize all potential hazards for the Morehead City planning
area as high, moderate, or low risk. The summary hazard classifications generated through the use of the
PRI allows for the prioritization of those high hazard risks for mitigation planning purposes.

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Climate Change and Sea Level Rise
Probability Impact Spatial Extent Warning Time Duration
Highly Likely Minor Small > 24 hours >1 week

Morehead City is vulnerable to the potential impacts of climate change and sea level rise. The climate
change hazard profile in Section 5.1 discusses how climate-driven hazards such as hurricanes and flooding
are likely to increase in intensity, and possibly frequency, in the future. Thus the 25-year flood of today
may become the 10-year event in the future. The reader should refer to the vulnerability assessment
discussions on Flood, Erosion, and Hurricane for the current exposure and risk to these hazards with the
perspective that climate change has the potential to exacerbate the existing risk and vulnerabilities. The
potential impacts of climate change include increased flooding frequency, potential damage to critical
infrastructure, and increasing public costs associated with flood insurance claims, infrastructure repair
and maintenance, environmental impacts and increased costs associated with emergency management
efforts.
Estimates of the impact of 1-foot, 2-foot, and 3-foot Sea Level Rise (SLR) are shown in Figure 6.4, Figure
6.5, and Figure 6.6, respectively. SLR is likely to affect marsh land along the Newport River and may also
affect the Morehead City Harbor and its accessibility. While SLR alone will not directly affect many existing
structures, it will likely increase future risk of flooding from the other flood hazards discussed in this
chapter, as more land will have a lower elevation relative to sea level.

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Source: NOAA Office for Coastal Management Sea Level Rise Viewer, March 2017
Figure 6.4 – Estimated Impact of 1 Foot SLR on Morehead City

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Source: NOAA Office for Coastal Management Sea Level Rise Viewer, March 2017
Figure 6.5 – Estimated Impact of 2 Feet SLR on Morehead City

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Source: NOAA Office for Coastal Management Sea Level Rise Viewer, March 2017
Figure 6.6 – Estimated Impact of 3 Feet SLR on Morehead City

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Flood: 100-/500-year
Probability Impact Spatial Extent Warning Time Duration
Possible Limited Moderate 6 to 12 hours <1 week

Flood damage is directly related to the depth of flooding by the application of a depth damage curve. In
applying the curve, a specific depth of water translates to a specific percent damage to the structure,
which translates to the same percentage of the structure’s replacement value. Figure 6.7 depicts the
depth of flooding that can be expected within the Town during the 100-year flood event based on the July
16, 2003 Effective DFIRM. Figure 6.8 depicts the depth of flooding that can be expected within the Town
during the 100-year flood event based on the June 30, 2016 Preliminary DFIRM.
A flood risk assessment for Morehead City was performed by NCEM Risk Management in 201 6. All
building attribute data and estimated flood damages are derived from the NCEM Risk Management iRisk
database. NCEM utilized land use codes provided in the Morehead City parcel data to assign each building
footprint a specific occupancy class (i.e. RES1, COM4, EDU2, etc.). An occupancy class is required in order
to apply the correct depth damage factor which ensures the most accurate damage assessment.
Content value estimations are based on FEMA Hazus methodologies of estimating value as a percent of
improved structure values by property type. Table 6.5 shows the breakdown of the different property
types in Morehead City and their estimated content replacement value percentages.
Table 6.5 – Content Replacement Factors
Property Type Content Replacement Values
Residential 50%
Commercial 100%
Education 100%
Government 100%
Religious 100%
Industrial 150%
Source: Hazus 2.1

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Source: Depths derived from FEMA 2003 Effective DFIRM
Figure 6.7 – 100-yr Effective Flood Depths for the Town of Morehead City

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Source: Depths derived from FEMA 2016 Preliminary DFIRM
Figure 6.8 – 100-yr Preliminary Flood Depths for the Town of Morehead City

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Property at Risk
The loss estimate for flood is based on the total of improved building value and contents value. Land
value is not included in any of the loss estimates as generally the land is not subject to loss from floods.
Once the potential value of affected parcels was calculated, damage factors were applied to obtain loss
estimates by flood zone.
Table 6.6 shows the building count, total value, estimated damages and loss ratio for buildings that fall
within the 100-year floodplain of the Effective FIRM by flood zone and land use type.
Table 6.7 shows these damage and loss estimates for buildings that fall within the 100 -year floodplain of
the Preliminary FIRM.
The loss ratio is the loss estimate divided by the total potential exposure (i.e., total of improved and
contents value for all buildings located within the 100-year floodplain) and displayed as a percentage of
loss. FEMA considers loss ratios greater than 10% to be significant and an indicator a community may
have more difficulties recovering from a flood.
Table 6.6 – Estimated Building Damage and Content Loss
(Effective July 2003 FIRM)
Occupancy
Type
Total Number
of Buildings
with Loss
Total Value
(Building &
Contents)
Estimated
Building
Damage
Estimated
Content
Loss
Estimated
Total
Damage
Loss
Ratio
Agricultural 11 $71,376 $9,493 $22,660 $32,154 45.05%
Commercial 116 $844,072,218 $1,137,370 $2,961,751 $4,099,121 4.26%
Education 3 $4,253,755 $0 $0 $0 0.00%
Government 28 $257,084,995 $0 $0 $0 0.00%
Industrial 10 $5,510,550 $73,075 $68,646 $141,721 2.42%
Religious 3 $2,378,704 $916 $72,123 $73,039 3.07%
Residential 1,150 $303,922,040 $22,505,743 $18,214,364 $40,720,107 10.23%
Total 1,555 $765,198,237 $23,726,598 $21,339,545 $45,066,142 5.89%
Source: North Carolina Emergency Management, Risk Management, 2016
Table 6.7 – Estimated Building Damage and Content Loss
(Preliminary June 2016 FIRM)
Source: North Carolina Emergency Management, Risk Management, 2016

Occupancy
Type
Total Number
of Buildings
with Loss
Total Value
(Building &
Contents)
Estimated
Building
Damage
Estimated
Content Loss
Estimated
Total
Damage
Loss
Ratio
Agricultural 11 $703,780 $131,041 $245,461 $376,501 53.50%
Commercial 108 $66,085,501 $3,910,747 $10,654,885 $14,565,631 22.04%
Education 2 $3,921,906 $18,822 $101,641 $120,463 3.07%
Government 18 $54,734,184 $426,099 $2,656,168 $3,082,266 5.63%
Industrial 9 $4,856,143 $579,239 $536,925 $1,116,164 22.98%
Religious 2 $1,805,293 $91,305 $279,786 $371,091 20.56%
Residential 1,836 $398,457,559 $48,029,358 $34,439,750 $82,469,108 20.70%
Total 1,986 $530,564,365 $53,186,610 $48,914,615 $102,101,225 19.24%

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Population at Risk
A separate analysis was performed to determine the population at risk in the individual FEMA flood zones
for the Effective and Preliminary FIRMs. Using GIS, the DFIRM flood zones were intersected with the
building footprint layer. Those residential buildings that intersected the flood zones were counted and
multiplied by the 2011-2015 Census Bureau household factor for the Town of Morehead City (2.18) as
shown in Table 6.8.
Table 6.8 – Morehead City Population at Risk to Flood
Flood Zone Residential Property Count Population at Risk
Effective FIRM
Zone VE 18 39
Zone AE 1,373 2,993
Zone X (500-yr) 385 839
Zone X (unshaded) 5,477 11,940
Total 7,253 15,811
Preliminary FIRM
Zone VE 19 41
Zone AE 1,985 4,327
Zone X (500-yr) 691 1,506
Zone X (unshaded) 4,551 9,921
Total 7,246 15,795
Source: FEMA, U.S. Census Bureau 5-year Community Survey (2011-2015)

Critical Facilities at Risk
A separate analysis was performed to determine critical facilities located in the 100 - and 500-year
floodplains. Using GIS, the DFIRM flood zones were overlaid on the critical facility location data. Figure
6.9 and Figure 6.10 depict critical facilities and flood zones for the Effective and Preliminary FIRMs,
respectively. Critical facilities are detailed by facility type and flood zone for the Effective and Preliminary
FIRMs in Tables 6.9 and 6.10, respectively.

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Source: Town of Morehead City, FEMA 2003 Effective DFIRM
Figure 6.9 – Critical Facilities and FEMA Flood Zones, Effective FIRM

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Source: Town of Morehead City, FEMA 2016 Preliminary DFIRM
Figure 6.10 – Critical Facilities and FEMA Flood Zones, Preliminary FIRM

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Table 6.9 – Critical Facilities by Flood Zone
(Effective July 2003 FIRM)
Facility Name Address Facility Type
Estimated
100-yr Flood
Depth (Ft)
Zone AE
NC State Ports Authority 0 Radio Island Rd, Morehead City, NC Port n/a
NC State Ports Authority 121 Arendell St, Morehead City, NC Port n/a
Harborview Rehabilitation and
Health Care Center 812 Shepard St, Morehead City, NC Assisted Living/
Nursing Home n/a
Lift Station Dry Well (Small) 111 Port Terminal Rd, Morehead City, NC Water n/a
Morehead City Municipal
Building 202 8th St, Morehead City, NC Government n/a
NC State Port Police 113 Arendell St, Morehead city, NC Police n/a
United States Army Reserve 400 Fisher St, Morehead City, NC Police n/a
Wastewater Treatment
Facility
1001 Treatment Plant Rd, Morehead City,
NC Water n/a
Water Plant #4 1545 Country Club Rd, Morehead City, NC Utility n/a
Zone X Shaded (500-yr)
Carteret Community College 301 College Cir, Morehead City, NC School n/a
Carteret Community College
(Co-Op Extension) 303 College Cir, Morehead City, NC School n/a
Carteret Community College 300 College Cir, Morehead City, NC School n/a
Morehead City Work
Center/Century Link 1875 North 20th St, Morehead City, NC Utility n/a
Wastewater Treatment Center 1002 Treatment Plant Rd, Morehead City,
NC Water n/a
Wastewater Treatment Center 285 Radio Island Rd, Morehead City, NC Water n/a
Zone X Unshaded
Wastewater Treatment
Facility 295 Radio Island Rd, Morehead City, NC Water n/a
St. Egberts Catholic School 1706 Evans St, Morehead City, NC School n/a
Century Link 102 9th St, Morehead City, NC Utility n/a
Morehead City Town Hall 706 Arendell St, Morehead City, NC Government n/a
Carteret Community College -
NC State Univ Center 303 College Cir, Morehead City, NC School n/a
Crystal Coast Civic Center 3505 Arendell St, Morehead City, NC Government n/a
Carteret Community College 3734 College Cir, Morehead City, NC School n/a
Carteret Community College -
Main 3601 Arendell St, Morehead City, NC School n/a
UNC Institute of Marine
Sciences 3451 Arendell St, Morehead City, NC School n/a
Carteret Community College -
Pottery Building 109 Banks St, Morehead City, NC School n/a
NC Division of Marine
Fisheries/Welcome Center 3411 Arendell St, Morehead City, NC Government n/a

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Facility Name Address Facility Type
Estimated
100-yr Flood
Depth (Ft)
Carteret Community College -
Wayne West Building 3505 Arendell St, Morehead City, NC School n/a
Morehead Fire Station #1 1406 Bridges St, Morehead City, NC Fire n/a
Carteret Community College -
Rhue Building 108 Banks St, Morehead City, NC School n/a
Carteret Community College -
Campus Security 115 Banks St, Morehead City, NC Police/Security n/a
Coastal Academy Technology
and Science School 1108 Bridges St, Morehead City, NC School n/a
Morehead City Police Dept,
Morehead City, NC 210 N 12th St, Morehead City, NC Police n/a
Carteret Community
College/Police Station 3705 Arendell St, Morehead City, NC Police n/a
Carteret County Economic
Development 3615 Arendell St, Morehead City, NC Government n/a
Morehead City Police/Carteret
County EOC 300 N 15th St. Morehead City, NC Emergency
Operations Center n/a
Hospitality Mgmt/Culinary
Arts 3915 Arendell St, Morehead City, NC School n/a
Send your Boat to College 3807 Arendell St, Morehead City, NC School n/a
Morehead City Parks and
Recreation 1600 Fisher St, Morehead City, NC Government n/a
Morehead City Community
Center 1600 Fisher St, Morehead City, NC Government n/a
Power Sub Station (small) 209 N 24th St, Morehead City, NC Power n/a
Morehead City Elementary
School 316 Arendell St, Morehead City, NC School n/a
Carteret County Exceptional
Children Preschool 316 Arendell St, Morehead City, NC School n/a
Morehead City Fire Station #2 4034 Arendell St, Morehead City, NC Fire n/a
Carteret Health Care Medical
Center 3500 Arendell St, Morehead City, NC Health n/a
Carteret County Health
Department 3820 Bridges St, Morehead City, NC Health n/a
Boy's and Girl's Club of Coastal
Carolina 3321 Bridges St, Morehead City, NC School n/a
Lift Station Dry Well (small) 3730 Bridges St, Morehead City, NC Water n/a
National Guard Armory 3407 Bridges Street, Morehead City, NC Government n/a
Water Treatment Plant #1 3800 Bridges St, Morehead, City, NC Water n/a
Carteret Landing Assisted
Living Center 221 Friendly St, Morehead City, NC Assisted Living/
Nursing Home n/a
United States Post Office 3500 Bridges St, Morehead City, NC Government n/a
New Life Christian School 301 N 35th St, Morehead City, NC School n/a
Leon Mann Jr Enrichment
Senior Center 3820 Galantis Dr, Morehead City, NC Retirement Center n/a

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Facility Name Address Facility Type
Estimated
100-yr Flood
Depth (Ft)
Power Sub Station 479 Maple Ln, Morehead City, NC Power n/a
Carolina House 107 Bryan St, Morehead City, NC Assisted Living/
Nursing Home n/a
Morehead City Middle School 400 Barbour Rd, Morehead City, NC School n/a
U.S. Customs and Border
Protection 534 N 35th St, Morehead City, NC Government n/a
Morehead Primary School 4409 Country Club Rd, Morehead City, NC School n/a
Wastewater Treatment
Facility 228 Hwy 24, Morehead City, NC Water n/a
Carolina Water Wastewater
Treatment Plant 216 Hwy 24, Morehead City, NC Water n/a
Excel Learning Center #4 601 N 35th St, Morehead City, NC School n/a
Wastewater Treatment
Facility Dirt Rd off Sleep Ct, Morehead City, NC Water n/a
West Carteret High
School/Bridges School 4700 Country Club Rd, Morehead City, NC School n/a
Fire Station #3 5293 Hwy 70, Morehead City, NC Fire n/a
Lift Station Dry Well (small) 3102 Tootle Rd, Morehead City, NC Water n/a
Highway Patrol/Driver’s
License Office 5346 Hwy 70, Morehead City, NC Police/Government n/a
Water Plant #3 261 Arthur Farm Rd, Morehead City, NC Water n/a
Lift Station Dry Well (Small) 261 Arthur Farm Rd, Morehead City, NC Water n/a
Duke Energy Progress 270 Arthur Farm Rd, Morehead City, NC Power n/a
Power Sub Station End of Carteret Rd, Morehead City, NC Power n/a
Source: Town of Morehead City, FEMA 2003 Effective DFIRM

Table 6.10 – Critical Facilities by Flood Zone
(Preliminary June 2016 FIRM)
Facility Name Address Facility Type
Estimated
100-yr Flood
Depth (Ft)
Zone AE
NC State Ports Authority 0 Radio Island Rd, Morehead City, NC Port 8
NC State Ports Authority 121 Arendell St, Morehead City, NC Port 8
Harborview Rehabilitation
and Health Care Center 812 Shepard St, Morehead City, NC Assisted Living/
Nursing Home 9
Lift Station Dry Well (Small) 111 Port Terminal Rd, Morehead City, NC Water 8
Morehead City Municipal
Building 202 8th St, Morehead City, NC Government 9
NC State Port Police 113 Arendell St, Morehead city, NC Police 8
United States Army Reserve 400 Fisher St, Morehead City, NC Police 8

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Facility Name Address Facility Type
Estimated
100-yr Flood
Depth (Ft)
Wastewater Treatment
Facility 1001 Treatment Plant Rd, Morehead City, NC Water 9
Water Plant #4 1545 Country Club Rd, Morehead City, NC Utility 9
Zone X Shaded (500-yr)
Carteret Community College 301 College Cir, Morehead City, NC School 9
Carteret Community College
(Co-Op Extension) 303 College Cir, Morehead City, NC School 9
Carteret Community College 300 College Cir, Morehead City, NC School 9
Morehead City Work
Center/Century Link 1875 North 20th St, Morehead City, NC Utility 10
Wastewater Treatment
Center 1002 Treatment Plant Rd, Morehead City, NC Water 11.2
Wastewater Treatment
Center 285 Radio Island Rd, Morehead City, NC Water 10
Zone X Unshaded
Wastewater Treatment
Facility 295 Radio Island Rd, Morehead City, NC Water n/a
St. Egberts Catholic School 1706 Evans St, Morehead City, NC School n/a
Century Link 102 9th St, Morehead City, NC Utility n/a
Morehead City Town Hall 706 Arendell St, Morehead City, NC Government n/a
Carteret Community College -
NC State Univ Center 303 College Cir, Morehead City, NC School n/a
Crystal Coast Civic Center 3505 Arendell St, Morehead City, NC Government n/a
Carteret Community College 3734 College Cir, Morehead City, NC School n/a
Carteret Community College -
Main 3601 Arendell St, Morehead City, NC School n/a
UNC Institute of Marine
Sciences 3451 Arendell St, Morehead City, NC School n/a
Carteret Community College -
Pottery Building 109 Banks St, Morehead City, NC School n/a
NC Division of Marine
Fisheries/Welcome Center 3411 Arendell St, Morehead City, NC Government n/a
Carteret Community College -
Wayne West Building 3505 Arendell St, Morehead City, NC School n/a
Morehead Fire Station #1 1406 Bridges St, Morehead City, NC Fire n/a
Carteret Community College -
Rhue Building 108 Banks St, Morehead City, NC School n/a
Carteret Community College -
Campus Security 115 Banks St, Morehead City, NC Police/Security n/a
Coastal Academy Technology
and Science School 1108 Bridges St, Morehead City, NC School n/a
Morehead City Police Dept,
Morehead City, NC 210 N 12th St, Morehead City, NC Police n/a
Carteret Community
College/Police Station 3705 Arendell St, Morehead City, NC Police n/a

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Facility Name Address Facility Type
Estimated
100-yr Flood
Depth (Ft)
Carteret County Economic
Development 3615 Arendell St, Morehead City, NC Government n/a
Morehead City
Police/Carteret County EOC 300 N 15th St. Morehead City, NC Emergency
Operations Center n/a
Hospitality Mgmt/Culinary
Arts 3915 Arendell St, Morehead City, NC School n/a
Send your Boat to College 3807 Arendell St, Morehead City, NC School n/a
Morehead City Parks & Rec. 1600 Fisher St, Morehead City, NC Government n/a
Morehead City Community
Center 1600 Fisher St, Morehead City, NC Government n/a
Power Sub Station (small) 209 N 24th St, Morehead City, NC Power n/a
Morehead City Elementary
School 316 Arendell St, Morehead City, NC School n/a
Carteret County Exceptional
Children Preschool 316 Arendell St, Morehead City, NC School n/a
Morehead City Fire Station #2 4034 Arendell St, Morehead City, NC Fire n/a
Carteret Health Care Medical
Center 3500 Arendell St, Morehead City, NC Health n/a
Carteret County Health
Department 3820 Bridges St, Morehead City, NC Health n/a
Boy's and Girl's Club of
Coastal Carolina 3321 Bridges St, Morehead City, NC School n/a
Lift Station Dry Well (small) 3730 Bridges St, Morehead City, NC Water n/a
National Guard Armory 3407 Bridges Street, Morehead City, NC Government n/a
Water Treatment Plant #1 3800 Bridges St, Morehead, City, NC Water n/a
Carteret Landing Assisted
Living Center 221 Friendly St, Morehead City, NC Assisted Living/
Nursing Home n/a
United States Post Office 3500 Bridges St, Morehead City, NC Government n/a
New Life Christian School 301 N 35th St, Morehead City, NC School n/a
Leon Mann Jr Enrichment
Senior Center 3820 Galantis Dr, Morehead City, NC Retirement Center n/a
Power Sub Station 479 Maple Ln, Morehead City, NC Power n/a
Carolina House 107 Bryan St, Morehead City, NC Assisted Living/
Nursing Home n/a
Morehead City Middle School 400 Barbour Rd, Morehead City, NC School n/a
U.S. Customs and Border
Protection 534 N 35th St, Morehead City, NC Government n/a
Morehead Primary School 4409 Country Club Rd, Morehead City, NC School n/a
Wastewater Treatment
Facility 228 Hwy 24, Morehead City, NC Water n/a
Carolina Water Wastewater
Treatment Plant 216 Hwy 24, Morehead City, NC Water n/a
Excel Learning Center #4 601 N 35th St, Morehead City, NC School n/a
Wastewater Treatment
Facility Dirt Rd off Sleep Ct, Morehead City, NC Water n/a

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Facility Name Address Facility Type
Estimated
100-yr Flood
Depth (Ft)
West Carteret High
School/Bridges School 4700 Country Club Rd, Morehead City, NC School n/a
Fire Station #3 5293 Hwy 70, Morehead City, NC Fire n/a
Lift Station Dry Well (small) 3102 Tootle Rd, Morehead City, NC Water n/a
Highway Patrol/Driver’s
License Office 5346 Hwy 70, Morehead City, NC Police/Government n/a
Water Plant #3 261 Arthur Farm Rd, Morehead City, NC Water n/a
Lift Station Dry Well (Small) 261 Arthur Farm Rd, Morehead City, NC Water n/a
Duke Energy Progress 270 Arthur Farm Rd, Morehead City, NC Power n/a
Power Sub Station End of Carteret Rd, Morehead City, NC Power n/a
Source: Town of Morehead City, FEMA 2016 Preliminary DFIRM

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Flood Insurance Analysis
One valuable source of information on flood hazards is current flood insurance data for active policies and
past claims. Flood insurance is required as a condition of federal aid or a mortgage or loan that is federally
insured for a building located in a FEMA flood zone.

