Enter any address in Marengo County, Alabama to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from thunderstorms is a notable flood hazard in Marengo County. Over the past 30 years, NOAA Storm Events data shows 7 flash flood events and 6 general flood events. For example, flash flooding occurred on July 11, 2013, due to a southward-moving convective system, and on March 9, 2011, heavy rainfall from thunderstorms caused flash flooding. Tropical cyclones have also impacted the area, with Tropical Storm Zeta making landfall in nearby Louisiana and moving into southwest Alabama in October 2020, and Tropical Depression remnants from Hurricane Ida bringing heavy rain in November 2009.
FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) data indicates that properties in Zone A have experienced the most claims, with 22 claims averaging $6,333 and an average water depth of 0.9 feet. Properties in Zone UNKNOWN also had claims, averaging $1,421 with a water depth of 1.4 feet, while Zone X properties had fewer claims with minimal reported water depth. Residents in areas identified as Zone A or Zone UNKNOWN, particularly those near waterways or in lower-lying areas, should pay close attention to flood risk.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
6 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Marengo County, Alabama has recorded 18 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 7 flash floods and 6 river or area floods. The county has received 20 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 (1977–2024)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane Helene | Hurricane | Sep 22, 2024 |
| Hurricane Zeta | Hurricane | Oct 28, 2020 |
| Hurricane Sally | Hurricane | Sep 14, 2020 |
| Covid-19 | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Covid-19 Pandemic | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Hurricane Nate | Hurricane | Oct 6, 2017 |
| Hurricane Irma | Hurricane | Sep 8, 2017 |
| 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 |
| Severe Storms, Flooding, Tornadoes & Straight-line | Severe Storm | Mar 25, 2009 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Tropical Storm | Oct 28, 2020 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 11, 2013 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Mar 9, 2011 | 75.00K |
| Tropical Depression | Nov 9, 2009 | 1.00K |
| Tropical Depression | Aug 23, 2008 | 0.00K |
| Tropical Storm | Aug 29, 2005 | 2.4M |
| Flood | Jun 12, 2005 | — |
| Flood | Jul 11, 2005 | 5K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 10, 2005 | 6K |
| Tropical Storm | Jul 10, 2005 | 900K |
Tropical Storm — Oct 28, 2020
Tropical cyclone Zeta developed over the Western Caribbean Sea on Saturday, October 24, and slowly moved west. The tropical storm emerged into the Southern Gulf of Mexico on Tuesday, October 27th. Zeta turned northwest and became a hurricane on Wednesday, October 28th. Zeta made landfall in southeast Louisiana late on Wednesday, then moved northeast into southwest Alabama late Wednesday night. ...
Flash Flood — Jul 11, 2013
On Thursday, July 11th, a mesoscale convective system (MCS) developed across the Tennessee Valley and pushed southward into Central Alabama. New development along the western edge of the MCS developed southwestward and resulted in isolated flash flooding.
Flash Flood — Mar 9, 2011
A line of thunderstorms moved through the state of Alabama on the morning of March 9th. Along with heavy rainfall that caused flash flooding in areas, these storms produced strong winds causing tree and structure damage.
Tropical Depression — Nov 9, 2009
The remnants of what was at one time Hurricane Ida brought very heavy rain and gusty winds to a large portion of Central Alabama.
Tropical Depression — Aug 23, 2008
Tropical Storm Fay, and its remnants after landfall, brought high winds, heavy rain, and numerous tornadoes to Central Alabama.
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 Marengo 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 Marengo 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.