Enter any address in Franklin County, Alabama to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from heavy thunderstorms is the dominant flood character in Franklin County. Between 2000 and 2023, NOAA Storm Events data recorded 33 flash flood events, alongside fewer instances of general flooding and tropical storm/depression impacts. For example, in August 2021, repeated thunderstorms caused extensive flooding in Phil Campbell, submerging nearly every road and washing away portions of roads and railroad tracks. Earlier that year, in March 2021, heavy rainfall led to flash flooding that closed roads in the region.
Residents in Zone A, which has seen NFIP claims averaging $13,023 with water depths of 0.8 feet, should pay particular attention to flood risk. Properties located in low-lying areas or those without a Base Flood Elevation (BFE) may be at higher risk during these events.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
15 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Franklin County, Alabama has recorded 40 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 33 flash floods and 4 river or area floods. The county has received 22 federal disaster declarations, 1 of which involved flooding or coastal storms. Enter any address above to check its FEMA flood zone designation.
FEMA Disaster Declarations (1973–2024)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane Helene | Hurricane | Sep 22, 2024 |
| Hurricane Sally | Hurricane | Sep 14, 2020 |
| Covid-19 | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Covid-19 Pandemic | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, Tornadoes, And Flooding | Severe Storm | Feb 19, 2019 |
| Hurricane Irma | Hurricane | Sep 8, 2017 |
| Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, And Flooding | Severe Storm | Dec 23, 2015 |
| Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, And Flooding | Severe Storm | Apr 28, 2014 |
| Severe Storms, Tornadoes, And Straight-line Winds | Severe Storm | Apr 27, 2011 |
| Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, And Flooding | Severe Storm | Apr 15, 2011 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Flood | Sep 19, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Mar 25, 2021 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 19, 2021 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 26, 2020 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Feb 11, 2020 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Feb 10, 2020 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Feb 5, 2020 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Feb 21, 2019 | 0.00K |
| Tropical Depression | May 29, 2018 | — |
| Flood | Oct 10, 2017 | 0.00K |
Flash Flood — Mar 25, 2021
Clusters and line segments of heavy thunderstorms, a couple of which turned severe, overspread north Alabama during the predawn hours of the 25th. These storms produced 2 to 3 inches of rain, mainly south of the Tennessee River, resulting in excessive runoff and flash flooding. Flash flooding closed a portion of I-65 in Cullman and several other roads were flooded or washed out in Cullman Coun...
Flash Flood — Aug 19, 2021
Thunderstorms developed around midday across portions of Northwestern Alabama. They repeatedly moved across Phil Campbell in Franklin County, flooding much of the city and washing away several roads. At one point, nearly every road in Phil Campbell was under water during this event. Several bridges were covered by FEET of water at one point, with portions of railroad tracks washing away too.
Flash Flood — Aug 26, 2020
Several rounds of moderate to heavy rainfall repeatedly moved across Franklin County late on the night of August 25th into the overnight hours of August 26th. Widespread rainfall amounts caused several roads to be closed or washed out, with a swath of 3-5 of rainfall reported in an hour or two.
Flash Flood — Feb 11, 2020
Another heavy rainfall event unfolded across the area from the 10th through the 11th, with the vast majority of the Hydrologic Service Area receiving anywhere from 2-4 inches of rainfall. Isolated reports of 5-6 inches of rainfall occurred in a few spots across the area. Due to already saturated soils in place, widespread flash flooding (at onset) and then flooding continued for much of the eve...
Flash Flood — Feb 10, 2020
Another heavy rainfall event unfolded across the area from the 10th through the 11th, with the vast majority of the Hydrologic Service Area receiving anywhere from 2-4 inches of rainfall. Isolated reports of 5-6 inches of rainfall occurred in a few spots across the area. Due to already saturated soils in place, widespread flash flooding (at onset) and then flooding continued for much of the eve...
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
Source: OpenFEMA NFIP Individual Claims (2.25M records analyzed).
FEMA assigns flood zone designations to areas in Franklin County, Alabama:
AE High Risk — 1% annual chance of flooding. Insurance required.
VE Very High Risk — Coastal flooding with wave action.
X (Shaded) Moderate Risk — 500-year floodplain.
X Low Risk — Outside major floodplains.
Properties in Franklin County, Alabama that are in FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Areas (zones A and V) with federally backed mortgages are required to carry flood insurance.
Even outside high-risk zones, flood insurance is recommended. From 2014 to 2024, nearly one-third of NFIP claims came from outside the high-risk Special Flood Hazard Area.
Visit FloodSmart.gov to find an agent and get a quote.