The Town of Morehead City has been a Regular participant in the NFIP since February 1977. Participation
in the NFIP’s Community Rating System at a Class 9 or better rewards all policyholders in the Town with
percent reduction in their flood insurance premiums. Morehead City is currently a Class 8 community.
Table 6.11 through Table 6.14 reflect NFIP policy and claims data for the Town categorized by structure
type, flood zone, Pre-FIRM and Post-FIRM.

Table 6.11 – NFIP Policy and Claims Data by Occupancy Type – Town of Morehead City
Occupancy Number of
Policies in Force
Total
Premium
Insurance in
Force
Number of
Closed Paid
Losses
Total of Closed
Paid Losses
Single Family 1,101 $665,351 $303,305,000 130 $1,067,381.23
2-4 Family 57 $24,327 $10,814,600 2 $26,000.35
All Other Residential 218 $46,618 $48,315,600 4 $36,159.44
Non Residential 77 $181,352 $34,312,100 21 $429,997.95
Total 1,453 $917,648 $396,747,300 157 $1,559,537.00
Source: FEMA Community Information System as of 01/31/2017

Table 6.12 – NFIP Policy and Claims Data by Flood Zone – Town of Morehead City
Flood Zone
Number of
Policies in
Force
Total Premium Total Coverage
Number of
Closed Paid
Losses
Total of Closed
Paid Losses
A01-30 & AE Zones 889 $621,261 $222,507,900 119 $1,147,141.02
A Zones 0 $0 $0 0 $0.00
AO Zones 0 $0 $0 0 $0.00
AH Zones 0 $0 $0 0 $0.00
AR Zones 0 $0 $0 0 $0.00
A99 Zones 0 $0 $0 0 $0.00
V01-30 & VE Zones 5 $14,370 $1,050,000 3 $24,645.47
V Zones 0 $0 $0 0 $0.00
D Zones 0 $0 $0 0 $0.00
B, C & X Zone
Standard 60 $73,312 $15,045,400 18 $244,111.26
Preferred 499 $208,705 $158,144,000 17 $143,641.22
Total 1,453 $917,648 $396,747,300 157 $1,559,538.00
Source: FEMA Community Information System as of 01/31/2017

Table 6.13 – NFIP Policy and Claims Data Pre-FIRM – Town of Morehead City
Flood Zone
Number of
Policies in
Force
Total Premium Total Coverage
Number of
Closed Paid
Losses
Total of Closed
Paid Losses
A01-30 & AE
Zones
212 $303,948 $43,948,800 97 $1,022,350.17
A Zones 0 $0 $0 0 $0.00

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Flood Zone
Number of
Policies in
Force
Total Premium Total Coverage
Number of
Closed Paid
Losses
Total of Closed
Paid Losses
AO Zones 0 $0 $0 0 $0.00
AH Zones 0 $0 $0 0 $0.00
AR Zones 0 $0 $0 0 $0.00
A99 Zones 0 $0 $0 0 $0.00
V01-30 & VE
Zones
1 $963 $50,000 3 $24,645.47
V Zones 0 $0 $0 0 $0.00
D Zones 0 $0 $0 0 $0.00
B, C & X Zone
Standard 16 $25,458 $4,846,500 10 $198,058.99
Preferred 139 $59,158 $43,941,000 13 $81,596.32
Total 368 $389,527 $92,786,300 123 $1,326,650.00
Source: FEMA Community Information System as of 01/31/2017

Table 6.14 – NFIP Policy and Claims Data Post-FIRM – Town of Morehead City
Flood Zone Number of
Policies in Force Total Premium Total Coverage
Number of
Closed Paid
Losses
Total of Closed
Paid Losses
A01-30 & AE
Zones
677 $317,313 $178,559,100 22 $124,790.85
A Zones 0 $0 $0 0 $0.00
AO Zones 0 $0 $0 0 $0.00
AH Zones 0 $0 $0 0 $0.00
AR Zones 0 $0 $0 0 $0.00
A99 Zones 0 $0 $0 0 $0.00
V01-30 & VE
Zones
4 $13,407 $1,000,000 0 $0.00
V Zones 0 $0 $0 0 $0.00
D Zones 0 $0 $0 0 $0.00
B, C & X Zone
Standard 44 $47,854 $10,198,900 8 $46,052.27
Preferred 360 $149,547 $114,203,000 4 $62,044.90
Total 1,085 $528,121 $303,961,000 34 $232,887.00
Source: FEMA Community Information System as of 01/31/2017
Repetitive Loss Analysis
A repetitive loss property is a property for which two or more flood insurance claims of more than $1,000
have been paid by the NFIP within any 10-year period since 1978. An analysis of repetitive loss was
completed by the Town to examine repetitive loss properties against FEMA flood zones.
According to 2016 NFIP records, there are a total of 7 mitigated and 26 unmitigated repetitive loss
properties within the Town of Morehead City. Table 6.15 details repetitive loss building counts, FEMA
flood zones and total payment for the unmitigated properties.

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Table 6.15 – Unmitigated Repetitive Loss Summary
Flood
Zone1
Building Type Building Count Total Building
Payment
Total Content
Payment Total Paid
Commercial Residential Insured Uninsured
AE X X 15,928.24 0.00 15,928.24
A05 X X 5,529.45 0.00 5,529.45
AE x X 53,185.64 0.00 53,185.64
X X X 5,791.64 1,246.13 7,037.77
AE x X 87,315.05 0.00 87,315.05
A06 X X 16,013.32 0.00 16,013.32
A07 X X 53,642.36 17,469.00 71,111.36
AE X X 21,004.63 0.00 21,004.63
X X X 24,393.93 15,143.59 39,537.52
AE X X 12,700.63 589.91 13,290.54
A08 X X 17,022.94 0.00 17,022.94
A07 X X 89,090.82 51,286.58 140,377.40
X X X 28,909.93 138.78 29,048.71
A07 X X 4,072.93 1,196.12 5,269.05
X X X 10,062.42 0.00 10,062.42
C X X 14,361.06 0.00 14,361.06
AE x X 81,720.75 0.00 81,720.75
A08 X X 10,195.46 0.00 10,195.46
X X X 11,943.58 0.00 11,943.58
A06 X X 6,453.32 0.00 6,453.32
A06 X X 15,955.56 329.98 16,285.54
AE X X 11,559.80 0.00 11,559.80
AE X X 30,152.30 0.00 30,152.30
A06 X X 4,237.42 0.00 4,237.42
AE X X 12,238.63 0.00 12,238.63
A06 X X 10,512.81 0.00 10,512.81
Total 3 23 18 8 $653,994.62 $87,400.09 $741,394.71
Source: NFIP Repetitive Loss Data, 11/30/2016
1Flood Zone is based on historical FIRM when first loss occurred. These zones do not reflect the current Effective FIRM zone for each property.
Figure 6.11 illustrates repetitive loss areas within Morehead City and its Extra-Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ).
The repetitive loss areas were created by identifying the unmitigated repetitive loss properties,
surrounding historic loss properties and additional properties that are likely to experience the same or
similar flood conditions but not have had any claims paid against the NFIP.
Repetitive Loss Area Mapping
The above list of unmitigated repetitive loss properties is not a complete list of properties at risk to repeat
flood events. In accordance with the principles outlined in the CRS guidance titled Mapping Repetitive
Loss Areas dated August 15, 2008, 21 repetitive loss areas were identified in Morehead City. To classify
these repetitive loss areas, the FMPC and consulting team mapped the above list of FEMA-identified
repetitive loss properties along with historical claim properties (those with one claim paid against the
NFIP) and identified additional surrounding properties with similar flood conditions. The resulting 21
repetitive loss areas are indexed in Figure 6.12 and shown in detail in Figure 6.13 through Figure 6.32. The
structure count within each repetitive loss area is detailed in Table 6.16 below.

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Table 6.16 – Structures in Repetitive Loss Areas
Repetitive Loss Area Number of Structures
1 3
2 25
3 6
4 3
5 9
6 4
7 5
8 3
9 7
10 9
11 4
12 6
13 6
14 10
15 8
16 41
17 7
18 4
19 5
20 6
21 4
Total 175

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Source: NFIP Repetitive Loss Data, 11/30/16
Figure 6.11 – Morehead City Repetitive Loss Areas

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Source: NFIP Repetitive Loss Data, 11/30/16
Figure 6.12 – Repetitive Loss Area Mapping Index

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Figure 6.13 – Repetitive Loss Area Mapping, Area 1

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Figure 6.14 – Repetitive Loss Area Mapping, Area 2

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Figure 6.15 – Repetitive Loss Area Mapping, Area 3

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Figure 6.16 – Repetitive Loss Area Mapping, Area 4

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Figure 6.17 – Repetitive Loss Area Mapping, Area 5

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Figure 6.18 – Repetitive Loss Area Mapping, Area 6

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Figure 6.19 – Repetitive Loss Area Mapping, Area 7

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Figure 6.20 – Repetitive Loss Area Mapping, Area 8

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Figure 6.21 – Repetitive Loss Area Mapping, Area 9

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Figure 6.22 – Repetitive Loss Area Mapping, Area 10

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Figure 6.23 – Repetitive Loss Area Mapping, Area 11

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Figure 6.24 – Repetitive Loss Area Mapping, Area 12

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Figure 6.25 – Repetitive Loss Area Mapping, Area 13

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Figure 6.26 – Repetitive Loss Area Mapping, Area 14

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Figure 6.27 – Repetitive Loss Area Mapping, Area 15

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Figure 6.28 – Repetitive Loss Area Mapping, Area 16

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Figure 6.29 – Repetitive Loss Area Mapping, Area 17

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Figure 6.30 – Repetitive Loss Area Mapping, Area 18

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Figure 6.31 – Repetitive Loss Area Mapping, Area 19

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Figure 6.32 – Repetitive Loss Area Mapping, Area 20

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Figure 6.33 – Repetitive Loss Area Mapping, Area 21

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Flood: Stormwater/Localized Flooding
Probability Impact Spatial Extent Warning Time Duration
Highly Likely Minor Small 6 to 12 hours <24 hours

Future Development
The risk of localized flooding to future development can be minimized by accurate recordkeeping of
repetitive localized storm activity and an evaluation of regional drainage issues. Mitigating the root causes
of the localized flooding or choosing not to develop in areas that often are subject to localized flooding
will reduce future risks of losses due to this hazard. Figure 6.12 shows repetitive loss and localized
stormwater flooding in relation to future land use and watershed boundaries within the Town. An analysis
of future land use along with current known flooding locations indicates that an increase in future flooding
can likely be expected in the Newport Marshes-Lower Newport River and Carrot Island-Beaufort Inlet
watersheds, especially in areas of high density development. Based on the land use and development
mapped for these areas, not only will more property be exposed due to new construction, but the
associated increase in impervious surface and reduction in flood storage are as will increase the
vulnerability of existing property within these watersheds.
Property at Risk
Localized flooding occurs at various times throughout the year with several areas of primary concern to
the Town. Localized flooding and ponding affect streets and property. Figure 6.35 depicts three areas
where localized flooding and drainage problems overlap with repetitive loss properties and suggests a
possible correlation between some localized flooding and repetitive loss properties. The areas of localized
flooding were identified by the Town of Morehead City Planning & Inspections Department.

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Source: Town of Morehead City Planning & Inspections Department; NFIP Repetitive Loss Data, 11/30/2016
Figure 6.34 – Localized Flooding and Repetitive Loss Locations

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Source: Town of Morehead City Planning & Inspections Department; NFIP Repetitive Loss Data, 11/30/2016

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Figure 6.35 – Repetitive Loss Areas and Stormwater Hotspots

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Dam Failure
Probability Impact Spatial Extent Warning Time Duration
Unlikely Minor Negligible <6 hours <6 hours

Given the current dam inventory and historic data, a dam breach is unlikely (less than 1 percent annual
probability) in the future. However, regular monitoring is necessary to prevent these events and they can
occur.
As noted in Section 5.2, there is one high hazard dam (Walker Millpond Dam) with the potential to affect
the Town of Morehead City in the event of a dam failure. Walker Millpond Dam’s height is 15 feet and its
storage is 806 acre-feet according to the NC Dam Inventory and the USACE National Inventory of Dams.
In the event of a failure of the Walker Millpond Dam, there is one commercial structure at risk of
inundation with a value of $464,159.70. Assuming a contents value of 100% the building value (per Hazus
methodology) the total exposure to dam inundation is $928,319.40.
The flood risk associated with Walker Millpond Dam has been determined by performing a dam breach
analysis, which consists of modeling a dam failure and evaluating the resulting downstream hydraulics.
The failure scenario was modeled using the Decision Support System for Water Infrastructural Security
(DSS-WISE) tool. DSS-WISE uses a 2D model called CCHE2D-FLOOD, which models mixed flow regimes and
wetting and drying, in combination with GIS-based decision support tools, which support flood mapping
and consequence analysis. Once the failure scenario was modeled, a flood inundation map was generated
to show the extent of the flooding resulting from dam failure. The flood inundation map for Walker
Millpond Dam is provided in Figure 6.36 on the following page.

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Source: North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, March 2017
Figure 6.36 – Potential Flood Inundation Map for Walker Millpond Dam

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Hurricane/Tropical Storm
Probability Impact Spatial Extent Warning Time Duration
Likely Critical Large >24 hours <1 week

The heavy rains associated with tropical weather systems are not only responsible for major flooding in
areas where the storm initially strikes, but can also affect areas hundreds of miles inland. Torrential rains
from hurricanes and tropical storms can produce extensive urban and riverine flooding, especially if the
storm systems are large and slow moving. Winds from these storms located offshore can drive ocean
water up the mouth of a river or canal, compounding the severity of inland overbank flooding.
In addition to the combined destructive forces of wind, rain, and lightning, hurricanes can cause a surge
in the ocean, which can raise the sea level as high as 25 feet or more in the strongest hurricanes. As a
hurricane approaches the coast, its winds drive water toward the shore. Once the edge of the storm
reaches the shallow waters of the continental shelf, the water begins to pile up. Winds of hurricane
strength eventually force the water onto the shore. At first, the water level climbs slowly, but as the eye
of the storm approaches, water rises rapidly. Furthermore, storm surge can also cause extensive damage
on the backside of a hurricane as storm surge waters are sucked back out to sea.
Natural resources, particularly beaches, are devastated by hurricanes. The erosion of the coastline is
considerable due to the impact of wind, waves, and debris in a hurricane event. Storm surge and
subsequent erosion of the shoreline often leads to the loss of property
The Atlantic basin hurricane season runs from June 1st to November 30th. The Atlantic basin includes the
Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico. Figure 6.37 shows the progress of a typical hurricane
season in terms of the total number of tropical systems and hurricanes produced throughout the year in
the Atlantic basin. The curves represent the average cumulative production of all named tropical systems,
all hurricanes, and those hurricanes which were Category 3 or stronger in those basins.

Source: NOAA/National Hurricane Center
Figure 6.37 – Average Number of Tropical Storms per Year (Atlantic Basin)

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Properties at Risk
Table 6.17 through 6.20 provide a summary of assets at risk to hurricane surge based on each hurricane
category. Each hurricane category is depicted in Figures 6.16 through 6.20 on the following pages. The
assets at risk estimate for each hurricane category is based on the total of improved and contents value.
Table 6.17 – Properties at Risk to Category 1 Storm Surge
Occupancy
Type Total Building Value Estimated Content
Value
Total Value
(Building and Contents)
Agricultural $351,890.00 $351,890.00 $703,780.00
Commercial $18,633,006.00 $18,633,006.00 $37,266,012.00
Education $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Government $25,195,035.00 $25,195,035.00 $50,390,070.00
Industrial $868,656.00 $1,302,984.00 $2,171,640.00
Religious $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Residential $77,371,495.00 $38,685,747.50 $116,057,242.50
Total $122,420,082.00 $84,168,662.50 $206,588,744.50
Table 6.18 – Properties at Risk to Category 2 Storm Surge
Occupancy
Type Total Building Value Estimated Content
Value
Total Value
(Building and Contents)
Agricultural $351,890.00 $351,890.00 $703,780.00
Commercial $58,755,336.00 $58,755,336.00 $117,510,672.00
Education $28,066,076.00 $28,066,076.00 $56,132,152.00
Government $40,031,122.00 $40,031,122.00 $80,062,244.00
Industrial $5,591,919.00 $8,387,878.50 $13,979,797.50
Religious $8,342,884.00 $8,342,884.00 $16,685,768.00
Residential $629,356,951.00 $314,678,475.50 $944,035,426.50
Total $770,496,178.00 $458,613,662.00 $1,229,109,840.00
Table 6.19 – Properties at Risk to Category 3 Storm Surge
Occupancy
Type Total Building Value Estimated Content
Value
Total Value
(Building and Contents)
Agricultural $396,579.00 $396,579.00 $793,158.00
Commercial $95,169,468.00 $95,169,468.00 $190,338,936.00
Education $41,472,713.00 $41,472,713.00 $82,945,426.00
Government $44,200,248.00 $44,200,248.00 $88,400,496.00
Industrial $13,636,419.00 $20,454,628.50 $34,091,047.50
Religious $17,840,667.00 $17,840,667.00 $35,681,334.00
Residential $793,432,540.00 $396,716,270.00 $1,190,148,810.00
Total $1,006,148,634.00 $616,250,573.50 $1,622,399,207.50

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Table 6.20 – Properties at Risk to Category 4 Storm Surge
Occupancy
Type Total Building Value Estimated Content
Value
Total Value
(Building and Contents)
Agricultural $396,579.00 $396,579.00 $793,158.00
Commercial $164,620,042.00 $164,620,042.00 $329,240,084.00
Education $68,582,610.00 $68,582,610.00 $137,165,220.00
Government $45,031,099.00 $45,031,099.00 $90,062,198.00
Industrial $23,100,693.00 $34,651,039.50 $57,751,732.50
Religious $26,781,189.00 $26,781,189.00 $53,562,378.00
Residential $1,129,963,786.00 $564,981,893.00 $1,694,945,679.00
Total $1,458,475,998.00 $905,044,451.50 $2,363,520,449.50

Table 6.21 – Properties at Risk to Category 5 Storm Surge
Occupancy
Type Total Building Value Estimated Content
Value
Total Value
(Building and Contents)
Agricultural $396,579.00 $396,579.00 $793,158.00
Commercial $205,601,094.00 $205,601,094.00 $411,202,188.00
Education $103,587,656.00 $103,587,656.00 $207,175,312.00
Government $46,345,555.00 $46,345,555.00 $92,691,110.00
Industrial $24,940,070.00 $37,410,105.00 $62,350,175.00
Religious $28,815,653.00 $28,815,653.00 $57,631,306.00
Residential $1,249,556,953.00 $624,778,476.50 $1,874,335,429.50
Total $1,659,243,560.00 $1,046,935,118.50 $2,706,178,678.50

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Figure 6.38 – Category 1 Storm Surge

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Figure 6.39 – Category 2 Storm Surge

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Figure 6.40 – Category 3 Storm Surge

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Figure 6.41 – Category 4 Storm Surge

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Figure 6.42 – Category 5 Storm Surge

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6.5 PRIORITY RISK INDEX RESULTS
Table 6.21 summarizes the degree of risk assigned to each identified hazard using the PRI method.
Table 6.22 – Summary of PRI Results
Hazard Probability Impact
Spatial
Extent Warning Time Duration
PRI
Score
Climate Change/Sea
Level Rise Highly Likely Minor Small >24 hours >1 week 2.4
100-/500-year Flood Possible Limited Moderate 6 to 12 hours <1 week 2.4
Stormwater/Localized
Flooding Highly Likely Minor Small 6 to 12 hours <24 hours 2.4
Dam Failure Unlikely Minor Negligible <6 hours <6 hours 1.3
Hurricane/Tropical
Storm Likely Critical Large >24 hours <1 week 3.0

The results from the PRI have been classified into three categories based on the assigned risk value which
are summarized in Table 6.22 below:
 Low Risk – Minimal potential impact. The occurrence and potential cost of damage to life and
property is minimal.
 Medium Risk – Moderate potential impact. This ranking carries a moderate threat level to the
general population and/or built environment. Here the potential damage is more isolated and
less costly than a more widespread disaster.
 High Risk – Widespread potential impact. This ranking carries a high threat to the general
population and/or built environment. The potential for damage is widespread.

