Enter any address in Humboldt County, California to see its FEMA flood zone
Riverine flooding, driven by heavy rainfall events, is a significant flood hazard in Humboldt County. For example, in December 2025, a series of storm systems brought particularly heavy rain to the county, causing both small stream and main stem river flooding, with the Mad and Eel Rivers exceeding moderate flood stage. Coastal flooding also occurs, as seen in November 2025 when an atmospheric river brought heavy rain and strong coastal winds to the region.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) data indicates that properties in Zone A, which typically have a higher flood risk, have experienced the most claims, with an average payout of $14,899 and an average water depth of 4.7 feet. Properties in Zone X_SHADED also show a notable number of claims, with an average payout of $13,129 and an average water depth of 16.1 feet, suggesting that areas outside of the highest-risk zones can still experience significant flooding.
Residents in coastal areas, as well as those living near the Mad and Eel Rivers or other waterways, should be particularly aware of flood risks. Homeowners in zones designated as A or X_SHADED, and those without a Base Flood Elevation (BFE) determination, should pay close attention to flood risk information for their properties.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
47 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Humboldt County, California has recorded 102 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 2 flash floods and 94 river or area floods. The county has received 27 federal disaster declarations, 13 of which involved flooding or coastal storms. Enter any address above to check its FEMA flood zone designation.
FEMA Disaster Declarations (1964–2023)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Severe Winter Storms, Flooding, Landslides, And Mudslides | Flood | Mar 9, 2023 |
| Severe Winter Storms, Straight-line Winds, Flooding, Landslides, And Mudslides | Severe Storm | Feb 21, 2023 |
| Severe Winter Storms, Flooding, And Mudslides | Flood | Jan 8, 2023 |
| Severe Winter Storms, Flooding, Landslides, And Mudslides | Flood | Dec 27, 2022 |
| Covid-19 | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Covid-19 Pandemic | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Severe Winter Storms, Flooding, Landslides, And Mudslides | Severe Storm | Feb 24, 2019 |
| Severe Winter Storms, Flooding, And Mudslides | Flood | Feb 1, 2017 |
| Severe Winter Storms, Flooding, And Mudslides | Severe Storm | Jan 3, 2017 |
| Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, And Landslides | Severe Storm | Dec 17, 2005 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flood | Dec 24, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Dec 22, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Dec 21, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Dec 21, 2025 | 30.00K |
| Flood | Dec 19, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Feb 14, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Coastal Flood | Nov 6, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Coastal Flood | Nov 5, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Jan 3, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Feb 3, 2025 | 0.00K |
Flood — Dec 24, 2025
After a very wet period from December 19th-21st, another round of storms brought more rain and damaging winds to the region in the days leading up to Christmas. Impacts were felt across the region from December 23rd to the 26th. The worst of the winds impacts Mendocino County where most of the coast lost power, some areas for more than 24 hours.
Flood — Dec 22, 2025
Beginning mid-December, a series of storm systems impacted Northwest California with the first set of storms bringing particularly heavy rain from December 19th through December 21st. The heaviest rain occurred in Humboldt County, but impacts were felt across the Northwest California region. Both small stream and main stem river flooding occurred during the event with the Mad and Eel Rivers exc...
Flood — Dec 21, 2025
Beginning mid-December, a series of storm systems impacted Northwest California with the first set of storms bringing particularly heavy rain from December 19th through December 21st. The heaviest rain occurred in Humboldt County, but impacts were felt across the Northwest California region. Both small stream and main stem river flooding occurred during the event with the Mad and Eel Rivers exc...
Flood — Dec 19, 2025
Beginning mid-December, a series of storm systems impacted Northwest California with the first set of storms bringing particularly heavy rain from December 19th through December 21st. The heaviest rain occurred in Humboldt County, but impacts were felt across the Northwest California region. Both small stream and main stem river flooding occurred during the event with the Mad and Eel Rivers exc...
Flood — Feb 14, 2025
A frontal system approaches the area with moisture and cold temperatures aloft, bringing low elevation winter precipitation in some areas.
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 Humboldt County, California:
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 Humboldt County, California 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.