{
  "id": 11440654,
  "title": "Homeowners Get Flood Insurance Reprieve Ahead of Severe El Niño",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/homeowners-get-flood-insurance-reprieve-ahead-of-severe-el-nino",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-02T12:53:14.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Newsweek",
    "slug": "newsweek",
    "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/homeowners-get-flood-insurance-reprieve-ahead-of-severe-el-nino-12514942"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Congress extended the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to prevent millions of homeowners from losing their flood coverage during the upcoming severe El Niño winter. The World Meteorological Organization predicts a \"very strong\" El Niño, which typically brings wetter-than-average conditions to the Gulf Coast, southern California, and the Southwest. Experts warn that the southern half of the U.S., particularly California and the Southwest, should be closely monitored for increased flood risk. Crystal Egger, President of Monarch Weather Consulting, emphasized the importance of the Sierra Nevada and other higher elevations in California, as the added moisture can lead to significant mountain snow and water supply challenges. Heather Zons of The Weather Channel expressed concern about Arizona, New Mexico, and South Florida, where steep slopes and sandy soils can exacerbate flooding. Standard homeowners' insurance does not cover flood damage, making federal flood insurance crucial for many. However, only 2.4 percent of homes have federal flood insurance, despite 8.4 percent of properties facing severe or extreme flood risk. The cost of flood insurance has risen sharply in recent years, and fewer private carriers are offering coverage due to increased risk and higher damages. Without the NFIP, FEMA would stop selling and renewing policies by December 11, leaving millions of properties exposed to potential catastrophic flooding.",
  "summary": "Congress prevented NFIP to lapse before a “Godzilla” El Niño hits the country. But the program is in dire need of being reformed.",
  "key_points": [
    "Congress extended NFIP to avoid loss of flood coverage during severe El Niño.",
    "WMO predicts very strong El Niño, bringing wetter-than-average conditions.",
    "Only 2.4% of homes have federal flood insurance, despite 8.4% flood risk."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}