Enter any address in Monterey County, California to see its FEMA flood zone
Flood events, including flash floods, have been the most frequent type of weather-related hazard in Monterey County over the past 30 years, with 115 flood events and 32 flash flood events recorded. For example, a series of storm systems impacted the region around Christmas 2025, causing widespread disruption. Earlier that year, in November 2025, low-pressure systems brought rain and thunderstorms to the Bay Area and Central Coast.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) data indicates that properties in Zone A have experienced the highest number of claims, averaging $31,060 per payout with an average water depth of 3.2 feet. Properties in Zone X_UNSHADED also show significant claim payouts, averaging $35,440 with an average water depth of 2.0 feet. Homeowners in coastal areas, those located near rivers, and properties in areas designated as Zone A or X_UNSHADED should pay particular attention to flood risk.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
79 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Monterey County, California has recorded 151 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 32 flash floods and 115 river or area floods. The county has received 33 federal disaster declarations, 9 of which involved flooding or coastal storms. Enter any address above to check its FEMA flood zone designation.
FEMA Disaster Declarations (1967–2024)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Severe Winter Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, Landslides, And Mudslides | Severe Storm | Jan 31, 2024 |
| 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 |
| Carmel Fire | Fire | Aug 18, 2020 |
| River Fire | Fire | Aug 16, 2020 |
| Wildfires | Fire | Aug 14, 2020 |
| Covid-19 | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Covid-19 Pandemic | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flood | Dec 25, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Nov 17, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Nov 16, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Feb 13, 2025 | 0.00K (1 deaths) |
| Flood | Feb 6, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Jan 31, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Mar 30, 2024 | 0.01K |
| Flood | Dec 27, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Jan 22, 2024 | 0.01K |
| Flood | Feb 20, 2024 | 0.00K |
Flood — Dec 25, 2025
A series of storm systems impacted the Bay Area and Central Coast from December 19 to 25th, impacting Christmas holiday travel across the region. The most impactful systems arrived on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Two tornado warnings were issued for the coastal regions of San Mateo and Santa Cruz counties based off radar indicated rotation. San Francisco International Airport reported delay...
Flood — Nov 17, 2025
A low pressure system brought rain and winds to the Bay Area and Central Coast on November 16 and 17th. Special Marine Warnings and Special Weather Statements were issued due to isolated thunderstorms causing localized heavy rain and gusty winds. The main frontal rain band came through in the overnight hours, with isolated to scattered showers and some thunderstorms continuing into the 17th.
Flood — Nov 16, 2025
A low pressure system brought rain and winds to the Bay Area and Central Coast on November 16 and 17th. Special Marine Warnings and Special Weather Statements were issued due to isolated thunderstorms causing localized heavy rain and gusty winds. The main frontal rain band came through in the overnight hours, with isolated to scattered showers and some thunderstorms continuing into the 17th.
Flood — Feb 13, 2025
A winter storm on February 13 caused widespread flooding and strong winds across the Bay Area and Central Coast.
Flood — Feb 6, 2025
An intense atmospheric river impacted the Bay Area from February 3rd to the 4th, bringing heavy rain and strong wind to the region, especially across the North Bay. The Russian River near Guerneville flooded due to the heavy rain.
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 Monterey 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 Monterey 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.