Which area is considered the most hazardous part of the coastal floodplain?

The coastal high hazard area is identified as the most hazardous part of the coastal floodplain due to its susceptibility to significant flooding and strong wave action during storm events. This region typically includes areas that are subject to high-velocity wave impacts, making them particularly vulnerable to damage from coastal storms, hurricanes, and rising sea levels.

In floodplain management, this designation is critical because it informs land-use planning, construction standards, and mitigation strategies aimed at reducing flood risk. Structures built in this area often require more stringent building codes and insurance requirements to ensure safety and resilience against flooding events.

The other areas listed, such as low risk zones, flood fringe zones, and unmapped areas, do not carry the same level of risk associated with flooding and wave action. Low risk zones may be safer and are less likely to experience significant flooding, while flood fringe zones are more prone to flooding but typically do not face the extreme conditions presented in high hazard areas. Unmapped areas lack the detailed flood risk assessment necessary to determine their hazard levels accurately, further reinforcing why the coastal high hazard area is recognized as the most dangerous portion of the coastal floodplain.