Enter any address in Walton County, Florida to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from thunderstorms is the most frequent flood event in Walton County, FL, with 84 recorded instances in the last 30 years. This type of flooding was observed in July 2023, when slow-moving storms caused localized inundation. Tropical storms and hurricanes have also impacted the county, contributing to flood events.
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) data shows a significant number of claims across various flood zones. Zone X, which includes both shaded and unshaded areas, has the highest number of claims. However, properties in Zone V and Zone X_SHADED have experienced higher average claim payouts and water depths, indicating a potentially greater risk of severe damage in these areas. Residents, particularly those in coastal areas or properties located in higher-risk flood zones, should pay close attention to flood advisories and consider flood insurance.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
86 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Walton County, Florida has recorded 192 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 84 flash floods and 58 river or area floods. The county has received 42 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 (1975–2024)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane Helene | Hurricane | Sep 23, 2024 |
| Tropical Storm Helene | Tropical Storm | Sep 23, 2024 |
| Hurricane Debby | Tropical Storm | Aug 1, 2024 |
| Tropical Storm Debby | Tropical Storm | Aug 1, 2024 |
| Hurricane Ian | Hurricane | Sep 23, 2022 |
| Tropical Storm Ian | Hurricane | Sep 23, 2022 |
| Tropical Storm Fred | Hurricane | Aug 13, 2021 |
| Hurricane Sally | Hurricane | Sep 14, 2020 |
| Mussett Bayou Fire | Fire | May 6, 2020 |
| Covid-19 | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Flood | Jun 27, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Sep 13, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Sep 12, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 14, 2023 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 14, 2023 | 250.00K |
| Flood | Aug 5, 2023 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Apr 24, 2021 | 0.00K |
| Tropical Storm | Aug 16, 2021 | 50.00K |
| Flood | Jul 12, 2021 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Apr 9, 2021 | 0.00K |
Flash Flood — Jun 27, 2024
Slow moving thunderstorms produced localized flash flooding across the area.
Flash Flood — Sep 13, 2024
Several showers and thunderstorms developed in association with the remnants of Hurricane Francine and a stalled frontal boundary. Several areas of rotation were detected, but no tornado touchdowns were reported. There was one report of a tree down in Walton county. In addition, heavy rainfall led to areas of flash flooding.
Flash Flood — Sep 12, 2024
Several showers and thunderstorms developed in association with the remnants of Hurricane Francine and a stalled frontal boundary. Several areas of rotation were detected, but no tornado touchdowns were reported. There was one report of a tree down in Walton county. In addition, heavy rainfall led to areas of flash flooding.
Flash Flood — Jul 14, 2023
A typical summer pattern persisted with scattered thunderstorms across the area with a few reports of severe weather. In addition, weak steering flow resulted in some slow moving storms with reports of flash flooding, particularly in Jackson and Walton counties.
Flood — Aug 5, 2023
An active summer pattern led to scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms, some of which produced damaging winds. In addition, heavy rain in a short period of time led to isolated instances of flash flooding in Bay county.
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 Walton County, Florida:
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 Walton County, Florida 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.