Tom Peterman
Coverage of Tom Peterman in the Nexus archive.
- FEMA told these families they weren’t in a flood zone. Then ice came through the windows
Families in northern Michigan were told by FEMA they weren’t in flood zones, but historic spring floods caused by heavy rains and snowmelt devastated homes, exposing flaws in outdated flood mapping. FEMA’s maps, which focus on river overflows and exclude rainfall-driven flooding, left thousands without financial protection as climate change increases extreme weather risks.
- Michigan floods expose lack of information, preparation in many rural areas
Floods in Michigan have revealed insufficient information and preparation in rural areas. Tom Peterman is cleaning up outside his home in Black Lake, Grant Township, following recent flooding.
- No maps, no insurance: Michigan floods expose lack of information, preparation in many rural areas
Michigan's rural areas, including Black Lake, faced historic floods exacerbated by outdated flood plain maps and lack of insurance. Residents were unaware of their flood risks as federal maps failed to account for heavy rainfall impacts, leading to widespread property damage and emergencies.
- No maps, no insurance: Michigan floods expose lack of information, preparation in many rural areas
Michigan's historic floods exposed gaps in flood insurance availability and outdated federal flood plain maps, leaving many rural residents unprepared. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) maps, which determine insurance requirements, lack coverage in less-populated areas and fail to account for rainfall-induced flooding exacerbated by climate change.