Enter any address in Santa Clara County, California to see its FEMA flood zone
Flood events are the most frequent type of weather-related hazard in Santa Clara County, with 142 recorded in the last 30 years, resulting in 3 fatalities. Flash floods have also occurred, with 24 events documented. Coastal flooding is less common, with 4 events recorded.
Recent events illustrate the impact of these conditions. For example, a series of storm systems from December 19 to 25th, 2025, caused significant disruptions, impacting holiday travel. Earlier in 2025, an atmospheric river on February 3rd and 4th brought heavy rain and strong winds, leading to flooding in some areas.
Homeowners in Zone A, which has seen the highest number of National Flood Insurance Program claims, should pay particular attention to their flood risk. Properties in Zone X, which has a high average payout per claim, and those in Zone D also warrant careful consideration. Residents with properties near rivers or coastal areas, or those without a Base Flood Elevation, should be especially aware of potential flood hazards.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
65 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Santa Clara County, California has recorded 170 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 24 flash floods and 142 river or area floods. The county has received 25 federal disaster declarations, 7 of which involved flooding or coastal storms. Enter any address above to check its FEMA flood zone designation.
FEMA Disaster Declarations (1977–2023)
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 |
| Scu Ligtning Complex Fire | Fire | Aug 20, 2020 |
| Wildfires | Fire | Aug 14, 2020 |
| Covid-19 | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Covid-19 Pandemic | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Severe Winter Storms, Flooding, And Mudslides | Flood | Feb 1, 2017 |
| Severe Winter Storms, Flooding, And Mudslides | Severe Storm | Jan 3, 2017 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flood | Dec 25, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Feb 13, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Feb 4, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Jan 31, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Jan 22, 2024 | 0.01K |
| Flood | Feb 18, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Dec 14, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Apr 13, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Apr 13, 2024 | 0.01K |
| Flood | Mar 6, 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 — Feb 13, 2025
A winter storm on February 13 caused widespread flooding and strong winds across the Bay Area and Central Coast.
Flood — Feb 4, 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.
Flood — Jan 31, 2024
A quick-moving cold front came through California on January 31, bringing widespread rain and high winds. A narrow cold frontal rainband (NCFR) developed during the afternoon and evening commute, with moderate to heavy rain across the region as a result. Impacts and post-frontal showers continued through February 1.
Flood — Jan 22, 2024
A series of frontal systems with a weak subtropical tap led to widespread rainfall and nuisance flooding across the Bay Area and Central Coast.
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 Clara 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 Santa Clara 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.