By Buchanan Maldonado
Last week, the Pacific Northwest was hit by a powerful series of storms — driven by what meteorologists call an “atmospheric river.” The storms drenched western Oregon and Washington with heavy rain, swelling rivers and triggering widespread flooding, landslides, road closures and power outages. Homes and communities — some near major rivers — were particularly vulnerable.
What stands out is how quickly flood risk can shift from low to high. In areas once considered “safe,” saturated soil, rising rivers, and unexpected heavy rainfall created conditions that led to major flooding and emergency water-rescues.
For homeowners, property managers, and businesses — the aftermath is a stark reminder: standard homeowners’ or commercial insurance policies usually don’t cover flood damage. Many people assume they don’t need flood insurance — until it’s too late.
This is where working with an insurance professional becomes a real asset. As someone with access to 250+ insurance carriers, I help clients navigate a wide variety of flood-insurance options — across regions, with varying levels of risk exposure, coverage limits, deductibles, and pricing. That flexibility is especially valuable when weather patterns are becoming more volatile.
If you live in or own property in a flood-prone area — or even one with shifting weather risk — it’s worth talking with an expert who can help you assess your exposure and secure appropriate coverage. I believe flood insurance isn’t just “nice to have” — it’s essential protection for real risk.
If this week’s storms are a reminder that you’re unsure about your flood protection, now is the time to get clarity. Explore your options with access to 250+ carriers at Quote.BuchananMaldonado.com.
Buchanan Maldonado 