Enter any address in Cochise County, Arizona to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from summer thunderstorms is the dominant flood character in Cochise County. Over the last 30 years, the NOAA Storm Events Database recorded 220 flash flood events and 14 general flood events, resulting in 14 fatalities. For example, a flash flood event on September 25th caused an estimated 8 to 12 inches of water to flow under the Bowie underpass roadway, and a swift water rescue was required near Tombstone. Another event on October 13th, influenced by tropical moisture, brought heavy rainfall to the region.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data shows that properties in Zone A, which have a higher flood risk, accounted for the majority of claims (59) with an average payout of $6,433 and an average water depth of 3.2 feet. Properties in Zone X and Zone X_SHADED also experienced claims, with average payouts of $5,882 and $2,950 respectively, and water depths ranging from 0.3 to 0.7 feet. Residents in Zone A, as well as those in lower-lying areas or near washes, should pay the most attention to flood risk.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
51 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Cochise County, Arizona has recorded 234 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 220 flash floods and 14 river or area floods. The county has received 14 federal disaster declarations, 3 of which involved flooding or coastal storms. Enter any address above to check its FEMA flood zone designation.
FEMA Disaster Declarations (1970–2020)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Covid-19 | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Covid-19 Pandemic | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Lizard Fire | Fire | Jun 7, 2017 |
| Monument Fire | Fire | Jun 12, 2011 |
| Horseshoe Two Fire | Fire | May 8, 2011 |
| Mule Pass Fire | Fire | May 18, 2009 |
| Hurricane Katrina Evacuation | Hurricane | Aug 29, 2005 |
| Ash Fire | Fire | Jun 21, 2003 |
| Severe Storms And Flooding | Severe Storm | Oct 21, 2000 |
| Severe Storms, Flooding, High Winds | Severe Storm | Sep 14, 1999 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Flood | Jul 31, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 31, 2025 | 2.00K |
| Flash Flood | Sep 25, 2025 | 2.00K |
| Flash Flood | Sep 25, 2025 | 30.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 22, 2025 | 0.50K |
| Flood | Jul 18, 2025 | 1.00K |
| Flood | Jul 16, 2025 | 1.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 15, 2025 | 2.00K |
| Flood | Aug 15, 2025 | 5.00K |
| Flash Flood | Sep 13, 2025 | 2.00K |
Flash Flood — Jul 31, 2025
Thunderstorms were slow moving and allowed for heavy rainfall to cause flash flooding in Saint David and Arivaca, AZ where running washed flowed over roadways.
Flash Flood — Aug 31, 2025
Strong thunderstorms moved southwestward from New Mexico into San Simon that lofted areas of blowing dust creating a dust storm. Additionally, the heavy rainfall from the thunderstorm activity damaged two roadways that were closed for an unknown duration of time.
Flash Flood — Sep 25, 2025
Severe thunderstorms moved across Southeastern Arizona causing strong winds, hail ranging from 0.75 to 1.0 inches in diameter, and locally heavy rainfall that led to flash flooding. A swift water rescue occurred near Tombstone involving 5 individuals with no injuries. Additionally, an estimated 8 to 12 inches of water flowed underneath the Bowie underpass roadway shown on webcam.
Flash Flood — Jul 22, 2025
Thunderstorms moved northward through Pima and Cochise counties and produced heavy rainfall with reported totals ranging from 0.10 to 1.0 inches. The heavy rainfall closed multiple roadways in Tucson, Saint David, Tombstone, and Sierra Vista.
Flood — Jul 18, 2025
Strong thunderstorms moved northward through Cochise county into Graham county producing locally heavy rainfall and lofted areas of blowing dust.
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 Cochise County, Arizona:
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 Cochise County, Arizona 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.