Table 6.23 – Summary of Hazard Risk Classification
High Risk
(2.5 – 3.0)
Hurricane/Tropical Storm
Moderate Risk
(2.0 – 2.4)
Climate Change/Sea Level Rise
100-/500-year Flood
Stormwater/Localized Flooding
Low Risk
( < 2.0)
Dam Failure

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7 CAPABILITY ASSESSMENT
Table 3.27 lists regulatory mitigation capabilities, including planning and land management tools, typically
used by local jurisdictions to implement hazard mitigation activities and indicates those that are in place
in the Town of Morehead City.
Table 7.1 – Regulatory Mitigation Capabilities
Regulatory Tool (ordinances, codes, plans) Y/N Date Comments
Comprehensive Plan N
Land Use Plan Y 2007 Core Land Use Plan
Zoning Ordinance Y 2001 Town of Morehead City Unified
Development Ordinance (UDO)
Subdivision Ordinance Y 2001 Town of Morehead City UDO
Floodplain Ordinance Y 2001 Town of Morehead City UDO
Stormwater Ordinance Y 2001 Town of Morehead City UDO, State
regulatory standards applied
Erosion, Sedimentation and Pollution
Control Ordinance Y 2001 Town of Morehead City UDO, State
regulatory standards applied
Building Code Y 2001 North Carolina State Building Code
BCEGS Rating Y 2009 7 – Residential, 7 - Commercial
Stormwater Management Program N
Site Plan Review Requirements Y 2001 Town of Morehead City UDO
Capital Improvements Plan Y
Local Emergency Operations Plan Y 2015, 2016
Police Department Disaster Response
Plan, Police Department Hazard Plan, Fire
Department Operations Guide
Flood Insurance Study or Other Engineering
Study for Streams Y 2004 FEMA Flood Insurance Study
Repetitive Loss Plan Y 2016 Repetitive Loss Area Analysis (internal)
Elevation Certificates Y
Administrative/Technical Mitigation Capabilities
Table 3.28 identifies personnel responsible for activities related to mitigation and loss prevention in the
Town of Morehead City.
Table 7.2 – Administrative/Technical Capabilities
Resource Y/N Responsible Department
Planner or Engineer with knowledge of land
development/land management practices Y Town of Morehead City Planning & Inspections
Engineer or Professional trained in construction
practices related to buildings and/or infrastructure Y Town of Morehead City Planning & Inspections
Planner, Engineer, or Scientist with an understanding of
natural hazards Y Town of Morehead City Planning & Inspections
Personnel skilled in GIS Y Town of Morehead City Planning & Inspections
Full time building official Y Town of Morehead City Planning & Inspections
Floodplain Manager Y Town of Morehead City Planning & Inspections
Emergency Manager Y Carteret County Emergency Management

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Resource Y/N Responsible Department
Grant writer Y Town of Morehead City Planning & Inspections
GIS data – Flood Hazard areas Y Town of Morehead City Planning & Inspections
GIS data – Critical facilities Y Town of Morehead City Planning & Inspections
GIS data – Land use Y Town of Morehead City Planning & Inspections
GIS data – Building footprints Y Town of Morehead City Planning & Inspections
GIS data – Links to Assessor’s data Y Carteret County Emergency Management
Warning Systems/Services (CTY System) Y Carteret County Emergency Management
Fiscal Mitigation Capabilities
Table 3.29 identifies financial tools or resources that the Town could potentially use to help fund
mitigation activities.
Table 7.3 – Fiscal Mitigation Capabilities
Resource Accessible/Eligible to Use
(Y/N)
Community Development Block Grants Y
Capital improvements project funding Y
Authority to levy taxes for specific purposes Y*
Fees for water, sewer, gas or electric services Y
Impact fees for new development Y**
Incur debt through general obligation bonds Y
Incur debt through special tax bonds Y
Incur debt through private activity bonds n/a
* Could be done with the establishment of a Municipal Service District, but no such District currently exists
** Impact fees are collected for parks and water access areas if the development does not provide such areas

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8 MITIGATION STRATEGY

This section describes the mitigation strategy process and mitigation action plan for the Town of
Morehead City Floodplain Management Plan. It describes how the Town met the following requirements
from the 10-step planning process:
• Planning Step 6: Set Goals
• Planning Step 7: Review Possible Activities
• Planning Step 8: Draft an Action Plan
8.1 MITIGATION STRATEGY: OVERVIEW
The results of the planning process, the risk assessment, the goal setting, and the identification of
mitigation actions led to the mitigation strategy and mitigation action plan for this FMP. Section 8.2 below
identifies the goals and objectives of this plan and Section 8.4 details the new mitigation action plan. The
following umbrella mitigation strategy was developed for this FMP:
Communicate the hazard information collected and analyzed through this planning process as well as
FMPC success stories so that the community better understands what can happen where and what they
themselves can do to be better prepared.
Implement the action plan recommendations of this plan.
Use existing rules, regulations, policies, and procedures already in existence.
Monitor multi-objective management opportunities so that funding opportunities may be shared and
packaged and broader constituent support may be garnered.
Continued Compliance with the NFIP
Given the flood hazards in the planning area, an emphasis will be placed on continued compliance with
the NFIP and participation in the CRS. The Town meets or exceeds the following minimum requirements
as set by the NFIP:
• Issuing or denying floodplain development/building permits
• Inspecting all development to assure compliance with the local ordinance
• Maintaining records of floodplain development
• Assisting in the preparation and revision of floodplain maps
• Helping residents obtain information on flood hazards, floodplain map data, flood insurance and
proper construction measures
The Town of Morehead City’s Planning and Inspections Department is responsible for the review and
approval of all development applications to the Town. Once a development begins construction, there
are multiple, periodic on-site inspections performed by trained inspection staff to ensure compliance
before construction can proceed toward completion. The Planning and Inspections Department also
maintains the record of all map revisions and changes received from FEMA. As a part of the services
offered to the public, the Department provides FEMA floodplain mapping information, flood insurance
Requirement §201.6(c)(3): [The plan shall include] a mitigation strategy that provides the jurisdiction’s blueprint
for reducing the potential losses identified in the risk assessment, based on existing authorities, policies,
programs and resources, and its ability to expand on and improve these existing tools.

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program information, flooding hazards, and proper construction methods within the special flood hazard
area.
The CRS was created in 1990. It is designed to recognize floodplain management activities that are above
and beyond the NFIP’s minimum requirements. The Town of Morehead City is currently classified as a
Class 8 community, which gives a 10% premium discount to individuals in the Special Flood Hazard Area,
and a 5% discount to policyholders outside the Special Flood Hazard Area. The following is a summary of
the CRS Activities for which the Town of Morehead City currently receives credit based on the 2012
verification report:
Activity 310 – Elevation Certificates: The Town of Morehead City Inspections Department maintains
elevation certificates for new and substantially improved buildings. Copies of elevation certificates are
made available upon request.
Activity 320 – Map Information Service: Credit is provided for furnishing inquirers with flood zone
information from the community’s latest FIRM, publicizing the service annually and maintaining records.
Activity 330 – Outreach Projects: A community brochure is mailed to all properties in the community on
an annual basis. An outreach brochure is distributed annually to all properties in the community’s SFHA.
The community also provides flood information through displays at public buildings.
Activity 340 – Hazard Disclosure: Credit is provided for state and community regulations requiring
disclosure of flood hazards.
Activity 350 – Flood Protection Information: Documents relating to floodplain management are available
in the reference section of the Carteret County Library. Credit is also provided for floodplain information
displayed on the community’s website.
Activity 410 – Additional Flood Data: Credit is provided for conducting and adopting flood studies for
areas not included on the FIRMs and that exceed minimum mapping standards. Credit is also provided for
cooperating technical partnership agreements with FEMA.
Activity 420 – Open Space Preservation: Credit is provided for preserving approximately 13 acres in the
SFHA as open space. Credit is also provided for open space land that is deed restricted and preserved in
a natural state.
Activity 430 – Higher Regulatory Standards: Credit is provided for enforcing regulations that require
freeboard for new and substantial improvement construction, protection of natural and beneficial
functions, and state mandated regulatory standards. Credit is also provided for the adoption and
implementation of the International Series of Building Codes.
Activity 440 – Flood Data Maintenance: Credit is provided for maintaining and using GIS maps in the day
to day management of the floodplain.
Activity 450 – Stormwater Management: The community enforces regulations for soil and erosion
control and water quality.
Activity 510 – Floodplain Management Planning: Based on the updates made to the NFIP Report of
Repetitive Losses as of January 31, 2011, the Town of Morehead City has 18 repetitive loss properties and
is a Category C community for CRS purposes. All requirements for the 201 2 cycle have been met. Credit
is provided for the adoption and implementation of the Floodplain Management Plan. Since the Town of
Morehead City is a Category C community with an approved Floodplain Management/Hazard Mitigation
Plan, a progress report must be submitted on an annual basis.

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Activity 540 – Drainage System Maintenance: A portion of the community’s drainage system is inspected
regularly throughout the year and maintenance is performed as needed by the Morehead City Public
Works Department. Records are being maintained for both inspections and required maintenance. The
community also enforces a regulation prohibiting dumping in the drainage system.
Activity 610 – Flood Warning Program: Credit is provided for a program that provides timely identification
of impending flood threats, disseminates warnings to appropriate floodplain residents, and coordinates
flood response activities.
Activity 630 – Dam Safety: All North Carolina communities currently receive CRS credit for the State’s
dam safety program.
Post-Disaster Response, Recovery and Mitigation
The Town of Morehead City also seeks to incorporate actions associated with emergency services in its
floodplain management planning. The Town has already developed multiple plans for post-disaster
emergency management, including a Disaster Response Plan (2016), a Hazard Plan (2016), and a Fire
Department Operations Guide (2015). These plans establish the duties of all personnel involved in disaster
response and clarify all pertinent procedures, including communications, evacuation, and sheltering. The
Town of Morehead City is also included in regional plans to address emergency management, namely
NCEM’s Coastal Region Evacuation and Sheltering Field Operation Guide (2011), which identifies
evacuation routes (highways 70 and 24), shelters, and action items to improve emergency transportation.
Evacuation routes for the Town of Morehead City, as identified in the NCEM Coastal Region Evacuation
and Sheltering Field Operation Guide, are shown in Figure 8.1 on the following page.
Hurricane storm surge models, shown in Section 6.4.5 Hurricane/Tropical Storm indicate areas likely to
require evacuation in the event of a hurricane. Based on these models, a category 1 storm would require
minimal evacuation. A category 2 storm could require some residents to seek local sheltering, and may
result in an influx of residents from nearby barrier island communities seeking temporary shelter. A
category 3 storm is likely to require more substantial evacuation or sheltering of residents near all
waterfront areas of the Town due to storm surge along the Bogue Sound, Calico Creek, and Newport River.
A category 4 or category 5 storm will likely require a full evacuation of Morehead City.
It should be noted that these models do not predict storm surge, and actual storm surge heights may
exceed the estimates shown. Additionally, these storm surge models do not incorporate other hurricane
impacts that may exacerbate flooding and necessitate evacuation, including hurricane strength winds and
rain. Therefore, these models should be interpreted as a minimum impact scenario. Actual evacuation
advisories are issued by emergency management in the event of a storm.

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Figure 8.1 – Evacuation Routes

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Additionally, the Town of Morehead City has a qualified, on-call post-disaster contractor to coordinate
immediate response and recovery in the event of a disaster.
Also related to emergency services are post-disaster redevelopment and mitigation procedures. After a
disaster, communities should undertake activities to protect public health and safety and facilitate
recovery. Appropriate response measures followed by the Town of Morehead City include:
• Providing safe drinking water
• Monitoring for diseases
• Vaccinating residents for tetanus and other diseases
• Clearing streets
• Cleaning up debris and garbage
Following a disaster, there should also be an effort to help prepare people and property for future hazards.
The Town of Morehead City’s disaster recovery procedures include the following actions:
• Public information activities to advise residents about mitigation measures they can incorporate
into their reconstruction work
• Evaluating damaged public facilities to identify mitigation measures that can be included during
repairs
• Identifying other mitigation measures that can lessen the impact of the next disaster
• Acquiring substantially or repeatedly damaged properties from willing sellers
• Planning for long-term mitigation activities
• Applying for post-disaster mitigation funds
Regulating Reconstruction
The Town of Morehead City also enforces reconstruction regulations to ensure that mitigation is
integrated into recovery. Requiring permits for building repairs and conducting inspections are vital
activities to ensure that damaged structures are safe for people to reenter and repair. There is a special
requirement to do this in floodplains, regardless of the type of disaster or the cause of damage. The NFIP
requires that local officials enforce the substantial damage regulations. These rules require that if the
cost to repair a building in the mapped floodplain equals or exceeds 50% of the building's market value,
the building must be retrofitted to meet the standards of a new building in the floodplain. In most cases,
this means that a substantially damaged building must be elevated above the base flood elevation.
Local Implementation
The Town’s Floodplain Management Ordinance requires that all new residential construction or
substantial improvement shall have the lowest floor, including the basement, elevated to no lower than
one foot above the base flood elevation.

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8.2 GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

Section 4 documents the flood hazards and associated risks that threaten the Town of Morehead City,
and Section 5 assesses the vulnerability of structures, infrastructure, and critical facilities. Section 6
evaluates the capacity of the Town to reduce the impact of those hazards. The intent of Goal Setting is to
identify areas where improvements to existing capabilities (policies and programs) can be made so that
community vulnerability is reduced. Goals are also necessary to guide the review of possible mitigation
measures. This Plan needs to make sure that recommended actions are consistent with what is
appropriate for the Town. Mitigation goals need to reflect community priorities and should be consistent
with other plans in the Town.
 Goals are general guidelines that explain what is to be achieved. They are usually broad -based
policy type statements, long term and represent global visions. Goals help define the benefits
that the plan is trying to achieve.
 Objectives are short term aims, when combined, form a strategy or course of action to meet a
goal. Unlike goals, objectives are specific and measurable.
Coordination with Other Planning Efforts
The goals of this plan need to be consistent with and complement the goals of other planning efforts. The
primary planning document where the goals of this Plan must complement and be consistent with is the
Town of Morehead City Land Use Plan. The Land Use Plan is important as it is developed and designed to
guide future growth within the community. Therefore, there should be some consistency in the overall
goals and how they relate to each other. Likewise, the goals of the Pamlico Sound Regional Hazard
Mitigation Plan play an important role as it also focuses on flood hazards and mitigation projects.
Goal Setting Exercise
On February 16, 2017, the FMPC conducted an exercise to outline and recommend goals for this
Floodplain Management Plan. The first part of the exercise involved asking each committee member:
“What should be the goals of our mitigation program?” Each member was given a handout which appears
in Figure 8.2 along with a full summary of responses.
Committee members discussed their choices with the larger committee membership. There was some
consistency in the members’ topics. The committee members’ prevailing goals are listed below:
• Protect people’s lives
• Make sure future development doesn’t make things worse
• Protect homes
• Protect wetlands and environmentally sensitive areas
The second part of the exercise involved asking each committee member to evaluate potential goals for
Morehead City’s Floodplain Management Plan by agreeing or disagreeing with each potential goal.
Committee members were also asked to suggest other goals they felt would be appropriate. Again, each
member received a handout which appears in Figure 8.3 along with a full summary of responses.
The goal statements selected by committee members were in line with what they wanted to see in
Morehead City’s future. The exercise revealed important information to guide the planning effort. For
example, members stressed the importance of protecting lives and property, as well as preserving
wetlands and environmentally sensitive areas.
Requirement §201.6(c)(3)(i): [The mitigation strategy section shall include a] description of mitigation goals to
reduce or avoid long-term vulnerabilities to the identified hazards.

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Resulting Goals and Objectives
At the end of the exercises, the FMPC agreed upon four general goals for this planning effort. The FMPC
also included objectives in support of the goals. The refined goals and objectives are as follows:
Goal 1 – Reduce vulnerability and exposure to flood hazards in order to protect the health,
safety and welfare of residents and guests.
Objective 1.1: Advise the community of the safety and health precautions to implement before, during,
and after a flood.
Objective 1.2: Publish the locations (roads and intersections) which often flood after heavy rain events or
major storms.
Objective 1.3: Educate everyone on the benefits of improved water quality and associated habitat.
Objective 1.4: Identify the location of vulnerable populations to aid in emergency evacuations.
Objective 1.5: Conduct site investigations, research exposure and hazard data, and evaluate proposed
modifications to repair and mitigate stormwater management problems.
Goal 2 – Reduce damage to development through flood resilient strategies and measures.
Objective 2.1: Prioritize capital improvement projects to address areas where poor drainage causes
substantial flooding.
Objective 2.2: Encourage development outside the special flood hazard area (1%-annual-chance flood).
Objective 2.3: Use the most effective approaches to protect buildings from flood damage, including
elevation, acquisition, and other retrofitting techniques where appropriate.
Objective 2.4: Encourage property owners to assume an appropriate level of responsibility for their own
protection, including the purchase of flood insurance.
Goal 3 – Protect natural resources by employing watershed-based approaches that balance
environmental, economic and engineering considerations.
Objective 3.1: Maintain and enforce regulations to protect and restore wetlands and ecological functions
for long-term environmental, economic and recreational values.
Objective 3.2: Pursue water management approaches and techniques that improve water quality and
protect public health.
Objective 3.3: Preserve and maintain open space in flood prone areas to reduce flood damage to buildings
and to provide recreational benefits.
Objective 3.4: Continue to protect wetlands and environmentally sensitive areas from encroachment of
development by requiring buffers and other setback mechanisms.
Goal 4 – Encourage property owners, through education and outreach measures, to protect
their homes and businesses from flood damage.
Objective 4.1: Educate property owners, including repetitive loss properties, on FEMA grant programs
and other methods in order to mitigate possible flood damage.
Objective 4.2: Provide current flood-proofing and retrofitting information to property owners.

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Objective 4.3: Effectively communicate flood risk to residents, businesses, contractors, realtors and
prospective buyers.
Objective 4.4: Enhance community web pages to provide comprehensive flood protection and flood
preparedness information.

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Figure 8.2 – Handout for Goals Exercise, Part 1

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Figure 8.3 – Handout for Goals Exercise, Part 2

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Table 8.1 – Goal Setting Response Summary
Goal Number of times selected
Help people protect themselves 2
Make sure future development doesn’t make things worse 3
Maximize the share paid by benefiting property owners 1
Maximize use of state and federal funds 2
Minimize property owner’s expenditures 2
Minimize public expenditures 1
Protect businesses from damage 2
Protect homes 3
Protect new/future buildings 1
Protect people’s lives 6
Protect public health 1
Protect public services (fire, police, etc.) 2
Protect repetitively flooded areas 1
Protect wetlands/environmentally sensitive areas 3
Restrict development in hazardous areas 1
Other 1*
*Response to other: “educate public on risk and retrofitting”
Note: Those goal options from Figure 7.1 above that are not shown here received zero (0) votes.

