08/02/2026
Press Release
July 31st, 2026
For Immediate Release
NEW FLOOD MAPS PROPOSED FOR PARTS OF LAFAYETTE COUNTY
FEMA has drawn new flood maps covering parts of Lafayette County, and county officials are inviting affected property owners to an open house on Tuesday, August 11.
The maps come from an engineering study of the Yocona and Little Tallahatchie watersheds by FEMA, the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, and Waggoner Engineering. It used far more accurate ground elevation data than was available in 2012, when the current maps were drawn, so the flood boundaries have shifted.
In all, 607 parcels are affected. For 134, land now shown as low risk would become high risk. For 77, the opposite is true. Owners whose flood zone changes may see an effect on their flood insurance, especially those with a federally backed mortgage.
The maps are not in effect yet but they are expected to become official in about 18 months. Nothing changes today. Owners who believe the study got something wrong will have a 90-day window this fall to appeal with survey or engineering evidence.
OPEN HOUSE:
Tuesday, August 11, 2026, 4:00-7:00 p.m.
Lafayette County Multipurpose Arena
70 F.D. Buddy East Parkway, Oxford
Come and go any time. There is no presentation and no sign-up. Staff from FEMA, MDEQ, Waggoner Engineering, and the county will look up your property and answer questions. Bring your parcel number or street address.
Residents can also look up any affected property at on the Lafayette County website early next week.
QUESTIONS:
Larry Britt, Lafayette County Floodplain Administrator
300 North Lamar Blvd., Oxford, MS 38655
(662) 234-1763 [email protected]
