New FEMA flood insurance rate maps for Region III, including Gloucester and Mathews counties, are now available for viewing online.

The highly detailed, interactive maps can be seen in street view, aerial view, or a hybrid of both, and they have color-coded elevations and flood plain designations superimposed over them.

Mathews County Building and Flood Plains Official Jamie Wilks said the online maps can only be accessed with high speed internet, but hard copies are available in his office on Court Street. However, he said it can be difficult to determine exact information from the paper maps.

The new maps reflect some changes in flood hazard zones, said Wilks, with some homes moving into special flood hazard zones and others moving out. He encouraged all Mathews County homeowners to examine the maps.

To access the maps, go to www.r3coastal.com and click on the map icon on the right side of the page with the Roman numeral III superimposed over it. This will open a new window...