Table 8.2 – Potential Goals Response Summary
Goal Agree Disagree Comments
Reduce vulnerability and exposure to flood
hazards in order to protect the health, safety and
welfare of residents and guests
8 0 encourage development that avoids
increasing future hazards
Encourage property owners, through education
and outreach measures, to protect their homes
and businesses from flood damage
9 0
Reduce the vulnerability of critical facilities and
infrastructure from the effects of flood hazards 7 1 reduce vulnerability of all buildings
and infrastructure, including homes
Protect natural resources by employing
watershed-based approaches that balance
environmental, economic and engineering
considerations
7 0 LID
Reduce damage to insurable buildings in
repetitively flooded areas 5 2
educate homeowners about
risk/grants to retrofit homes in
repetitive loss areas; explore grants
to purchase properties
Expand the Town's flood hazard communication
and outreach program 7 1
Reduce damage to development through flood
resilient strategies and measures 7 0
Other goal suggestions 1 Protect wetlands and natural
floodplain functions

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8.3 IDENTIFICATION AND ANALYSIS OF MITIGATION ACTIVITIES

To identify and select mitigation projects that support the mitigation goals, each hazard identified in
Section 4 Hazard Identification was evaluated. The following were determined to be priority flood-related
hazards:
• Climate Change and Sea Level Rise
• Hurricane and Tropical Storm
• Flood: 100-/500-year
• Flood: Stormwater/ Localized Flooding
• Dam/Levee Failure
Once it was determined which flood hazards warranted the development of specific mitigation actions,
the FMPC analyzed viable mitigation options that supported the identified goals and objectives. The FMPC
was provided with the following list of mitigation categories which are utilized as part of the CRS planning
process.
• Prevention (Required to be evaluated)
• Property Protection
• Natural Resource Protection
• Emergency Services
• Structural Projects
• Public Information and Outreach
The FMPC was also provided with examples of potential mitigation actions for each of the above
categories. The FMPC was instructed to consider both future and existing buildings in evaluating possible
mitigation actions. A facilitated discus sion then took place to examine and analyze the options. Appendix
B, Mitigation Strategy, provides a detailed discussion organized by CRS mitigation category of possible
mitigation alternatives to assist the Town in the review and identification of possible mitigation
activities. This comprehensive review of possible mitigation activities details why some were appropriate
for implementation and why others were not. As promoted by CRS, Prevention-type mitigation
alternatives were discussed for the flood hazards. This discussion was followed by a brainstorming
session that generated a list of preferred mitigation actions by hazard.
Prioritization Process
Once the mitigation actions were identified, the FMPC was provided with several decision-making tools,
including FEMA’s recommended prioritization criteria, STAPLEE sustainable disaster recovery criteria;
Smart Growth principles; and others, to assist in deciding why one recommended action might be more
important, more effective, or more likely to be implemented than another. STAPLEE stands for the
following:
• Social: Does the measure treat people fairly? (e.g. different groups, different generations)
• Technical: Is the action technically feasibly? Does it solve the problem?
• Administrative: Are there adequate staffing, funding and other capabilities to implement the
project?
Requirement §201.6(c)(3)(ii): [The mitigation strategy section shall include a] section that identifies and
analyzes a comprehensive range of specific mitigation actions and projects being considered to reduce the
effects of each hazard, with particular emphasis on new and existing buildings and infrastructure. All plans
approved by FEMA after October 1, 2008, must also address the jurisdiction’s participation in the NFIP, and
continued compliance with NFIP requirements, as appropriate.

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• Political: Who are the stakeholders? Will there be adequate political and public support for the
project?
• Legal: Does the jurisdiction have the legal authority to implement the action? Is it legal?
• Economic: Is the action cost-beneficial? Is there funding available? Will the action contribute to
the local economy?
• Environmental: Does the action comply with environmental regulations? Will there be negative
environmental consequences from the action?
In accordance with the DMA requirements, an emphasis was placed on the importance of a benefit-cost
analysis in determining action priority. It was agreed that the following four criteria would be used to
determine the priority of the action items:
• Contribution of the action to save life or property
• Availability of funding and perceived cost-effectiveness
• Available technical and administrative resources for implementation
• Ability of the action to address the problem
With these criteria in mind, FMPC members were asked to prioritize each mitigation project based on
whether the project should be considered a short term, medium range or long range priority. The priority
time frames for project implementation were determined to be as follows:
Short Range = Project should be completed in le ss than one year
Medium Range = Project should be completed in two to three years
Long Range = Project should be completed in m ore than four years
The process of identification and analysis of mitigation alternatives allowed the FMPC to come to
consensus and to prioritize recommended mitigation actions. The FMPC discussed the contribution of
the action to saving lives or property as first and foremost, with additional consideration given to the
benefit-cost aspect of a project; however, this was not a quantitative analysis. The team agreed that
prioritizing the actions collectively enabled the actions to be ranked in order of relative importance and
helped steer the development of additional actions that meet the more important objectives while
eliminating some of the actions which did not garner much support. Benefit-cost was also considered
in greater detail in the development of the Mitigation Action Plan detailed below in Section 8 .4. The
cost-effectiveness of any mitigation alternative will be considered in greater detail through performing
benefit-cost project analyses when seeking FEMA mitigation grant funding for eligible actions associated
with this plan.

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8.4 MITIGATION ACTION PLAN

This action plan was developed to present the recommendations developed by the FMPC for how
the Town of Morehead City can reduce the risk and vulnerability of people, property, infrastructure, and
natural and cultural resources to future disaster losses. Emphasis was placed on both future and existing
development. The action plan summarizes who is responsible for implementing each of the prioritized
actions as well as when and how the actions will be implemented. Each action summary also includes a
discussion of the benefit-cost review conducted to meet the regulatory requirements of the Disaster
Mitigation Act. Table 8.3 identifies the mitigation actions.
It is important to note that the Town of Morehead City has many existing, detailed action descriptions,
which include benefit-cost estimates, in other planning documents, such as capital improvement
plans and budget reports. These actions are considered part of this plan, and the details, to avoid
duplication, should be referenced in their original source document. The FMPC also realizes that new
needs and priorities may arise as a result of a disaster or other circumstances and reserves the right
to support new actions, as necessary, as long as they conform to the overall goals of this plan.
Further, it should be clarified that the actions included in this mitigation strategy are subject to further
review and refinement; alternatives analyses; and reprioritization due to funding availability and/or other
criteria. The Town is not obligated by this document to implement any or all of these projects. Rather,
this mitigation strategy represents the desires o f the community to mitigate the risks and vulnerabilities
from identified hazards. The actual selection, prioritization, and implementation of these actions will also
be further evaluated in accordance with the CRS mitigation categories and criteria contained in Appendix
B.

Requirement §201.6(c)(3)(iii): [The mitigation strategy section shall include an] action plan describing how the
actions identified in section (c)(3)(ii) will be prioritized, implemented, and administered by the local jurisdiction.
Prioritization shall include a special emphasis on the extent to which benefits are maximized according to a cost
benefit review of the proposed projects and their associated costs.

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Table 8.3 – Summary of Town of Morehead City Mitigation Actions
Action
Item Project Priority Goals
Addressed
Mitigation
Category
Responsible
Department/
Agency/Person
Funding
Source Timeframe
1
Provide flood emergency
information to the public on health,
safety, evacuation routes and home
safety through a variety of
outreach materials including direct
mail, websites and through other
outside agencies
High 1, 2 Emergency Services Emergency Manger and
Planning Department
Operating
Budget 12 months
2
Maintain and update the Carteret
County Continuity of Operations
plan to ensure that Morehead City
governmental operations can be
ongoing after a flooding event
including post-disaster
reconstruction policies
Medium 1, 2 Emergency Services
Emergency Manager and
Heads from each Town
Department
Operating
Budget 24 months
3
Maintain and/or establish backup
generators at all community
designated critical facilities
including those which will house
displaced victims from flood events
Medium 1, 2 Emergency Services Public Services Operating
Budget
24 to 36
months
4
Keep on call qualified post-disaster
contractor to include essential
services and equipment and ability
to help secure reimbursement of
NCEM and FEMA funding
Medium 1, 2 Emergency Services Emergency Manager and
Town Manager
Operating
Budget & FEMA
Reimbursement
24 to 36
months
5
The FMPC will meet quarterly to
ensure implementation of the
Morehead City Floodplain
Management Plan
High 1, 2, 3, 4
Prevention,
Property Protection,
Natural Resources,
Structural Projects,
Emergency Services
& Outreach Projects
Planning Department
and other staff members
on the FMPC
Operating
Budget Quarterly

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6
Integrate new greenway and public
park improvements into
comprehensive planning and
capital improvement Planning and
coordinate with CAMA Land Use
Planning
Low 1, 3 Prevention &
Natural Resources
Planning Department
and Parks & Recreation
Department
Operating
Budget and the
NC Parks &
Recreation Trust
Fund, Federal
Recreation
Trails Program,
and the Connect
NC Bond Grant
Program
48 to 60
Months
7
Review and update Town’s Flood
Damage Prevention Ordinance to
ensure compliance with FEMA and
NCEM requirements and/or to add
new higher regulatory standards
High 1, 2, 3, 4 Prevention &
Property Protection Planning Department Staff Time 12 months
8
Promote grant funding to target
repetitive loss property owners to
mitigate against future flooding
Low 1, 2, 4 Property Protection Planning Department FEMA/NCEM
Funding
48 to 60
months
9
Send Flood Outreach Brochure to
all residents within the SFHA,
Repetitive Loss Areas and those in
Dam Inundation Zone to education
them on how to better protect
themselves from flood damage
High 1, 2, 3, 4
Prevention,
Property Protection,
Natural Resources,
Outreach Projects
Planning Department
Staff time and
Operating
Budget
12 months
10
Church Street Drainage
Improvement Project to improve
localized stormwater flooding
Medium 1, 2 Structural Projects Public Works
Department CIP Funding 24 to 36
months
11
Blair Farms Parkway Culvert
Replacement Project to improve
localized stormwater flooding
Medium 1, 2 Structural Projects Public Works
Department CIP Funding 24 to 36
months
12
Test additional flap/tidal gates at
end of stormwater outlets that
outfall into the sound around the
9th and 14th street areas to help
Medium 1, 2
Property Protection
& Structural
Projects
Public Works
Department
Operating
Budget
24 to 36
months

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eliminate localized stormwater
flooding
13
Investigate the implementation of
pump stations at various locations
where there are localized
stormwater flooding problems
Medium 1, 2
Property Protection
& Structural
Projects
Public Works
Department
Operating
Budget
24 to 36
months
14
Where possible encourage Low
Impact Development (LID)
techniques to promote a natural
approach to stormwater
management
Low 1, 2, 3
Prevention,
Property Protection
and Natural
Resources
Planning Department &
Public Works
Department
Staff Time 48 to 60
months
15
Consider where appropriate
shoreline restoration bringing the
coastline back to a natural setting
Low 1, 2, 3
Property Protection
and Natural
Resources
Planning Department &
Public Works
Department
Grant Funding &
Operating
Budget
48 to 60
months
16
Educate public that ¾” of rain in
one hour can cause significant
stormwater flooding issues in the
14 identified “hot spot” areas
High 1, 2, 4
Property Protection
and Outreach
Projects
Planning Department Staff Time 12 months
17
Educate public that nothing should
go down the storm drains except
rainwater including installing no
dumping sign on top of drains
High 1, 2, 3, 4
Property Protection,
Natural Resources
and Outreach
Projects
Planning Department &
Public Works
Department
Staff Time and
Operating
Budget
12 months
18
Protect wetlands and conservation
areas through enforcement of the
comprehensive and zoning
regulations in the Town and
consider additional set back
regulations to protect other water
features
Medium 1, 2 Prevention and
Natural resources Planning Department Staff Time 24 to 36
months

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8.5 DETAILED MITIGATION ACTIONS
1. Provide flood emergency information to the public on health, safety, evacuation routes and home
safety through a variety of outreach materials including direct mail, websites and through other
outside agencies
Hazards Addressed: Flood: 100-/500-year; Flood: Stormwater/Localized Flooding; Hurricane/Tropical
Storm
Issue/Background: Residents and visitors are more likely to take preparedness and mitigation actions if
they are aware of the risk they face.
Other Alternatives: No action; however, this is an on-going effort and is requested by the public.
Existing Planning Mechanism(s) through which Action Will Be Implemented : Planning & Inspections staff
capabilities
Responsible Office: The Town’s Planning & Inspections Department will provide the most relevant up-to-
date flood emergency preparation and response information to all residents through annual outreach and
other efforts.
Priority: High
Cost Estimate: Staff time, funds for informational mailings
Benefits (Losses Avoided): Local property owners are equipped with the information to allow them to
protect themselves from losses and more quickly recover from a flood event.
Potential Funding: The cost will be paid for by the Town of Morehead City’s operating budget.
Timeframe: 12 months

2. Maintain and update the Carteret County Continuity of Operations plan to ensure that Morehead
City governmental operations can be ongoing after a flooding event including post-disaster
reconstruction policies.
Hazards Addressed: Flood: 100-/500-year; Flood: Stormwater/Localized Flooding; Hurricane/Tropical
Storm; Dam Failure
Issue/Background: Emergency operations plans are necessary to ensure effective post-disaster response
and recovery that takes advantage of opportunities for hazard mitigation.
Other Alternatives: No action; coordination with Carteret County on Continuity of Operations is essential
along with developing post-disaster reconstruction policies.
Existing Planning Mechanism(s) through which Action Will Be Implemented : Planning & Development
Services staff capabilities
Responsible Office: The Emergency Manager and heads from each Town Department
Priority: Medium
Cost Estimate: Staff time
Benefits (Losses Avoided): Ability to have local functions operational after flood event and reduce time
for recovery efforts.
Potential Funding: The cost will be paid for by the Town of Morehead City’s operating budget.
Timeframe: 24 months

3. Maintain and/or establish backup generators at all community designated critical facilities including
those which will house displaced victims from flood events.
Hazards Addressed: Flood: 100-/500-year; Flood: Stormwater/Localized Flooding; Hurricane/Tropical
Storm; Dam Failure
Issue/Background: Critical facilities which operate as either evacuation centers, emergency management
centers, or pump flood waters or sewage should be protected from flood damage so they perform without

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interruption.
Other Alternatives: No action
Existing Planning Mechanism(s) through which Action Will Be Implemented: N/A
Responsible Office: The Town Manager and Emergency Manager
Priority: Medium
Cost Estimate: $15,000 to $50,000
Benefits (Losses Avoided): Keeping critical facilities and evacuation centers functioning.
Potential Funding: The cost will be paid for by the Town of Morehead City’s operating budget.
Timeframe: 24 to 36 months

4. Keep on call qualified post-disaster contractor to include essential services and equipment and the
ability to help secure reimbursement of NCEM and FEMA funding.
Hazards Addressed: Flood: 100-/500-year, Flood: Stormwater/Localized Flooding; Hurricane/Tropical
Storm; Dam Failure
Issue/Background: It is important that a contractor is in place to manage cleanup after a flooding disaster.
Other Alternatives: No action; the Town would be forced to negotiate a contract post-disaster at a time
of great resource strain
Existing Planning Mechanism(s) through which Action Will Be Implemented: N/A
Responsible Office: Town Manager and Emergency Manager
Priority: Medium
Cost Estimate: Unknown
Benefits (Losses Avoided): The Town is able to immediately begin response and recovery activities
without time and resources lost to planning and logistics during critical post-disaster hours.
Potential Funding: The cost will be paid for by the Town of Morehead City’s operating budget and FEMA
reimbursement.
Timeframe: 24 to 36 months

5. The FMPC will meet quarterly to ensure implementation of the Morehead City Floodplain
Management Plan.
Hazards Addressed: Flood: 100-/500-year, Flood: Stormwater/Localized Flooding; Hurricane/Tropical
Storm; Dam Failure; Climate Change and Sea Level Rise
Issue/Background: It is important for the FMPC to meet on a regular basis to make sure the plan’s action
items are being implemented.
Other Alternatives: No action
Existing Planning Mechanism(s) through which Action Will Be Implemented: The Plan Maintenance
Section of the Floodplain Management Plan
Responsible Office: The Town’s Planning & Inspections Department and other staff members on the
FMPC.
Priority: High
Cost Estimate: Staff Time
Benefits (Losses Avoided): The plan will receive regular attention and be integrated into
Potential Funding: The project will be funded through the Town of Morehead City’s operating budget.
Timeframe: Quarterly

6. Integrate new greenway and public park improvements into comprehensive planning and capital
improvement planning and coordinate with CAMA Land Use Planning.

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Hazards Addressed: Flood: 100-/500-year, Flood: Stormwater/Localized Flooding
Issue/Background: The Town’s Planning & Inspections Department can coordinate existing planning
efforts with hazard mitigation goals in order to ensure consistency across the Town’s planning efforts and
ensure land use decisions consider hazard risk and mitigation opportunities.
Other Alternatives: No action
Existing Planning Mechanism(s) through which Action Will Be Implemented: Planning & Inspections
Department and Parks & Recreation Department staff capabilities
Responsible Office: The Town’s Planning & Inspections Department and Parks & Recreation Department
Priority: Low
Cost Estimate: Staff Time
Benefits (Losses Avoided):
Potential Funding: The cost will be paid for by the Town’s operating budget along with the NC Parks &
Recreation Trust Fund, Federal Recreation Trails Program, and the Connect NC Bond Grant Program.
Timeframe: 48 to 60 months

7. Review and update Town’s Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance to ensure compliance with FEMA
and NCEM requirements and/or to add new higher regulatory standards.
Hazards Addressed: Flood: 100-/500-year, Flood: Stormwater/Localized Flooding
Issue/Background:
Other Alternatives: No action
Existing Planning Mechanism(s) through which Action Will Be Implemented: Planning & Inspections
Department staff capabilities
Responsible Office: The Town’s Planning & Inspections Department
Priority: High
Cost Estimate: Staff time
Benefits (Losses Avoided): Renters are protected from content losses in repetitively flooded areas.
Potential Funding: The cost will be paid for through Town staff time.
Timeframe: 12 months

8. Promote grant funding to target repetitive loss property owners to mitigate against future flooding.
Hazards Addressed: Flood: 100-/500-year, Flood: Stormwater/Localized Flooding
Issue/Background: Repetitive Loss Properties are a drain on the National Flood Insurance Program Funds
and reducing the number of repetitive loss properties will help to increase the solvency of the fund.
Other Alternatives: Reliance on property owners to mitigate
Existing Planning Mechanism(s) through which Action Will Be Implemented: The City’s Stormwater
Management Program
Responsible Office: The Town’s Planning & Inspections Department
Priority: Low
Cost Estimate: N/A Based on individual situation
Benefits (Losses Avoided): Mitigation and avoidance of flood losses in repetitively flooded
areas.
Potential Funding: The project will be funded entirely through FEMA and NCEM funding.
Timeframe: 48 to 60 months

9. Send Flood Outreach Brochure to all residents within the SFHA, Repetitive Loss Areas and those in
Dam Inundation Zone to education them on how to better protect themselves from flood damage.

