Market Updates

November 03, 2026

Hey St. George! If it felt like every weekend lately has been a wet one, you're right.

St. George News reported on Nov. 2, 2026 that storms over Halloween weekend soaked Southern Utah for a third straight weekend. Nobody's home needs to be in trouble for this to be useful. Rain like this is a free inspection, and it's worth paying attention to what it shows you.

What Happened This Weekend

Here's what a National Weather Service meteorologist told St. George News:

Minor flooding near the Virgin and Santa Clara rivers.
The Virgin River near Bloomington rose to 14.99 feet, just 0.01 feet short of the Weather Service's "action stage." It caused minor flooding along the bike path in Bloomington Park.
The North Fork of the Virgin River hit 2,000 cubic feet per second. For scale, Zion typically closes the Narrows at 200.
The ground was already saturated from earlier storms, so the extra rain added to the flooding. The water rose slowly enough that it wasn't considered flash flooding.

One Santa Clara River homeowner said a rock wall built after earlier floods kept his home safe this time. Good planning paid off.

Use the Rain While It's Here

Water tells the truth about a property. Here's what we'd check after a storm like this one:

Where the water goes. Does it drain away from the foundation, or pool against it?
Gutters and downspouts. Are they clear, and do they empty well away from the house?
Ceilings and walls. Look for new stains, bubbling paint or damp spots.
Windows and doors. Check for drips or water at the sills.
The yard and driveway. Note any low spots, washed-out gravel or erosion.

Take photos of anything odd. It's way easier to fix a small drainage issue now than a bigger one later. Our post on winterizing projects for first-time homeowners has more seasonal to-dos.

The Flood Insurance Detail Most People Miss

This one surprises a ton of people. According to the National Flood Insurance Program's FloodSmart site, most homeowners and renters insurance doesn't cover flood damage. A separate flood policy does.

A few more facts worth knowing:

There's usually a 30-day wait. New NFIP coverage generally takes effect 30 days after purchase. Buying it the day the river rises is too late.
Buying a home is an exception. There's no wait if you buy flood coverage while taking out a mortgage.
Coverage has limits. Building coverage goes up to $250,000 and contents up to $100,000. It doesn't cover things outside the home, like landscaping, decks, patios, fences or pools.
Risk isn't just near the river. From 2014 to 2024, almost one-third of NFIP flood claims came from outside high-risk areas.

We're not insurance agents, so talk with yours about whether a flood policy makes sense for you.

What It Means for Buyers

Look up the flood map. Enter any address on FEMA's Flood Map Service Center, the official public source for flood hazard information.
Tour in the rain if you can. It's the best time to see how a lot drains.
Ask about history. Read the seller's disclosure closely and ask about any past water issues.
Get quotes early. If you want flood coverage, line it up with your loan so it starts at closing.

What It Means for Sellers

Fix it before you list. Clear the gutters, regrade problem spots and repair any water stains.
Keep your receipts. Drainage work and repairs are worth showing buyers.
Be upfront. Honest disclosure builds trust and keeps your deal on track.