There are three basic coastal zones and one new zone in the new NFIP
maps. The flood zone X is considered to be a low risk of flooding. VE zones or
Coastal High Hazard Areas are zones where high velocity wave action accompanies
the storm surge and can cause severe damage to buildings. AE zones are areas
affected by storm surge but where wave action is diminished or absent. For the
first time FEMA has established another area within the AE zone called the
Limit of Moderate Wave Action or LIMWA. These moderate waves can cause damage
to buildings, though they are not as damaging as the waves expected in the VE
zone. Communities that adopt the Limit of Moderate Wave Action as a higher
regulatory standard may earn flood insurance rate discounts.

LiMwa Educational Info