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Hazards Addressed: Flood: 100-/500-year, Flood: Stormwater/Localized Flooding
Issue/Background: Education of residents is important so they can better protect themselves.
Other Alternatives: No action; reliance on property owners to take action.
Existing Planning Mechanism(s) through which Action Will Be Implemented: Website and direct mail.
Responsible Office: The Town’s Planning & Inspections Department
Priority: High
Cost Estimate: $5,000
Benefits (Losses Avoided): Mitigation and avoidance of flood losses in repetitively flooded areas.
Citizens gain open space/recreational area which improves quality of life in the City.
Potential Funding: The project will be funded through staff time and the Town of Morehead City’s
operating budget.
Timeframe: 12 months

10. Church Street Drainage Improvement Project to improve localize stormwater flooding.
Hazards Addressed: Flood: Localized/Stormwater; Climate Change and Sea Level Rise
Issue/Background: Eliminate localized stormwater flooding and draining issues which create traffic
hazards.
Other Alternatives: No action
Existing Planning Mechanism(s) through which Action Will Be Implemented: Capital Improvements Plan
Responsible Office: The Town’s Public Works Department
Priority: Medium
Cost Estimate: $143,000
Benefits (Losses Avoided): Reduce property damage and allow traffic to pass without travelling through
the area.
Potential Funding: The cost will be paid for by capital improvements planning funding.
Timeframe: 24 to 36 months

11. Blair Farms Parkway Culvert Replacement Project to improve localized stormwater flooding.
Hazards Addressed: Flood: Localized/Stormwater; Climate Change and Sea Level Rise
Issue/Background: Drainage problem on Blair Farms Parkway creates localized flooding from undersized
culvert and inadequate drainage.
Other Alternatives: No action
Existing Planning Mechanism(s) through which Action Will Be Implemented: Capital Improvements Plan
Responsible Office: The Town’s Public Works Department
Priority: Medium
Cost Estimate: $169,206 (Drainage portion $38,000)
Benefits (Losses Avoided): Reduce property damage and allow traffic to pass without travelling through
the area.
Potential Funding: The cost will be paid for by capital improvements planning funding.
Timeframe: 24 to 36 months

12. Test additional flap/tidal gates at end of stormwater outlets that outfall into the sound around the
9th and 14th street areas to help eliminate localized stormwater flooding.
Hazards Addressed: Flood: Localized/Stormwater; Climate Change and Sea Level Rise
Issue/Background: Stormwater backup creates localized drainage problems in area of Morehead City
Other Alternatives: No action

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Existing Planning Mechanism(s) through which Action Will Be Implemented: Capital Improvements Plan
Responsible Office: The Town’s Public Works Department
Priority: Medium
Cost Estimate: Each flap gate - $3,700
Benefits (Losses Avoided): Reduced localized stormwater and backup storm drain flooding.
Potential Funding: The cost will be paid for by the Town’s operating budget.
Timeframe: 24 to 36 months

13. Investigate the implementation of pump stations at various locations where there are localized
stormwater flooding problems.
Hazards Addressed: Flood: Localized/Stormwater; Climate Change and Sea Level Rise
Issue/Background: 14 areas in the Town have been identified as having localized stormwater flooding
where ¾” of rainfall in one hour can cause flooding in these locations.
Other Alternatives: No action
Existing Planning Mechanism(s) through which Action Will Be Implemented : Stormwater Management
Regulations.
Responsible Office: The Town’s Public Works Department
Priority: Medium
Cost Estimate: $250,000 to $1,000,000
Benefits (Losses Avoided): Reduced flooding at various locations throughout the Town.
Potential Funding: The cost will be paid for by grant funding and the Town’s operating budget.
Timeframe: 24 to 36 months

14. Where possible encourage Low Impact Development (LID) techniques to promote a natural
approach to stormwater management.
Hazards Addressed: Flood: Localized/Stormwater; Flood: 100-/500-year; Climate Change and Sea Level
Rise
Issue/Background: Low level stormwater flooding is increased through the addition of impervious
surfaces. LID techniques help to reduce impervious surface and manage stormwater on site.
Other Alternatives: No action
Existing Planning Mechanism(s) through which Action Will Be Implemented: Storm Water Management
Regulations
Responsible Office: The Town’s Planning & Inspections Department and Public Works Department
Priority: Low
Cost Estimate: N/A Developer pays for cost of LID
Benefits (Losses Avoided): Decreased stormwater flooding
Potential Funding: The cost will be paid for by the Town staff time.
Timeframe: 48 to 60 months

15. Consider where appropriate shoreline restoration bringing the coastline back to a natural setting.
Hazards Addressed: Flood: Localized/Stormwater; Flood: 100-/500-year; Hurricane/Tropical Storm;
Climate Change and Sea Level Rise
Issue/Background: Coastal flooding is a major issue as sea level rise increases along the coast
Other Alternatives: Increase hardening coastlines
Existing Planning Mechanism(s) through which Action Will Be Implemented: Capital Improvements Plan
Responsible Office: The Town’s Planning & Inspections Department and Public Works Department
Priority: Low

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Cost Estimate: Vary by length of shoreline restored
Benefits (Losses Avoided): Bring shoreline back to a natural setting to increase native plant and animal
habitat and promote natural floodplain functions.
Potential Funding: The cost will be paid for by the Town’s operating budget and grant funding.
Timeframe: 48 to 60 months

16. Educate public that ¾” of rain in one hour can cause significant stormwater flooding issues in the
14 identified “hot spot” areas.
Hazards Addressed: Flood: Localized/Stormwater; Climate Change and Sea Level Rise
Issue/Background: Only a small amount of rainfall within a short one hour period can cause major
flooding issues throughout the Town.
Other Alternatives: No action
Existing Planning Mechanism(s) through which Action Will Be Implemented: Outreach and educational
materials.
Responsible Office: The Town’s Planning & Inspections Department
Priority: High
Cost Estimate: $1,000 to $3,000
Benefits (Losses Avoided): Better educated public along with reduced property damage and potential
traffic issues.
Potential Funding: The cost will be paid for by Town staff time.
Timeframe: 12 months

17. Educate public that nothing should go down the storm drains except rainwater including installing
no dumping sign on top of drains.
Hazards Addressed: Flood: Localized/Stormwater; Climate Change and Sea Level Rise
Issue/Background: Property owners often dump leaves, grass clippings and other debris down storm
drain inlets.
Other Alternatives: No action
Existing Planning Mechanism(s) through which Action Will Be Implemented: Outreach and educational
materials.
Responsible Office: The Town’s Planning & Inspections Department and Public Works Department
Priority: High:
Cost Estimate: $1,000 to $3,000
Benefits (Losses Avoided): Cleaner streams and water features where storm drains outlet.
Potential Funding: The cost will be paid for by the Town’s operating budget and staff time.
Timeframe: 12 months

18. Protect wetlands and conservation areas through enforcement of the comprehensive and zoning
regulations in the Town and consider additional set back regulations to protect other water
features.
Hazards Addressed: Flood: Localized/Stormwater; Climate Change and Sea Level Rise
Issue/Background: Wetlands play a critical role in the environment as areas for flood storage which can
protect other developed areas.
Other Alternatives: No action
Existing Planning Mechanism(s) through which Action Will Be Implemented : Zoning and Comprehensive
Planning.
Responsible Office: The Town’s Planning & Inspections Department

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Priority: Medium
Cost Estimate: Staff Time
Benefits (Losses Avoided): Protection of wetlands and waterways to maintain flood storage capacity and
protection of the natural floodplain functions in the Town.
Potential Funding: The cost will be paid for by Town staff time.
Timeframe: 24 to 36 months

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9 PLAN ADOPTION

The purpose of formally adopting this plan is to secure buy-in from the Town of Morehead City, raise
awareness of the plan, and formalize the plan’s implementation. The adoption of this plan completes
Planning Step 9 of the 10-step planning process: Adopt the Plan, in accordance with the requirements of
DMA 2000. The Town of Morehead City Council has adopted the Floodplain Management Plan by passing
a resolution. A copy of the executed resolution is shown below.

Requirement §201.6(c)(5): [The plan shall include] documentation that the plan has been formally approved by
the governing body of the jurisdiction requesting approval of the plan (e.g., City Council, County Commissioner,
Tribal Council).

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10 PLAN IMPLEMENTATION AND MAINTENANCE

Implementation and maintenance of the plan is critical to the overall success of hazard mitigation
planning. This is Planning Step 10 of the 10-step planning process. This section provides an overview of
the overall strategy for plan implementation and maintenance and outlines the method and schedule for
monitoring, updating, and evaluating the plan. The section also discusses incorporating the plan into
existing planning mechanisms and how to address continued public involvement.
10.1 IMPLEMENTATION
Once adopted, the plan must be implemented to be effective. While this plan contains many worthwhile
actions, the Town of Morehead City will need to decide which action(s) to undertake first. The priority
assigned the actions in the planning process and funding availability will affect that decision. Low or no-
cost actions most easily demonstrate progress toward successful plan implementation.
An important implementation mechanism that is highly effective and low-cost is incorporation of the
Floodplain Management Plan recommendations and their underlying principles into other plans and
mechanisms, such as the Town Land Use Plan. The Town already implements policies and programs to
reduce losses to life and property from hazards. This plan builds upon the momentum developed through
previous and related planning efforts and mitigation programs and recommends implementing actions,
where possible, through these other program mechanisms.
Mitigation is most successful when it is incorporated into the day-to-day functions and priorities of
government. Implementation will be accomplished by adhering to the schedules identified for each action
and through constant, pervasive, and energetic efforts to network and highlight the multi-objective, win-
win benefits to each program and the community. This effort is achieved through the routine actions of
monitoring agendas, attending meetings, and promoting a safe, sustainable community. Additional
mitigation strategies could include consistent and ongoing enforcement of existing policies and vigilant
review of programs for coordination and multi-objective opportunities.
Simultaneous to these efforts, it is important to maintain a constant monitoring of funding opportunities
that can be leveraged to implement some of the costlier recommended actions. This will include creating
and maintaining a bank of ideas on how to meet local match or participation requirements. When funding
does become available, the Town will be positioned to capitalize on the opportunity. Funding
opportunities to be monitored include special pre- and post-disaster funds, state and federal earmarked
funds, benefit assessments, and other grant programs, including those that can serve or support multi -
objective applications.
Responsibility for Implementation of Goals and Activities
Elected officials, officials appointed to head community departments and community staff are charged
with implementation of various activities in the plan. During the quarterly reviews as described later in
this section, an assessment of progress on each of the goals and activities in the plan will be determined
and noted. At that time, recommendations will be made to modify timeframes for completion of
activities, funding resources, and responsible entities. On a quarterly basis, the priority standing of various
activities may also be changed. Some activities that are found not to be doable may be deleted from the
plan entirely and activities addressing problems unforeseen during plan development may be added.
Requirement §201.6(c)(4): [The plan maintenance process shall include a] section describing the method and
schedule of monitoring, evaluating, and updating the mitigation plan within a five-year cycle.

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Role of FMPC in Implementation, Monitoring and Maintenance
With adoption of this plan, the Town will be responsible for the plan implementation and maintenance.
The FMPC identified in Section 2 will reconvene quarterly each year to ensure that mitigation strategies
are being implemented and that the Town continues to maintain compliance with the NFIP. As such, the
Town agrees to continue its relationship with the FMPC and:
• Act as a forum for flood mitigation issues;
• Disseminate flood mitigation ideas and activities to all participants;
• Pursue the implementation of high-priority, low/no-cost recommended actions;
• Ensure flood mitigation remains a consideration for community decision makers;
• Maintain a vigilant monitoring of multi-objective cost-share opportunities to help the community
implement the plan’s recommended actions for which no current funding exists;
• Monitor and assist in implementation and update of this plan;
• Report on plan progress and recommended revisions to the City Council; and
• Inform and solicit input from the public.
The FMPC’s primary duty moving forward is to see the plan successfully carried out and report to the
Town Council, NCEM, FEMA, and the public on the status of plan implementation and mitigation
opportunities. Other duties include reviewing and promoting mitigation proposals, considering
stakeholder concerns about flood mitigation, passing concerns on to appropriate entities, and posting
relevant information on the Town’s website (and others as appropriate).
10.2 MAINTENANCE
Plan maintenance implies an ongoing effort to monitor and evaluate plan implementation and to update
the plan as progress, roadblocks, or changing circumstances are recognized.
Maintenance Schedule
The Town of Morehead City’s Planning & Inspections Department is responsible for initiating plan reviews.
In order to monitor progress and update the mitigation strategies identified in the action plan, the Town
will revisit this plan quarterly and following a hazard event. The Town will submit a five-year written
update to NCEM and FEMA Region IV, unless disaster or other circumstances (e.g., changing regulations)
require a change to this schedule. With this plan update anticipated to be fully approved and adopted in
2017, the next plan update for Morehead City will occur in 2022.
Maintenance Evaluation Process
Evaluation of progress can be achieved by monitoring changes in vulnerabilities identified in the plan.
Changes in vulnerability can be identified by noting:
• Decreased vulnerability as a result of implementing recommended actions;
• Increased vulnerability as a result of failed or ineffective mitigation actions; and/or
• Increased vulnerability as a result of new development (and/or further annexation).
Updates to this plan will:
• Consider changes in vulnerability due to action implementation;
• Document success stories where mitigation efforts have proven effective;
• Document areas where mitigation actions were not effective;
• Document any new hazards that may arise or were previously overlooked;
• Incorporate new data or studies on hazards and risks;
• Incorporate new capabilities or changes in capabilities;

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• Incorporate growth and development-related changes to infrastructure inventories; and
• Incorporate new action recommendations or changes in action prioritization.
Changes will be made to the plan during the update process to accommodate for actions that have failed
or are not considered feasible after a review of their consistency with established criteria, time frame,
community priorities, and/or funding resources. Actions that were not ranked high but were identified
as potential mitigation activities will be reviewed as well during the monitoring and update of this plan to
determine feasibility of future implementation. Updating of the plan will be by written changes and
submissions, as is appropriate and necessary, and as approved by the Town Council. In keeping with the
five-year update process, the FMPC or similar committee will convene public meetings to solicit public
input on the plan and its routine maintenance and the final product will be adopted by the Town Council.
Specifically, the Town will adhere to the following process for the next update of this FMP:
Quarterly Plan Review Process
For the 2017 Floodplain Management Plan update review process, the Town of Morehead City’s Planning
& Inspections Department will be responsible for facilitating, coordinating, and scheduling reviews and
maintenance of the plan. The review of the Floodplain Management Plan will be conducted as follows:
• The Town’s Planning & Inspections Department will reconvene the FMPC or similar committee to
meet and review the progress toward implementation of the plan’s mitigation action plan. This
review will evaluate the progress made on implementation of each mitigation action listed in Section
8.4 Mitigation Action Plan.
• Meetings of the FMPC shall be published in accordance with local rules regarding public notice.
• Prior to the review, department heads and others tasked with implementation of the various activities
will be queried concerning progress on each activity in their area of responsibility and asked to present
a report at the review meeting.
• After each quarterly meeting, minutes of the meeting and a status report will be prepare d by the
Town’s Planning & Inspections Department.
• The results of each quarterly FMPC meeting will be made available to the local news media and the
Town Council for informational purposes.
• The Town’s Planning & Inspections Department will maintain copies of minutes and status reports to
provide to ISO/FEMA as part of the community’s annual recertification to the CRS program.
Criteria for Annual Reviews in Preparation for 5-Year Update
The criteria recommended in 44 CFR 201 and 206 will be utilized in reviewing and updating the plan. More
specifically, annual reviews will monitor changes to the following information:
• Community growth or change in the past quarter.
• The number of substantially damaged or substantially improved structures by flood zone.
• The renovations to public infrastructure including water, sewer, drainage, roads, bridges, gas lines,
and buildings.
• Natural hazard occurrences that required activation of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and
whether the event resulted in a presidential disaster declaration.
• Natural hazard occurrences that were not of a magnitude to warrant activation of the EOC or a federal
disaster declaration but were severe enough to cause damage in the community or closure of
businesses, schools, or public services.
• The dates of hazard events descriptions.
• Documented damages due to the event.
• Closures of places of employment or schools and the number of days closed.

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• Road or bridge closures due to the hazard and the length of time closed.
• Assessment of the number of private and public buildings damaged and whether the damage was
minor, substantial, major, or if buildings were destroyed. The assessment will include residences,
mobile homes, commercial structures, industrial structures, and public buildings, such as schools and
public safety buildings.
• Review of any changes in federal, state, and local policies to determine the impact of these policies
on the community and how and if the policy changes can or should be incorporated into the Floodplain
Management Plan. Review of the status of implementation of projects (mitigation strategies)
including projects completed will be noted. Projects behind schedule will include a reason for delay
of implementation.
Incorporation into Existing Planning Mechanisms
Another important implementation mechanism that is highly effective and low-cost is incorporation of
the Floodplain Management Plan recommendations and their underlying principles into other plans and
mechanisms. Where possible, plan participants will use existing plans and/or programs to implement
hazard mitigation actions. As previously stated, mitigation is most successful when it is incorporated into
the day-to-day functions and priorities of government and development. As described in this plan’s
capability assessment, the Town of Morehead City already implements policies and programs to reduce
losses to life and property from hazards. This plan builds upon the momentum developed through
previous and related planning efforts and mitigation programs and recommends implementing actions,
where possible, through these other program mechanisms. These existing mechanisms include:
• Hazard Mitigation Plans
• Land Use Plans
• Emergency Management Plans
• Ordinances
• Other plans, regulations, and practices with a mitigation focus
Those involved in these other planning mechanisms will be responsible for integrating the findings and
recommendations of this plan with these other plans, programs, etc., as appropriate. As described in
Section 10.1 Implementation, incorporation into existing planning mechanisms will be done through the
routine actions of:
• Monitoring other planning/program agendas;
• Attending other planning/program meetings;
• Participating in other planning processes; and
• Monitoring community budget meetings for other community program opportunities.
The successful implementation of this mitigation strategy will require constant and vigilant review of
existing plans and programs for coordination and multi-objective opportunities that promote a safe,
sustainable community.
Efforts should continuously be made to monitor the progress of mitigation actions implemented through
other planning mechanisms and, where appropriate, their priority actions should be incorporated into
updates of this Floodplain Management Plan.
Continued Public Involvement
Continued public involvement is imperative to the overall success of the plan’s implementation. The
update process provides an opportunity to solicit participation from new and existing stakeholders and to
publicize success stories from the plan implementation and seek additional public comment. The plan

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maintenance and update process will include continued public and stakeholder involvement and input
through attendance at designated committee meetings, web postings, press releases to local media, and
through public hearings.
Public Involvement Process for Quarterly Reviews
The public will be noticed by placing an advertisement on the Town’s website specifying the date and time
for the review and inviting public participation.
Public Involvement for Five-year Update
When the FMPC reconvenes for the five-year update, they will coordinate with all stakeholders
participating in the planning process—including those that joined the committee since the planning
process began—to update and revise the plan. In reconvening, the FMPC will be responsible for
coordinating the activities necessary to involve the greater public, including disseminating information
through a variety of media channels detailing the plan update process. As part of this effort, public
meetings will be held and public comments will be solicited on the plan update draft. The subcommittee
will also coordinate this public outreach process with the program for public information established
pursuant to the most current guidelines from the CRS.

