Enter any address in Cherokee County, Georgia to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from heavy rainfall events is the most frequent type of flooding recorded in Cherokee County, GA. Over the past 30 years, NOAA Storm Events data shows 18 recorded flash flood events, alongside 12 flood events and 13 tropical storm events. For example, heavy rainfall associated with a strong cold front produced flash flooding across north and central Georgia on February 6, 2020. More recently, Tropical Storm Zeta caused isolated flooding across portions of north Georgia in late October 2020.
While flash flooding is common, other flood types have also impacted the county. Tropical storms have been responsible for one recorded death in the county, and hurricanes have occurred three times in the last 30 years. National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data indicates that properties in Zone A, which typically have higher average payouts and water depths, experience more severe flooding than those in Zone X. Homeowners in Zone A, and those in any zone with a history of claims, should pay particular attention to flood risk.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
14 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Cherokee County, Georgia has recorded 46 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 18 flash floods and 12 river or area floods. The county has received 19 federal disaster declarations. Enter any address above to check its FEMA flood zone designation.
FEMA Disaster Declarations (1977–2026)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Severe Winter Storm | Winter Storm | Jan 22, 2026 |
| Hurricane Helene | Tropical Storm | Sep 24, 2024 |
| Tropical Storm Zeta | Hurricane | Oct 29, 2020 |
| Covid-19 | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Covid-19 Pandemic | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Hurricane Irma | Hurricane | Sep 7, 2017 |
| Severe Winter Storm | Severe Ice Storm | Feb 10, 2014 |
| Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, And Associated Flooding | Severe Storm | Apr 27, 2011 |
| Severe Storms And Flooding | Severe Storm | Sep 18, 2009 |
| Hurricane Katrina Evacuation | Hurricane | Aug 27, 2005 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Tropical Storm | Oct 28, 2020 | — (1 deaths) |
| Flash Flood | