Enter any address in Lincoln County, Colorado to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from thunderstorms dominates flood events in Lincoln County. Over the past 30 years, NOAA Storm Events data shows 19 flash flood events compared to 1 flood event. Recent examples include flash flooding near Boyero on June 16, 2023, following severe thunderstorms that also produced large hail. On August 12, 2024, slow-moving thunderstorms brought flash flooding with up to four inches of rain to areas including Brush and north of Punkin Center.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data indicates that while most claims in Lincoln County are in Zone X_Unshaded, Zone A has seen payouts averaging $1,090 with an average water depth of 0.8 feet. Homeowners in Zone A, and those located near areas prone to heavy rainfall and rapid runoff, should pay the most attention to flood risk.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
8 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Lincoln County, Colorado has recorded 20 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 19 flash floods and 1 river or area floods. The county has received 10 federal disaster declarations, 4 of which involved flooding or coastal storms. Enter any address above to check its FEMA flood zone designation.
FEMA Disaster Declarations (1965–2023)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Severe Storms, Flooding, And Tornadoes | Flood | Jun 8, 2023 |
| Covid-19 | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Covid-19 Pandemic | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, And Mudslides | Flood | Sep 11, 2013 |
| Hurricane Katrina Evacuation | Coastal Storm | Aug 29, 2005 |
| Wildfires | Fire | Apr 23, 2002 |
| Severe Winter Storms | Severe Storm | Apr 11, 2001 |
| Severe Storms, Heavy Rain, Flash Floods, Flooding, Mudslides | Flood | Jul 28, 1997 |
| Drought | Drought | Jan 29, 1977 |
| Tornadoes, Severe Storms & Flooding | Tornado | Jun 19, 1965 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Flood | May 29, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 12, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 16, 2023 | 5.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 11, 2023 | 50.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 1, 2019 | 25.00K |
| Flood | May 9, 2015 | 15.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 16, 2014 | 250.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 13, 2013 | 30.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 11, 2010 | 10.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 29, 2009 | 50.00K |
Flash Flood — May 29, 2024
Two land spout tornadoes formed along a boundary over eastern Adams County. As storms progressed eastward, a few become severe with large hail and strong winds.
Flash Flood — Aug 12, 2024
Slow moving thunderstorms produced flash flooding with up to four inches of rainfall reported in Brush and north of Punkin Center. In addition to the heavy rainfall, hail up to two inches in diameter and 68 mph winds were reported.
Flash Flood — Jun 16, 2023
Severe thunderstorms produced large hail across parts of Elbert and Lincoln counties, along with one brief tornado. The hail ranged from quarter to around tennis ball size. Some of the roadways were completely covered by several inches of hail accumulation. The tornado touched down in an open field with no damage observed. Localized flash flooding was observed near Boyero.
Flash Flood — Jun 11, 2023
Very heavy rain occurred across some areas of northeast Colorado from June 11th until the early hours of June 12th with flash flooding in some areas. The worst areas were south and southeast of Fort Collins towards Timnath and Windsor and in the Milliken area. Locations in these areas received from 3.0 to 5.5 inches of rain. Another area was located in and near Limon where significant flash...
Flash Flood — Aug 1, 2019
Severe thunderstorms produced large hail and damaging wind across parts of Elbert, Logan, Weld and Washington counties. The hail ranged in size from quarter to golfball size. Intense outflow winds, associated with a wet microburst, damaged trees and crops in Washington County. Between 3 and 4 inches of rain fell over southeast Elbert and west central Lincoln County. State Highway 71 was flo...
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 Lincoln County, Colorado:
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 Lincoln County, Colorado 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.