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APPENDIX A PLANNING PROCESS
Planning Step 1: Organize to Prepare the Plan

Council Resolution Supporting the Plan Development

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Council Resolution Authorizing the Plan Development

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Council Minutes Appointing the FMPC

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Table A-1: FMPC Meeting Dates
Note: All FMPC Meetings were open to the public.
Meeting
Type Meeting Topic Meeting Date Meeting Location
FMPC #1
(Kick-off)
2) Introduction to DMA, CRS and the planning process
January 12, 2017
4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Municipal Chambers
202 South 8th Street
2) Organize resources: the role of the FMPC, planning
for public involvement, and coordinating with other
agencies and stakeholders

FMPC #2
2) Discussion of Program for Public Information (PPI) February 16, 2017
4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Municipal Chambers
202 South 8th Street 2) Discuss/develop mitigation goals for the 2017 FMP

FMPC #3
4) Review preliminary goals
April 3, 2017
10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Municipal Chambers
202 South 8th Street
5) Review/discussion of Flood Risk Assessment (Assess
the Hazard)
6) Review/discussion of Vulnerability Assessment
(Assess the Problem)

FMPC #4
3) Review/discussion of Flood Risk and Vulnerability
Assessment May 24, 2017
4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Municipal Chambers
202 South 8th Street 4) Discuss/develop mitigation strategies for the 2017
FMP

FMPC #5 3) Review “Draft” Floodplain Management Plan June 22, 2017
4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Municipal Chambers
202 South 8th Street 4) Solicit comments and feedback from the FMPC

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Table A-2: FMPC Documentation Request and Invitation List

First Name Last Name Organization/Position Email Address 1 Address 2
TOWN OF MOREHEAD CITY, NC
FLOODPLAIN MANAGMENT PLAN
LIST OF STAKEHOLDERS
Educational Institutions
1 Andy Read Director, Duke University Nicholas
School
[e-mail] 135 Duke Marine Lab Rd Beaufort, NC 28516
2 Rick Luettich Director, UNC Institute of Marine
Sciences
[e-mail] 3431 Arendell Street Morehead City, NC 28557
3 Dr. Kerry Youngblood President, Carteret Community College [e-mail] 3505 Arendell Street Morehead City, NC 28557
4 David Eggleston Director, North Carolina State University
Center
[e-mail] 303 College Circle Morehead City, NC 28557
Neighboring Communities
5 Mark Mansfield Carteret County Board of
Commissioners Chairman
[e-mail] 302 Courthouse Square Beaufort, NC 28516
6 Richard Stanley Beaufort, Mayor [e-mail] 701 Front Street Beaufort, NC 28516
7 Angela Christian Newport, Town Manager [e-mail] PO Box 1869 Newport, NC 28570
8 Trace Cooper, III Atlantic Beach, Mayor [e-mail] PO Box 10 Atlantic Beach, NC 28512
9 Kendall Jones Pine Knoll Shores, Mayor [e-mail] 100 Municipal Circle Pine Knoll Shores, NC 28512
10 Eddie Barber Emerald Isle, Mayor [e-mail] 7500 Emerald Isle Drive Emerald Isle, NC 28594
11 Scott Hatsell Cedar Point, Mayor [e-mail] PO Box 1687 Cedar Point, NC 28584
12 Stewart Pickett Indian Beach, Mayor [e-mail] 1400 Salter Path Road Indian Beach, NC 28512
Federal Government
13 Susan Wilson FEMA Region IV, Chief, Floodplain
Management & Insurance Branch
[e-mail] 3003 Chamblee Tucker Rd. - Hollins
Bldg.
Atlanta, GA 30341
14 Janice Mitchell FEMA Region IV, Mitigation Division [e-mail] 3003 Chamblee Tucker Rd. - Hollins
Bldg.
Atlanta, GA 30341
15 Mandy Todd ISO/CRS Specialist [e-mail] 1993 Meadowood Lane Longs, SC 29568
16 Mike Bratcher ISO/CRS Specialist [e-mail] 213 West Broad Street Beulaville, NC 28518

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First Name Last Name Organization/Position Email Address 1 Address 2
17 Eric Strom USGS - Raleigh Field Office [e-mail] 3916 Sunset Ridge Rd Raleigh, N.C. 27607
18 Belkys Melendez NOAA - National Weather Service [e-mail] 533 Roberts Road Newport, NC 28570
19 Tom Charles U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Regulatory Program
[e-mail] 69 Darlington Avenue Wilmington, NC 28403
State Government
20 John Gerber State NFIP Coordinator [e-mail] 4218 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-4218
21 Chris Crew State Hazard Mitigation Officer [e-mail] 4218 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-4218
22 Ryan Cox State Hazard Mitigation Planning
Supervisor
[e-mail] 4218 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-4218
23 Georgette Scott NCDEQ Regional Office - Land Quality
Section
[e-mail] 127 Cardinal Drive Ext. Wilmington, NC 28405
Business Community & Non-Profits Organizations
24 Vicki Labelle American Red Cross [e-mail] 1102 South 16th Street Wilmington, NC 28401
25 Anna Harvey Carteret County News-Times [e-mail] PO Box 1679 Morehead City, NC 28557
26 Kris Durham Crystal Coast Habitat for Humanity [e-mail] PO Box 789 Newport, NC 28570
27 Mr. Stacey Ellege Coastal Community Action [e-mail] PO Box 729 Newport, NC 28570
28 Dr. Lexia Weaver North Carolina Coastal Federation [e-mail] 3609 Highway 24 Newport, NC 28570
29 Terry Edwards Carteret County Homebuilders
Association
[e-mail] PO Box 1348 Morehead City, NC 28557
30 Lisa Rueh Downtown Morehead City
Revitalization Association
[e-mail] 1001 Arendell Street Morehead City, NC 28557

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FMPC Meeting Agendas, Minutes and Sign-in Sheets

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FMPC Meeting Pictures

January 12, 2017

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Planning Step 2: Involve the Public
Table A-3: Public Meeting Dates
Meeting
Type Meeting Topic Meeting Date Meeting Locations
Public
Meeting #1
1) Introduction to DMA, CRS and the planning
process January 12, 2017
5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Municipal Chambers
202 South 8th Street 2) Introduction to hazard identification

Public
Meeting #2
1) Review “Draft” Floodplain Management Plan June 22, 2017
5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Municipal Chambers
202 South 8th Street 2) Solicit comments and feedback from the FMPC

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Meeting Advertisements on Town Website

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Public Meeting Advertisement on Town Facebook Page

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Local Newspaper Articles

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Public Meeting Agendas, Minutes and Sign-in Sheets

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Public Survey
The Town of Morehead City distributed a public survey that requested public input into the Floodplain
Management Plan planning process and the identification of mitigation activities that could lessen the risk
and impact of future flood hazard events. The survey was provided on the Town’s website and at the
front desk of Town Hall.

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Public Survey posted on Town’s website

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The Draft Risk and Vulnerability Assessment was posted for public review and comment on the Town
website, and a copy was made available at Town Hall.

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The Town of Morehead City posted the entire Draft Floodplain Management Plan on its website for public
review and comment. The plan was advertised on several web pages and on the Planning & Inspections
Department’s Facebook page. A copy of the plan was also made available at Town Hall.

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Planning Step 3: Coordinate
This planning step credits the incorporation of other plans and other agencies’ efforts into the
development of the Floodplain Management Plan. Other agencies and organizations must be contacted
to determine if they have studies, plans and information pertinent to the Floodplain Management Plan,
to determine if their programs or initiatives may affect the community’s program, and to see if they could
support the community’s efforts. A sample coordination letter is provided below. A copy of all
coordination letters can be provided upon request by the Town of Morehead City Planning & Inspections
Department.

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APPENDIX B MITIGATION STRATEGY
B.1 RISK ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY
The conclusions drawn from the hazard profiling and vulnerability assessment process were used to
prioritize all potential hazards to the Morehead City planning area. The Priority Risk Index (PRI) was
applied to prioritize hazards because it provides a standardized numerical value so that hazards can be
compared against one another (the higher the PRI value, the greater the hazard risk). PRI values are
obtained by assigning varying degrees of risk to five categories for each hazard (probability, impact, spatial
extent, warning time, and duration). Each degree of risk was assigned a value (1 to 4) and a weighting
factor as summarized below in Table B.1.
Table B.1 – Priority Risk Index
RISK ASSESSMENT
CATEGORY
LEVEL DEGREE OF RISK CRITERIA INDEX WEIGHT
PROBABILITY
What is the
likelihood of a
hazard event
occurring in a given
year?
UNLIKELY LESS THAN 1% ANNUAL PROBABILITY 1
30%
POSSIBLE BETWEEN 1 & 10% ANNUAL PROBABILITY 2
LIKELY BETWEEN 10 &100% ANNUAL PROBABILITY 3
HIGHLY LIKELY 100% ANNUAL PROBABILTY 4

IMPACT
In terms of injuries,
damage, or death, would
you anticipate impacts to
be minor, limited,
critical, or catastrophic
when a significant hazard
event occurs?
MINOR
VERY FEW INJURIES, IF ANY. ONLY MINOR PROPERTY
DAMAGE & MINIMAL DISRUPTION ON QUALITY OF LIFE.
TEMPORARY SHUTDOWN OF CRITICAL FACILITIES.
1
30%
LIMITED
MINOR INJURIES ONLY. MORE THAN 10% OF PROPERTY IN
AFFECTED AREA DAMAGED OR DESTROYED. COMPLETE
SHUTDOWN OF CRITICAL FACILITIES FOR > 1 DAY
2
CRITICAL
MULTIPLE DEATHS/INJURIES POSSIBLE.
MORE THAN 25% OF PROPERTY IN AFFECTED AREA
DAMAGED OR DESTROYED. COMPLETE SHUTDOWN OF
CRITICAL FACILITIES FOR > 1 WEEK.
3
CATASTROPHIC
HIGH NUMBER OF DEATHS/INJURIES POSSIBLE. MORE
THAN 50% OF PROPERTY IN AFFECTED AREA DAMAGED OR
DESTROYED. COMPLETE SHUTDOWN OF CRITICAL
FACILITIES > 30 DAYS.
4

SPATIAL EXTENT
How large of an area
could be impacted by a
hazard event? Are
impacts localized or
regional?
NEGLIGIBLE LESS THAN 1% OF AREA AFFECTED 1
20%
SMALL BETWEEN 1 & 10% OF AREA AFFECTED 2
MODERATE BETWEEN 10 & 50% OF AREA AFFECTED 3
LARGE BETWEEN 50 & 100% OF AREA AFFECTED 4
WARNING TIME
Is there usually some lead
time associated with the
hazard event? Have
warning measures been
implemented?
MORE THAN 24 HRS SELF DEFINED 1
10%
12 TO 24 HRS SELF DEFINED 2
6 TO 12 HRS SELF DEFINED 3
LESS THAN 6 HRS SELF DEFINED 4
DURATION
How long does the hazard
event usually last?
LESS THAN 6 HRS SELF DEFINED 1
10%
LESS THAN 24 HRS SELF DEFINED 2
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RISK ASSESSMENT
CATEGORY
LEVEL DEGREE OF RISK CRITERIA INDEX WEIGHT
LESS THAN 1 WEEK SELF DEFINED 3
MORE THAN 1 WEEK SELF DEFINED 4
The application of the PRI results in numerical values that allow identified hazards to be ranked, where
the higher the PRI value, the greater the hazard risk. The sum of all five risk assessment categories equals
the final PRI value, demonstrated in the equation below (the highest possible PRI value is 4.0).
PRI VALUE = [(PROBABILITY x .30) + (IMPACT x .30) + (SPATIAL EXTENT x .20) + (WARNING TIME x .10) +
(DURATION x .10)]
The purpose of the PRI is to categorize and prioritize all potential hazards for the Morehead City planning
area as high, moderate, or low risk, defined as follows:
 Low Risk – Minimal potential impact. The occurrence and potential cost of damage to life and
property is minimal.
 Medium Risk – Moderate potential impact. This ranking carries a moderate threat level to the
general population and/or built environment. Here the potential damage is more isolated and
less costly than a more widespread disaster.
 High Risk – Widespread potential impact. This ranking carries a high threat to the general
population and/or built environment. The potential for damage is widespread.
The summary hazard classifications generated through the use of the PRI allows for the prioritization of
those high hazard risks for mitigation planning purposes.
The following tables summarize the PRI results and the resulting Hazard Risk Classifications.
Table B.2 – Summary of PRI Results
Hazard Probability Impact
Spatial
Extent Warning Time Duration
PRI
Score
Climate Change/Sea
Level Rise Highly Likely Minor Small >24 hours >1 week 2.4
100-/500-year Flood Possible Limited Moderate 6 to 12 hours <1 week 2.4
Stormwater/Localized
Flooding Highly Likely Minor Small 6 to 12 hours <24 hours 2.4
Dam Failure Unlikely Minor Negligible <6 hours <6 hours 1.3
Hurricane/Tropical
Storm Likely Critical Large >24 hours <1 week 3.0

Table B.3 – Summary of Hazard Risk Classification
High Risk
(2.5 – 3.0) Hurricane/Tropical Storm
Moderate Risk
(2.0 – 2.4)
Climate Change/Sea Level Rise
100-/500-year Flood
Stormwater/Localized Flooding
Low Risk
( < 2.0) Dam Failure

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B.2 MITIGATION GOALS DEVELOPMENT
B.2.1 Formulating Mitigation Goals
On February 16, 2017, the FMPC conducted an exercise to outline and recommend goals for this
Floodplain Management Plan. The first part of the exercise involved asking each committee member:
“What should be the goals of our mitigation program?” Each member was given a handout which appears
in Figure 7.1 along with a full summary of responses.
Committee members discussed their choices with the larger committee membership. There was some
consistency in the members’ topics. The committee members’ prevailing goals are listed below:
• Protect people’s lives
• Make sure future development doesn’t make things worse
• Protect homes
• Protect wetlands and environmentally sensitive areas
The second part of the exercise involved asking each committee member to evaluate potential goals for
Morehead City’s Floodplain Management Plan by agreeing or disagreeing with each potential goal.
Committee members were also asked to suggest other goals they felt would be appropriate. Again, e ach
member received a handout which appears in Figure 7.2 along with a full summary of responses.
The goal statements selected by committee members were in line with what they wanted to see in
Morehead City’s future. The exercise revealed important information to guide the planning effort. For
example, members stressed the importance of protecting lives and property, as well as preserving
wetlands and environmentally sensitive areas.
GOALS: Goals are stated without regard for implementation; that is, implementation cost, schedule, and
means are not considered. Goals are defined before considering how to accomplish them so tha t the
goals are not dependent on the means of achievement. Goals are public policy statements that:
• Represent basic desires of the jurisdiction;
• Encompass all aspects of planning area, public and private;
• Are nonspecific, in that they refer to the quality (not the quantity) of the outcome;
• Are future-oriented, in that they are achievable in the future; and
• Are time-independent, in that they are not scheduled events.
B.2.2 Resulting Goals and Objectives
At the end of the exercises, the FMPC agreed upon four general goals for this planning effort. The FMPC
also included objectives in support of the goals. The refined goals and objectives for the Town of
Morehead City are as follows:
Goal 1 – Reduce vulnerability and exposure to flood hazards in order to protect the health,
safety and welfare of residents and guests.
Objective 1.1: Advise the community of the safety and health precautions to implement before, during,
and after a flood.
Objective 1.2: Publish the locations (roads and intersections) which often flood after heavy rain events or
major storms.
Objective 1.3: Educate everyone on the benefits of improved water quality and associated habitat.
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Objective 1.4: Identify the location of vulnerable populations to aid in emergency evacuations.
Objective 1.5: Conduct site investigations, research exposure and hazard data, and evaluate proposed
modifications to repair and mitigate stormwater management problems.
Goal 2 – Reduce damage to development through flood resilient strategies and measures.
Objective 2.1: Prioritize capital improvement projects to address areas where poor drainage causes
substantial flooding.
Objective 2.2: Encourage development outside the special flood hazard area (1%-annual-chance flood).
Objective 2.3: Use the most effective approaches to protect buildings from flood damage, including
elevation, acquisition, and other retrofitting techniques where appropriate.
Objective 2.4: Encourage property owners to assume an appropriate level of responsibility for their own
protection, including the purchase of flood insurance.
Goal 3 – Protect natural resources by employing watershed-based approaches that balance
environmental, economic and engineering considerations.
Objective 3.1: Maintain and enforce regulations to protect and restore wetlands and ecological functions
for long-term environmental, economic and recreational values.
Objective 3.2: Pursue water management approaches and techniques that improve water quality and
protect public health.
Objective 3.3: Preserve and maintain open space in flood prone areas to reduce flood damage to buildings
and to provide recreational benefits.
Objective 3.4: Continue to protect wetlands and environmentally sensitive areas from encroachment of
development by requiring buffers and other setback mechanisms.
Goal 4 – Encourage property owners, through education and outreach measures, to protect
their homes and businesses from flood damage.
Objective 4.1: Educate property owners, including repetitive loss properties, on FEMA grant programs
and other methods in order to mitigate possible flood damage.
Objective 4.2: Provide current flood-proofing and retrofitting information to property owners.
Objective 4.3: Effectively communicate flood risk to residents, businesses, contractors, realtors and
prospective buyers.
Objective 4.4: Enhance community websites to provide comprehensive flood protection and flood
preparedness information.

B.3 Categories of Mitigation Measures Considered
The following categories are based on the Community Rating System.
• Prevention
• Property Protection
• Natural Resource Protection
• Emergency Services
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• Structural Projects
• Public Information and Outreach
B.4 Alternative Mitigation Measures per Category
Note: the CRS Credit Sections are based on the 2017 CRS Coordinator’s Manual.
B.4.1 Preventative and Regulatory Measures
Preventative measures are designed to keep a problem - such as flooding - from occurring or from getting
worse. The objective of preventative measures is to ensure that future development is not exposed to
damage and does not cause an increase in damages to other properties. Building, zoning, planning and
code enforcement offices usually administer preventative measures. Some examples of types of
preventative measures include:
• Building codes
• Zoning ordinance
• Comprehensive or land use plan
• Open space preservation
• Floodplain regulations
• Subdivision regulations
• Stormwater management regulations
Building Codes
Building codes provide one of the best methods for addressing natural hazards. When properly designed
and constructed according to code, the average building can withstand many of the impacts of natural
hazards. Hazard protection standards for all new and improved or repaired buildings can be incorporated
into the local building code. Building codes can ensure that the first floors of new buildings are constructed
to be higher than the elevation of the 100-year flood (the flood that is expected to have a one percent
chance of occurring in any given year). This is shown in Figure B.1.
Just as important as having code standards is the enforcement of the code. Adequate inspections are
needed during the course of construction to ensure that the builder understands the requirements and is
following them. Making sure a structure is properly elevated and anchored requires site inspections at
each step.

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Source: FEMA Publication: Above the Flood: Elevating Your Floodprone House, 2000

The Town of Morehead City has adopted the 2012 North Carolina Building Codes. In accordance with the
2012 North Carolina Building Code (Section 1804), the ground immediately adjacent to the foundation
shall be sloped away from the building at a slope of not less than 5-percent for a minimum distance of 10
feet. For buildings and structures in flood hazard areas, the finished ground level of an under-floor space
such as a crawl space shall be equal to or higher than the outside finished ground level on at least one
side (Section 1805).
In accordance with the 2012 North Carolina Residential Code (Section R401), lots shall be graded to drain
surface water away from foundation walls. The grade shall fall a minimum of 6 inches within the first 10
feet.
In accordance with the Town’s Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance (adopted June 2003), in all special
flood hazard areas where BFE data has been provided, the elevation to which all structures and other
development located within the special flood hazard areas must be elevated, or floodproofed if non-
residential, shall be the BFE plus 1.0 feet of freeboard.
Comprehensive or Land Use Plan
Building codes provide guidance on how to build in hazardous areas. Planning and zoning activities direct
development away from these areas, particularly floodplains and wetlands. They do this by designating
land uses that are compatible with the natural conditions of land that is prone to flooding, such as open
space or recreation. Planning and zoning activities can also provide benefits by simply allowing developers
more flexibility in arranging improvements on a parcel of land through the planned deve lopment
approach.
Figure B.1 – Building Codes and Flood Elevations
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The Morehead City Core Land Use Plan, was adopted in August of 2007. The plan was a requirement under
the Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA). Morehead City decided to adopt a separate land use plan
from Carteret County. This plan examined both existing and future conditions that could impact the
County and Town such as housing, population characteristics and economic conditions. The
Comprehensive Plan is intended to ensure that the Town grows in ways that enhances the community’s
vitality and overall quality of life. The plan addresses neighborhood preservation, economic
opportunities, a transportation system, development of parks and recreation facilities, and the protection
of natural resources and environmental quality.
Open Space Preservation
Keeping the floodplain and other hazardous areas open and free from development is the best approach
to preventing damage to new developments. Open space can be maintained in agricultural use or can
serve as parks, greenway corridors and golf courses.
Comprehensive and capital improvement plans should identify areas to be preserved by acquisition and
other means, such as purchasing an easement. With an easement, the owner is free to develop and use
private property, but property taxes are reduced or a payment is made to the owner if the owner agrees
to not build on the part set aside in the easement.
Although there are some federal programs that can help acquire or reserve open lands, open space lands
and easements do not always have to be purchased. Developers can be encouraged to dedicate park land
and required to dedicate easements for drainage and maintenance purposes.
The Town of Morehead City has several parks and other public lands designated as open space. Along
some water features such as marsh lands, certain portions of lots have restrictive regulations which
prohibit any development including placement of fill (buffer requirements).
Zoning Ordinance
Morehead City zoning consists of both a zoning map and a written ordinance that divides the jurisdictions
into zoning districts, including various residential, commercial, mixed-use and industrial districts. The
zoning regulations describe what type of land use and specific activities are permitted in each district, and
how to regulate how buildings, signs, parking, and other construction may be placed on a lot. The zoning
regulations also provide procedures for rezoning and other planning applications. The zoning map and
zoning regulations provide properties in Morehead City’s planning and zoning jurisdiction with certain
rights to development. The Town’s planning area also includes an extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) which
encompasses an extra 7,681.9 acres surrounding the Town. The ETJ provides for a control on
development adjacent to the City.
Floodplain Regulations
The Town of Morehead City’s UDO also contains flood damage prevention standards which apply to all
special flood hazard areas within the Town and its extraterritorial jurisdiction. In all special flood hazard
areas where Base Flood Elevation (BFE) data has been provided, the elevation to which all structures and
other development located within the special flood hazard areas must be elevated, or floodproofed if
non-residential, shall be the BFE plus 1.0 feet of freeboard. The ordinance also contains provisions for V-
Zones which provide one extra foot of freeboard since these buildings are measured from the lowest
horizontal member.
Stormwater Management Regulations
Stormwater runoff is increased when natural ground cover is replaced by urban development.
Development in the watershed that drains to a river can aggravate downstream flooding, overload the
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community's drainage system, cause erosion, and impair water quality. There are three ways to prevent
flooding problems caused by stormwater runoff:
1) Regulating development in the floodplain to ensure that it will be protected from flooding and that it
won't divert floodwaters onto other properties;
2) Regulating all development to ensure that the post-development peak runoff will not be greater than
it was under pre-development conditions; and
3) Set construction standards so buildings are protected from shallow water.
As required by state regulations, the Town monitors its drainage outfall into the White Oak River drainage
basin, and manages development in water supply watersheds within its jurisdiction. The Town’s UDO
requires that developments shall meet the North Carolina Stormwater Runoff Regulations and the Town’s
Standards and Specifications for streets, sidewalks and drainage.
Reducing Future Flood Losses
Future flood losses in Morehead City will be reduced through the implementation of the 2012 North
Carolina Building Code and the City’s 2003 Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance. Enforcement of the first
floor elevation requirement will provide an extra level of protection for buildings constructed in the Town.
Zoning and comprehensive planning can work together to reduce future flood losses by directing
development away from hazard prone areas. Creating or maintaining open space is the primary way to
reduce future flood losses. The Town of Morehead City has many open space and natural parcels which
serve to reduce future flood losses by remaining open. These parks and natural preserved areas create
opportunities for the public to benefit from education and recreation while eliminating poten tial for
future flooding.
Stormwater management and the requirement that post development runoff cannot exceed pre-
development conditions is one way to prevent future flood losses. Retention and detention requirements
also help to reduce future flood losses.
CRS Credit
The CRS encourages strong building codes. It provides credit in two ways: points are awarded based on
the community's Building Code Effectiveness Grading Schedule (BCEGS) classification and points are
awarded for adopting the International Code series. Morehead City’s BCEGS rating is a Class 7 for both
residential and commercial. The FMPC did not recommend any projects related to the building code since
the City is implementing the State of North Carolina Building Code.
CRS credits are available for regulations that encourage developers to preserve floodplains or other
hazardous areas away from development. There is no credit for a plan, only for the enforceable
regulations that are adopted pursuant to a plan. Morehead City currently receives credit for Activity 430
– Higher Regulatory Standards. Additionally, Morehead City currently receives credit for Activity 420 –
Open Space Preservation. Preserving flood prone areas as open space is one of the highest priorities of
the Community Rating System. The credits in the 2017 manual have doubled for OSP (Open Space
Preservation). The City also currently receives credit for Activity 450 – Stormwater Management. The
community enforces regulations for stormwater management, soil and erosion control and water quality.
The FMPC did not recommend any changes to the city’s Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Ordinance,
Subdivision Ordinance or Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance.

