Enter any address in Santa Cruz County, Arizona to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from summer thunderstorms is the dominant flood character in Santa Cruz County. Over the last 30 years, the NOAA Storm Events Database recorded 83 flash flood events, which resulted in 4 fatalities. For example, on July 2, 2025, heavy rainfall caused flash flooding of approximately 3 feet of water moving through a low water crossing. More recently, on August 6, 2024, a line of thunderstorms resulted in flash flooding in Nogales.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data shows that properties in Zone A have experienced the most claims, with an average payout of $8,904 and an average water depth of 1.4 feet. Properties in Zone X_SHADED have also seen claims, with an average water depth of 2.3 feet, though fewer claims than Zone A. Homeowners in Zone A, and those in areas prone to flash flooding, should pay particular attention to flood risk.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
12 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Santa Cruz County, Arizona has recorded 86 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 83 flash floods and 3 river or area floods. The county has received 8 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 (1977–2020)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Covid-19 | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Covid-19 Pandemic | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Hurricane Katrina Evacuation | Hurricane | Aug 29, 2005 |
| Ryan-wildfire-4/30/2002 | Fire | Apr 29, 2002 |
| Severe Storms And Flooding | Severe Storm | Oct 21, 2000 |
| Severe Storms, Tornadoes & Flooding | Flood | Jan 5, 1993 |
| Severe Storms & Flooding | Flood | Sep 23, 1983 |
| Severe Storms & Flooding | Flood | Nov 4, 1977 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Flood | Jul 2, 2025 | 1.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 26, 2024 | 1.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 21, 2024 | 1.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 6, 2024 | 25.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 1, 2024 | 1.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 6, 2023 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 31, 2022 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 20, 2022 | 5.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 9, 2022 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 6, 2022 | 0.00K |
Flash Flood — Jul 2, 2025
Strong to severe thunderstorms moved northward through Southeastern Arizona the afternoon and evening of July 2nd, 2025. These storms caused severe wind gusts and thunderstorm wind damage causing power outages due to downed power lines and damage to equipment. Additionally, there was heavy rainfall causing flash flooding of roughly 3 feet of water moving through a low water crossing.
Flash Flood — Jun 26, 2024
A thunderstorm along the International border at Nogales, Arizona produced flash flooding as runoff moved from Nogales, Sonora into Nogales, Arizona.
Flash Flood — Aug 21, 2024
An area of severe thunderstorms including a confirmed tornado occurred in Cochise County. Severe wind gusts, hail and flash flooding also occurred with these storms.
Flash Flood — Aug 6, 2024
A line of thunderstorms moved through Nogales resulting in severe wind gusts, property damage, and flash flooding.
Flash Flood — Aug 1, 2024
Strong thunderstorms produced flash flooding in Nogales.
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 Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz 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.