Conclusions
• The zoning ordinance designates floodplain as a special type of district.
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• Conservation is designated as a special type of district on the future land use map.
Recommendations
• The City should continue to implement activities in the CRS Program under the guidance of the
2017 CRS Coordinator’s Manual
• The City should consider creating an Open Space Plan and preserving conservation lands.
• The FMPC recommended that the city continue to create open space through a variety of
measures including buying out repetitive loss properties.

B.4.2 Property Protection Measures
Property protection measures are used to modify buildings or property subject to damage. Property
protection measures fall under three approaches:
• Modify the site to keep the hazard from reaching the building;
• Modify the building (retrofit) so it can withstand the impacts of the hazard; and
• Insure the property to provide financial relief after the damage occurs.
Property protection measures are normally implemented by the property owner, although in many cases
technical and financial assistance can be provided by a government agency.

Keeping the Hazard Away
Generally, natural hazards do not damage vacant areas. As noted earlier, the major impact of hazards is
to people and improved property. In some cases, properties can be modified so the hazard does not reach
the damage-prone improvements. For example, a berm can be built to prevent floodwaters from reaching
a house.

Flooding
There are five common methods to keep a flood from reaching and damaging a building:
• Erect a barrier between the building and the source of the flooding.
• Move the building out of the flood-prone area.
• Elevate the building above the flood level.
• Demolish the building.
• Replace the building with a new one that is elevated above the flood level.
The last 3 approaches are the most effective types to consider in Morehead City.
Barriers
A flood protection barrier can be built of dirt or soil (a
"berm") or concrete or steel (a "floodwall"). Careful design
is needed so as not to create flooding or drainage problems
on neighboring properties. Depending on how porous the
ground is, if floodwaters will stay up for more than an hour
or two, the design needs to account for leaks, seepage of
water underneath, and rainwater that will fall inside the
perimeter. This is usually done with a sump or drain to collect
the internal groundwater and surface water and a pump and
pipe to pump the internal drainage over the barrier.
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Barriers can only be built so high. They can be overtopped by a flood
higher than expected. Barriers made of earth are susceptible to
erosion from rain and floodwaters if not properly sloped, covered
with grass, and properly maintained.

Relocation
Moving a building to higher ground is the surest and safest way to
protect it from flooding. While almost any building can be moved,
the cost increases for heavier structures, such as those with exterior
brick and stone walls, and for large or irregularly shaped buildings.
Relocation is also preferred for large lots that include buildable areas
outside the floodplain or where the owner has a new flood-free lot
(or portion of the existing lot) available.
Building Elevation
Raising a building above the flood level can be almost as effective as
moving it out of the floodplain. Water flows under the building,
causing little or no damage to the structure or its contents. Raising a
building above the flood level is cheaper than moving it and can be
less disruptive to a neighborhood. Elevation has proven to be an
acceptable and reasonable means of complying with floodplain
regulations that require new, substantially improved, and substantially damaged buildings to be elevated
above the base flood elevation.
Demolition
Some buildings, especially heavily damaged or
repetitively flooded ones, are not worth the expense to
protect them from future damages. It is cheaper to
demolish them and either replace them with new, flood
protected structures, or relocate the occupants to a
safer site. Demolition is also appropriate for buildings
that are difficult to move - such as larger, slab
foundation or masonry structures - and for dilapidated
structures that are not worth protecting.
Pilot Reconstruction
If a building is not in good shape, elevating it may not
be worthwhile or it may even be dangerous. An
alternative is to demolish the structure and build a new
one on the site that meets or exceeds all flood
protection codes. FEMA funding programs refer to this approach as "pilot reconstruction." It is still a pilot
program, and not a regularly funded option. Certain rules must be followed to qualify for federal funds
for pilot reconstruction.
Retrofitting
An alternative to keeping the hazard away from a building is to modify or retrofit the site or building to
minimize or prevent damage. There are a variety of techniques to do this, as described below.

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 Dry Floodproofing
Dry floodproofing means making all areas below the flood protection level watertight. Walls are
coated with waterproofing compounds or plastic sheeting. Openings, such as doors, windows and
vents, are closed, either permanently, with removable shields, or with sandbags. Dry floodproofing
of new and existing nonresidential buildings in the regulatory floodplain is permitted under state,
FEMA and local regulations. Dry floodproofing of existing residential buildings in the floodplain is also
permitted as long as the building is not substantially damaged or being substantially improved.
Owners of buildings located outside the regulatory floodplain can always use dry floodproofing
techniques.
Dry floodproofing is only effective for shallow flooding, such as repetitive drainage problems. It does
not protect from the deep flooding along lakes and larger rivers caused by hurricanes or other storms.
 Wet Floodproofing
The alternative to dry floodproofing is wet floodproofing: water is let in and everything that could be
damaged by a flood is removed or elevated above the flood level. Structural components below the
flood level are replaced with materials that are not subject to water damage. For example, concrete
block walls are used instead of wooden studs and gypsum wallboard. The furnace, water heater and
laundry facilities are permanently relocated to a higher floor. Where the flooding is not deep, these
appliances can be raised on blocks or platforms.
 Insurance
Technically, insurance does not mitigate damage caused by a natural hazard. However, it does hel p
the owner repair, rebuild, and hopefully afford to incorporate some of the other property protection
measures in the process. Insurance offers the advantage of protecting the property, so long as the
policy is in force, without requiring human intervention for the measure to work.
Private Property
Although most homeowner's insurance policies do not cover a property for flood damage, an
owner can insure a building for damage by surface flooding through the NFIP. Flood insurance
coverage is provided for buildings and their contents damaged by a "general condition of surface
flooding" in the area. Most people purchase flood insurance because it is required by the bank
when they get a mortgage or home improvement loan. Usually these policies just cover the
building's structure and not the contents. Contents coverage can be purchased separately.
Renters can buy contents coverage, even if the owner does not buy structural coverage on the
building. Most people don't realize that there is a 30-day waiting period to purchase a flood
insurance policy and there are limits on coverage.
Public Property
Governments can purchase commercial insurance policies. Larger local governments often self-
insure and absorb the cost of damage to one facility, but if many properties are exposed to
damage, self-insurance can drain the government's budget. Communities cannot expect federal
disaster assistance to make up the difference after a flood.
Local Implementation/CRS Credit
The CRS provides the most credit points for acquisition and relocation under Activity 520, because this
measure permanently removes insurable buildings from the floodplain. Morehead City does currently
receive credit for Activity 520 – Acquisition and Relocation. The FMPC recommended that the Town
continue to prepare a plan for the purchase of repetitive loss buildings and other buildings which are
subject to flood damage.
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The CRS credits barriers and elevating existing buildings under Activity 530. The credit for Activity 530 is
based on the combination of flood protection techniques used and the level of flood protection provided.
Points are calculated for each protected building. Bonus points are provided for the protection of
repetitive loss buildings and critical facilities. Morehead City does not currently receive credit for Activity
530 – Flood Protection. The Town staff has the technical expertise to provide advice and assistance to
homeowners who may want to flood proof their home or business. The FMPC recommends that the Town
continue to publicize technical assistance for Activity 360 Flood Protection Assistance.
Flood insurance information for the Town is provided in Section 6.4.2. Morehead City publicizes the
requirement for flood insurance to those requesting FIRM information through the Mandatory Purchase
Requirement and through outreach brochures to floodplain residents and repetitive loss areas. Since
numerous buildings in the repetitive loss areas may not owned by the occupant, a new outreach will focus
on renters.
There is no credit for purchasing flood insurance, but the CRS does provide credit for local public
information programs that explain flood insurance to property owners and preparing plans to increase
coverage. The CRS also reduces the premiums for those people who do buy NFIP coverage. Morehead
City currently receives credit for Activity 330 – Outreach Projects. The FMPC would like to focus outreach
to renters to explain that NFIP renter’s insurance is available to protect valuables inside the home.

Conclusions
• There are several ways to protect properties from flood damage. The advantages and
disadvantages of each should be carefully examined for each situation.
• Property owners can implement some property protection measures at little cost, especially for
sites in areas of low level flooding.
• Approximately 57% of properties located in the Zone AE and XE flood zones (effective FIRM) have
a flood insurance policy; approximately 55% of properties located in the Zone X 500-yr and Zone
X Unshaded flood zones have flood insurance.
• The local government can promote and support property protection through outreach and
financial incentives.
• Property protection measures can protect the most flood-prone buildings in the Town such as
those which are repetitively flooded.
Recommendations
• Encourage homeowners to take responsibility for protecting their own properties by providing
retrofitting advice and assistance.
• Encourage the promotion of flood insurance to renters to cover their personal belongings.
• Target Repetitive loss properties by leveraging, local, state, and federal funding opportunities.
• Continue to provide retrofitting advice to residents in the Town.

B.4.3 Natural Resource Protection
Resource protection activities are generally aimed at preserving (or in some cases restoring) natural areas.
These activities enable the naturally beneficial functions of fields, floodplains, wetlands, and other natural
lands to operate more effectively. Natural and beneficial functions of watersheds, floodplains and
wetlands include:
• Reduction in runoff from rainwater and stormwater in pervious areas
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• Infiltration that absorbs overland flood flow
• Removal and filtering of excess nutrients, pollutants and sediments
• Storage of floodwaters
• Absorption of flood energy and reduction in flood scour
• Water quality improvement
• Groundwater recharge
• Habitat for flora and fauna
• Recreational and aesthetic opportunities
As development occurs, many of the above benefits can be achieved through regulatory steps for
protecting natural areas or natural functions. This section covers the resource protection programs and
standards that can help mitigate the impact of natural hazards, while they improve the overall
environment. Six areas were reviewed:
• Wetland protection
• Erosion and sedimentation control
• Stream/River restoration
• Best management practices
• Dumping regulations
• Farmland protection

Wetland Protection
Wetlands are often found in floodplains and topographically depressed
areas of a watershed. Many wetlands receive and store floodwaters, thus
slowing and reducing downstream flows. They also serve as a natural filter,
which helps to improve water quality, and they provide habitat for many
species of fish, wildlife and plants. Morehead City and its ETJ contains
several acres of wetlands, floodplains and land in the White Oak River
basin.

Erosion and Sedimentation Control
Farmlands and construction sites typically contain large areas of bare exposed soil. Surface water runoff
can erode soil from these sites, sending sediment into downstream waterways. Erosion also occurs along
stream banks and shorelines as the volume and velocity of flow or wave action destabilize and wash away
the soil. Sediment suspended in the water tends to settle out where flowing water slows down. This can
clog storm drains, drain tiles, culverts and ditches and reduce the water transport and storage capacity of
river and stream channels, lakes and wetlands.
There are two principal strategies to address these problems: minimize erosion and control
sedimentation. Techniques to minimize erosion include phased construction, minimal land clearing, and
stabilizing bare ground as soon as possible with vegetation and other soil stabilizing practices.

Stream/River Restoration
There is a growing movement that has several names, such as "stream conservation," "bioengineering,"
or "riparian corridor restoration." The objective of these approaches is to return streams, stream banks
and adjacent land to a more natural condition, including the natural meanders. Another term is
"ecological restoration," which restores native indigenous plants and animals to an area.
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A key component of these efforts is to use appropriate native plantings along the banks that resist erosion.
This may involve retrofitting the shoreline with willow cuttings, wetland plants, or rolls of landscape
material covered with a natural fabric that decomposes after the banks are stabilized with plant roots.
In all, restoring the right vegetation to a stream has the following advantages:
• Reduces the amount of sediment and pollutants entering the water
• Enhances aquatic habitat by cooling water temperature
• Provides food and shelter for both aquatic and terrestrial wildlife
• Can reduce flood damage by slowing the velocity of water
• Increases the beauty of the land and its property value
• Prevents property loss due to erosion
• Provides recreational opportunities, such as hunting, fishing and bird watching
• Reduces long-term maintenance costs
As required by state regulations, the Morehead City monitors its drainage outfalls into the White Oak
River drainage basin, and manages development in water supply watersheds within its jurisdiction.

Best Management Practices
Point source pollutants come from pipes such as the outfall of a municipal wastewater treatment plant.
They are regulated by the US EPA. Nonpoint source pollutants come from non-specific locations and
harder to regulate. Examples of nonpoint source pollutants are lawn fertilizers, pesticides, other
chemicals, animal wastes, oils from street surfaces and industrial areas, and sediment from agriculture,
construction, mining and forestry. These pollutants are washed off the ground's surface by stormwater
and flushed into receiving storm sewers, ditches and streams.
The term "best management practices" (BMPs) refers to design, construction and maintenance practices
and criteria that minimize the impact of stormwater runoff rates and volumes, prevent erosion, protect
natural resources and capture nonpoint source pollutants (including sediment). They can prevent
increases in downstream flooding by attenuating runoff and enhancing infiltration of stormwater. They
also minimize water quality degradation, preserve beneficial natural features onsite, maintain natural
base flows, minimize habitat loss, and provide multiple usages of drainage and storage facilities.
The Town’s UDO contains regulations for stormwater BMPs. Because of Morehead City’s unique geologic
and hydrologic conditions (i.e., poorly drained soils and a shallow water table), the types of appropriate
BMPs that can be effectively utilized in Morehead City are limited.

Dumping Regulations
BMPs usually address pollutants that are liquids or are suspended in water that are washed into a lake or
stream. Dumping regulations address solid matter, such as shopping carts, appliances and landscape
waste that can be accidentally or intentionally thrown into channels or wetlands. Such materials may not
pollute the water, but they can obstruct even low flows and reduce the channels' and wetlands' abilities
to convey or clean stormwater.
Many cities have nuisance ordinances that prohibit dumping garbage or other "objectionable waste" on
public or private property. Waterway dumping regulations need to also apply to "non-objectionable"
materials, such as grass clippings or tree branches, which can kill ground cover or cause obstructions in
channels. Regular inspections to catch violations should be scheduled.

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Many people do not realize the consequences of their actions. They may, for example, fill in the ditch in
their front yard without realizing that is needed to drain street runoff. They may not understand how
regarding their yard, filling a wetland, or discarding leaves or branches in a watercourse can cause a
problem to themselves and others. Therefore, a dumping enforcement program should include public
information materials that explain the reasons for the rules as well as the penalties.

Farmland Protection
Farmland protection is an important piece of comprehensive planning and zoning throughout the United
States. The purpose of farmland protection is to provide mechanisms for prime, unique, or important
agricultural land to remain as such, and to be protected from conversion to nonagricultural uses.
Frequently, farm owners sell their land to residential or commercial developers and the property is
converted to non-agricultural land uses. With development comes more buildings, roads and other
infrastructure. Urban sprawl occurs, which can lead to additional stormwater runoff and emergency
management difficulties.
Farms on the edge of cities are often appraised based on the price they could be sold for to urban
developers. This may drive farmers to sell to developers because their marginal farm operations cannot
afford to be taxed as urban land. The Farmland Protection Program in the United States Department of
Agriculture's 2002 Farm Bill (Part 519) allows for funds to go to state, tribal, and local governments as well
as nonprofit organizations to help purchase easements on agricultural land to protect against the
development of the land.
The FMPC did not recommend any projects related to farmland protection.
Local Implementation/CRS Credit
There is credit for preserving open space in its natural condition or restored to a state approximating its
natural condition. The credit is based on the percentage of the floodplain that can be documented as
wetlands protected from development by ownership or local regulations. Morehead City currently
receives credit for Activity 420 – Open Space Preservation for preserving part of the SFHA as open space.
The FMPC did recommend a project related to the protection of wetlands.
Morehead City currently receives credit for Activity 540 – Drainage System Maintenance. A portion of the
Town’s drainage system is inspected regularly throughout the year and maintenance is performed as
needed by the Town of Morehead City Public Services Department. The Town also enforces a regulation
prohibiting dumping in the drainage system.
Credit is available for the Erosion and Sediment Control (ESC) element under Activity 450 for regulating
activities throughout the watershed to minimize erosion on construction sites that result could in
sedimentation and water pollution. Morehead City does currently receive credit for soil and erosion
control regulations under Activity 450 – Stormwater Management. The Town of Morehead City’s UDO
refers to the North Carolina Erosion and Sedimentation Control Act. The regulations address identification
of critical areas, limiting amount and time of exposure, and control of surface water runoff. The FMPC
propose protecting wetland and conservation areas along with adopting setback buffers to protect these
natural floodplain functions.

Conclusions
• Flood hazard mitigation projects can use resource protection programs to support protecting
natural features that can mitigate the impacts of flooding.
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• Morehead City ordinances prohibit illicit discharges into public drainage areas or onto public or
private property.
• Preserving open space and natural areas will serve to benefit the natural resource areas and
protect natural occurring processes and help to protect certain species of plants and animals.
Recommendations
• Morehead City should identify additional parcels that will not be well suited for development and
encourage a public/private partnership to maintain them as open space.
• The Town should target outreach to its residents on the benefits of natural resource protection.
• The Town should target outreach to its residents regarding illicit discharges into public drainage
areas or onto public or private property.
• The Town should continue to implement the Program for Public Information (PPI).
• The Town should encourage Low Impact Development (LID) techniques to maintain natural areas.

B.4.4 Emergency Services Measures
Emergency services measures protect people during and after a disaster. A good emergency management
program addresses all hazards, and it involves all local government departments. This section reviews
emergency services measures following a chronological order of responding to an emergency. It starts
with identifying an impending problem (threat recognition) and continues through post-disaster activities.
Threat Recognition
The first step in responding to a flood is to know when weather conditions are such that an event could
occur. With a proper and timely threat recognition system, adequate warnings can be disseminated.
The National Weather Service (NWS) is the prime agency for detecting meteorological threats. Severe
weather warnings are transmitted through NOAA's Weather Radio System. Local emergency managers
can then provide more site-specific and timely recognition after the Weather Service issues a watch or a
warning. A flood threat recognition system predicts the time and height of a flood crest. This can be done
by measuring rainfall, soil moisture, and stream flows upstream of the community and calculating the
subsequent flood levels.
On smaller rivers and streams, locally established rainfall and river gauges are needed to establish a flood
threat recognition system. The NWS may issue a "flash flood watch." This is issued to indicate current or
developing hydrologic conditions that are favorable for flash flooding in and close to the watch area, but
the occurrence is neither certain nor imminent. These events are so localized and so rapid that a "flash
flood warning" may not be issued, especially if no remote threat recognition equipment is available. In
the absence of a gauging system on small streams, the best threat recognition system is to have local
personnel monitor rainfall and stream conditions. While specific flood crests and times will not be
predicted, this approach will provide advance notice of potential local or flash flooding.
Warning
The next step in emergency response following threat recognition is to notify the public and staff of other
agencies and critical facilities. More people can implement protection measures if warnings are early and
include specific detail.
The NWS issues notices to the public using two levels of notification:
• Watch: conditions are right for flooding, thunderstorms, tornadoes or winter storms.
• Warning: a flood, tornado, etc., has started or been observed.
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A more specific warning may be disseminated by the community in a variety of ways. The following are
the more common methods:
• CodeRED countywide mass telephone emergency communication system
• Commercial or public radio or TV stations
• The Weather Channel
• Cable TV emergency news inserts
• Telephone trees/mass telephone notification
• NOAA Weather Radio
• Tone activated receivers in key facilities
• Outdoor warning sirens
• Sirens on public safety vehicles
• Door-to-door contact
• Mobile public address systems
• Email notifications
Just as important as issuing a warning is telling people what to do in case of an emergency. A warning
program should include a public information component.
StormReady
The National Weather Service established the StormReady program to
help local governments improve the timeliness and effectiveness of
hazardous weather related warnings for the public. To be officially
StormReady, a community must:
• Establish a 24-hour warning point and emergency operations center
• Have more than one way to receive severe weather warnings and forecasts and to alert the public
• Create a system that monitors weather conditions locally
• Promote the importance of public readiness through community seminars
• Develop a formal hazardous weather plan, which includes training severe weather spotters and
holding emergency exercises
Being designated a StormReady community by the National Weather Service is a good measure of a
community's emergency warning program for weather hazards. Morehead City is not credited by NOAA
as a StormReady community.
Response
The protection of life and property is the most important task of emergency responders. Concurrent with
threat recognition and issuing warnings, a community should respond with actions that can prevent or
reduce damage and injuries. Typical actions and responding parties include the following:
• Activating the emergency operations center (emergency preparedness)
• Closing streets or bridges (police or public works)
• Shutting off power to threatened areas (utility company)
• Passing out sand and sandbags (public works)
• Holding children at school or releasing children from school (school superintendent)
• Opening evacuation shelters (the American Red Cross)
• Monitoring water levels (public works)
• Establishing security and other protection measures (police)
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An emergency action plan ensures that all bases are covered and that the response activities are
appropriate for the expected threat. These plans are developed in coordination with the agencies or
offices that are given various responsibilities.
Emergency response plans should be updated annually to keep contact names and telephone numbers
current and to ensure that supplies and equipment that will be needed are still available. They should be
critiqued and revised after disasters and exercises to take advantage of the lessons learned and of
changing conditions. The end result is a coordinated effort implemented by people who have experience
working together so that available resources will be used in the most efficient manner possible.
Evacuation and Shelter
There are six key components to a successful evacuation:
• Adequate warning
• Adequate routes
• Proper timing to ensure the routes are clear
• Traffic control
• Knowledgeable travelers
• Care for special populations (e.g., the handicapped, prisoners, hospital patients, and
schoolchildren)
Those who cannot get out of harm's way need shelter. Typically, the American Red Cross will staff a
shelter and ensure that there is adequate food, bedding, and wash facilities. Shelter management is a
specialized skill. Managers must deal with problems like scared children, families that want to bring in
their pets, and the potential for an overcrowded facility.
Post-Disaster Recovery and Mitigation
After a disaster, communities should undertake activities to protect public health and safety and facilitate
recovery. Appropriate measures include:
• Patrolling evacuated areas to prevent looting
• Providing safe drinking water
• Monitoring for diseases
• Vaccinating residents for tetanus and other diseases
• Clearing streets
• Cleaning up debris and garbage
Following a disaster, there should be an effort to help prepare people and property for the next disaster.
Such an effort would include:
• Public information activities to advise residents about mitigation measures they can incorporate
into their reconstruction work.
• Evaluating damaged public facilities to identify mitigation measures that can be included during
repairs.
• Identifying other mitigation measures that can lessen the impact of the next disaster.
• Acquiring substantially or repeatedly damaged properties from willing sellers.
• Planning for long-term mitigation activities.
• Applying for post-disaster mitigation funds.
Regulating Reconstruction
Requiring permits for building repairs and conducting inspections are vital activities to ensure that
damaged structures are safe for people to reenter and repair. There is a special requirement to do this in
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floodplains, regardless of the type of disaster or the cause of damage. The NFIP requires that local officials
enforce the substantial damage regulations. These rules require that if the cost to repair a building in the
mapped floodplain equals or exceeds 50% of the building's market value, the building must be retrofitted
to meet the standards of a new building in the floodplain. In most cases, this means that a substantially
damaged building must be elevated above the base flood elevation.
Local Implementation /CRS Credit
Flash flood warnings are issued by National Weather Service Offices, which have the local and county
warning responsibility. Flood warnings are forecasts of coming floods, and are distributed to the p ublic
by the NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio and television, and through local emergency agencies. The
warning message tells the expected degree of flooding, the affected river, when and where flooding will
begin, and the expected maximum river level at specific forecast points during flood crest. The FMPC did
not recommend any projects related to threat recognition as this service is carried out by Carteret County
Emergency Management.
The incident commander at the scene of an emergency in Carteret County has the authority to order an
evacuation. If the evacuation involved more than one jurisdiction, the order will be issued on the County
level. There are several highway routes allowing evacuation from various parts of the County. However;
in Morehead City Highways 70 and 24 are the routes for evacuation from the Town.
Morehead City currently receives credit for Activity 610 – Flood Warning Program based on the program
implemented by Carteret County. Community Rating System credits are based on the number and types
of warning media that can reach the community's flood prone population. Depending on the location,
communities can receive credit for the telephone calling system and more credits if there are additional
measures, like telephone trees. Being designated as a StormReady community can provide additional
credits. The FMPC did not recommend any projects related to flood warning.

Conclusions
• Carteret County performs most emergency management functions for Morehead City.
• Morehead City should continue to coordinate with Carteret County on all Emergency
Management functions.
Recommendations
• The FMPC recommended that the Town publicize flood emergency evacuation routes and the
hazards associated with flood events along with critical facilities – shelter locations.
• Morehead City should work with the County to protect critical facilities and infrastructure that
are potentially exposed to flood damage.
• Morehead City should continue to maintain emergency generators at sites and to have an on call
post-disaster contractor ready to clean up after a flood event.

B.4.5 Structural Projects
Four general types of flood control projects are reviewed here: levees, reservoirs, diversions, and
dredging. These projects have three advantages not provided by other mitigation measures:
• They can stop most flooding, protecting streets and landscaping in addition to buildings.
• Many projects can be built without disrupting citizens' homes and businesses.
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• They are constructed and maintained by a government agency, a more dependable long-term
management arrangement than depending on many individual private property owners.
However, as shown below, structural measures also have shortcomings. The appropriateness of using
flood control depends on individual project area circumstances.
• Advantages
o They may provide the greatest amount of protection for land area used
o Because of land limitations, they may be the only practical solution in some
circumstances
o They can incorporate other benefits into structural project design, such as water supply
and recreational uses
o Regional detention may be more cost-efficient and effective than requiring numerous
small detention basins
• Disadvantages
o They can disturb the land and disrupt the natural water flows, often destroying wildlife
habitat
o They require regular maintenance
o They are built to a certain flood protection level that can be exceeded by larger floods
o They can create a false sense of security
o They promote more intensive land use and development in the floodplain
Levees and Floodwalls
Probably the best known flood control measure is a barrier of earth (levee) or concrete (floodwall) erected
between the watercourse and the property to be protected. Levees and floodwalls confine water to the
stream channel by raising its banks. They must be well designed to account for large floods, underground
seepage, pumping of internal drainage, and erosion and scour.
Reservoirs and Detention
Reservoirs reduce flooding by temporarily storing flood waters
behind dams or in storage or detention basins. Reservoirs lower
flood heights by holding back, or detaining, runoff before it can
flow downstream. Flood waters are detained until the flood has
subsided, and then the water in the reservoir or detention basin is
released or pumped out slowly at a rate that the river can
accommodate downstream.
Reservoirs can be dry and remain idle until a large rain event
occurs. Or they may be designed so that a lake or pond is created.
The lake may provide recreational benefits or water supply (which
could also help mitigate a drought).
Flood control reservoirs are most commonly built for one of two
purposes. Large reservoirs are constructed to protect property
from existing flood problems. Smaller reservoirs, or detention
basins, are built to protect property from the stormwater runoff impacts of new development.
Diversion
A diversion is a new channel that sends floodwaters to a different location, there by reducing flooding
along an existing watercourse. Diversions can be surface channels, overflow weirs, or tunnels. During
normal flows, the water stays in the old channel. During floods, the floodwaters spill over to the diversion
channel or tunnel, which carries the excess water to a receiving lake or river.
Retention pond
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Local Implementation /CRS Credit
Morehead City does not currently receive credit for Activity 530 - Flood Protection. Structural flood
control projects that provide 100-year flood protection and that result in revisions to the Flood Insurance
Rate Map are not credited by the CRS so as not to duplicate the larger premium reduction provided by
removing properties from the mapped floodplain.

Conclusions
• There are many areas identified that experience flooding due to overburdened channels and/or
inadequate drainage systems.
Recommendations
• The FMPC recommended prioritization of capital improvement projects to address drainage,
including the Church Street and Blair Farms drainage improvement projects.
• Install storm drain outfall flap gates at different locations to prevent water from backing up
through the storm drainage system.

B.4.6 Public Information
Outreach Projects
Outreach projects are the first step in the process of orienting property owners to the hazards they face
and to the concept of property protection. They are designed to encourage people to seek out more
information in order to take steps to protect themselves and their properties.
Awareness of the hazard is not enough; people need to be told what they can do about the hazard. Thus,
projects should include information on safety, health and property protection measures. Research has
shown that a properly run local information program is more effective than national advertising or
publicity campaigns. Therefore, outreach projects should be locally designed and tailored to meet local
conditions.
Community newsletters/direct mailings: The most effective types of outreach projects are mailed or
distributed to everyone in the community. In the case of floods, they can be sent only to floodplain
property owners.
News media: Local newspapers can be strong allies in efforts to inform the public. Local radio stations and
cable TV channels can also help. These media offer interview formats and cable TV may be willing to
broadcast videos on the hazards.
Libraries and Websites
The two previous activities tell people that they are exposed to a hazard. The next step is to provide
information to those who want to know more. The community library and local websites are obvious
places for residents to seek information on hazards, hazard protection, and protecting natural resources.
Books and pamphlets on hazard mitigation can be given to libraries, and many of these can be obtained
for free from state and federal agencies. Libraries also have their own public information campaigns with
displays, lectures and other projects, which can augment the activities of the local government. Today,
websites are commonly used as research tools. They provide fast access to a wealth of public and private
sites for information. Through links to other websites, there is almost no limit to the amount of up to date
information that can be accessed on the Internet.
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In addition to online floodplain maps, websites can link to information for homeowners on how to retrofit
for floods or a website about floods for children.
Technical Assistance
Hazard Information
Residents and business owners that are aware of the potential hazards can take steps to avoid problems
or reduce their exposure to flooding. Communities can easily provide map information from FEMA's
FIRMs and Flood Insurance Studies. They may also assist residents in submitting requests for map
amendments and revisions when they are needed to show that a building is located outside the mapped
floodplain.
Some communities supplement what is shown on the FIRM with information on additional hazards,
flooding outside mapped areas and zoning. When the map information is provided, community staff can
explain insurance, property protection measures and mitigation options that are available to property
owners. They should also remind inquirers that being outside the mapped floodplain is no guarantee that
a property will never flood.
Property Protection Assistance
While general information provided by outreach projects or the library is beneficial, most property owners
do not feel ready to retrofit their buildings without more specific guidance. Local building department
staffs are experts in construction. They can provide free advice, not necessarily to design a protection
measure, but to steer the owner onto the right track. Building or public works department staffs can
provide the following types of assistance:
• Visit properties and offer protection suggestions
• Recommend or identify qualified or licensed contractors
• Inspect homes for anchoring of roofing and the home to the foundation
• Explain when building permits are needed for home improvements.
Public Information Program
A Program for Public Information (PPI) is a document that receives CRS credit. It is a review of local
conditions, local public information needs, and a recommended plan of activities. A PPI consists of the
following parts, which are incorporated into this plan:
• The local flood hazard
• The property protection measures appropriate for the flood hazard
• Flood safety measures appropriate for the local situation
• The public information activities currently being implemented within the community, including
those being carried out by non-government agencies
• Goals for the community's public information program
• The outreach projects that will be done each year to reach the goals
• The process that will be followed to monitor and evaluate the projects
Local Implementation /CRS Credit
Morehead City currently receives credit under Activity 330 – Outreach Projects as well as Activity 350 –
Flood Protection Information. The FMPC recently participated in the development of a PPI to direct
outreach within and outside the community. A community brochure is mailed to all properties in the
SFHA, to repetitive loss area and to areas of dam inundation on an annual basis. Documents relating to
floodplain management are available in the Carteret County Public Library. Credit is also provided for
floodplain information displayed on the Town’s website. Morehead City maintains a website that
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provides flood protection information including flood insurance, property protection, flood warning
system, permit requirements, and drainage system maintenance.

Conclusions
• Morehead City has a public awareness and outreach program.
• The City targets citizens through its website, news media, public meetings, neighborhood
meetings, and special events.
Recommendations
• Work to improve flood insurance coverage in Morehead City.
• Continue to implement the Program for Public Information (PPI) to better educate the public
about the flood hazards.
• Send targeted outreach materials to the SFHA, Repetitive Loss Areas and those exposed to dam
inundation.

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B.5 Mitigation Alternative Selection Criteria
The process for evaluating mitigation alternatives is described in Section 8.3. The following criteria were
used to select and prioritize proposed mitigation measures:

STAPLEE
• Social: Does the measure treat people fairly? (different groups, different generations)
• Technical: Will it work? (Does it solve the problem? Is it feasible?)
• Administrative: Do you have the capacity to implement and manage project?
• Political: Who are the stakeholders? Did they get to participate? Is there public support? Is
political leadership willing to support?
• Legal: Does the organization have the authority to implement? Is it legal? Are there liability
implications?
• Economic: Is it cost-beneficial? Is there funding? Does it contribute to the local economy or
economic development?
• Environmental: Does it comply with environmental regulations?

Sustainable Disaster Recovery
• Quality of life
• Social equity
• Hazard mitigation
• Economic development
• Environmental protection/enhancement
• Community participation

Smart Growth Principles
• Infill versus sprawl
• Efficient use of land resources
• Full use of urban resources
• Mixed uses of land
• Transportation options
• Detailed, human-scale design

Other
• Does measure address area with highest risk?
• Does measure protect…
o The largest # of people exposed to risk?
o The largest # of buildings?
o The largest # of jobs?
o The largest tax income?
o The largest average annual loss potential?
o The area impacted most frequently?
o Critical infrastructure
• What is timing of available funding?
• What is visibility of project?
• Community credibility

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Prioritization Process
Since there was a FMPC that developed this Floodplain Management Plan, a thorough discussion of each
mitigation category occurred. Then within each specific mitigation category, a variety of projects were
discussed and debated.
Consensus was reached on the specific projects identified in the mitigation action plan. The prioritization
of Short, Range, Medium Range and Long Range was reached based on the significance of the project and
the overall impact to the goals and objectives of the plan. The FMPC was given this guidance for
prioritization:
Priority Classification
Short Range = Project should be completed in less than one year
Medium Range = Project should be completed in two to three years
Long Range = Project should be completed in more than four years
If the FMPC felt the project warranted a certain classification, they may have extended the timeframe for
completion beyond what is described above because they believed the project was significant and would
have an impact on reducing flooding in Morehead City.

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APPENDIX C: REFERENCES
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency (NOAA) National Climatic Data Center, Storm Events Database,
2017.

U.S. Bureau of the Census, Census 2010.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, National Inventory of Dams, 2017.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, National Levee Database, 2017.

Federal Emergency Management Agency. Flood Insurance Study Report: Carteret County, North Carolina
and Incorporated Areas. July 2, 2004.

Federal Emergency Management Agency. Flood Insurance Study Report: Carteret County, North Carolina
and Incorporated Areas. Preliminary June 30, 2016.

Federal Emergency Management Agency, Community Information System, 2017.

Federal Emergency Management Agency, What is a Levee Fact Sheet, August 2011.

Town of Morehead City, North Carolina Core Land Use Plan, August 2007.

North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Division of Energy, Mineral and Land
Resources. 2017. (portal.ncdenr.org/web/lr/dams)

Melillo, Jerry M., Terese (T.C.) Richmond, and Gary W. Yohe, Eds., 2014: Highlights of Climate Change
Impacts in the United States: The Third National Climate Assessment. U.S. Global Change Research
Program, 148 pp.

IPCC, 2014. Climate Change 2014: Impacts, Adaptation, and Vulnerability. Contribution of Working
Group II to the Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

IPCC, 2007a. Climate Change 2007: The Physical Science Basis, Contribution of Working Group I to the
Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. (Solomon, S., D. Qin, M.
Manning, Z. Chen, M. Marquis, K. B. Averyt, M. Tignor, and H. L. A-2 EC 1165-2-212 1 Oct 11 Miller,
eds.).Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, United Kingdom and New York, NY, USA.

IPCC, 2007b. IPCC Fourth Assessment Report Annex 1: Glossary. In: Climate Change 2007: The Physical
Science Basis. Contribution of Working Group I to the Fourth Assessment Report of the
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (Solomon, S., D. Qin, M. Manning, Z. Chen, M. Marquis, K.
B. Averyt, M. Tignor, and H. L. Miller, eds.). Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, United Kingdom and
New York, NY, USA.

IPCC, 2007c. Climate Change 2007: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability. Contribution of Working
Group II to the Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.” (M. L.
Parry, O. F. Canziani, J. P. Palutikof, P. J. van der Linden and C. E. Hanson, eds.). Cambridge University
Press, Cambridge, UK.
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J.D. Garbrecht, M.A. Nearing, F. Douglas Shields, Jr., M.D. Tomer, E.J. Sadler, J.V. Bonta, and C. Baffaut.
Impact of weather and climate scenarios on conservation assessment outcomes. Journal of Soil and
Water Conservation September/October 2014 vol. 69 no. 5 374-392.

Chernet, Haregewoin Haile. 2013. The Impact of Climate Change on Dam Safety and Hydropower.
(http://hdl.handle.net/11250/242445).

Trenberth, Kevin E., John T. Fasullo, and Jessica Mackaro, 2011: Atmospheric Moisture Transports from
Ocean to Land and Global Energy Flows in Reanalyses. J. Climate, 24, 4907–4924.

Vose, R. S. et al., 2013: Monitoring and understanding changes in extremes: Extratropical storms, winds,
and waves. Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society. March 2014.

Karl, T.R., Melillo, J.M., Peterson, T.C., 2009. Global Climate Change Impacts in the United States.
Cambridge University Press.

Romero-Lankao, Patricia, et al., et al. Summary for Policy Makers. In: Climate Change 2014: Impacts,
Adaptation, and Vulnerability. Part B: Regional Aspects. Contribution of Working Group II to the Fifth
Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Cambridge: Cambridge University
Press, 2014. pp. 1439-1498.

Stockdon, H.F., Doran, K.J., Thompson, D.M., Sopkin, K.L., and Plant, N.G., 2013, National Assessment of
Hurricane-Induced Coastal Erosion Hazards: Southeast Atlantic Coast: U.S. Geological Survey Open –File
Report 2013-1130, 28 p., http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2013/1130.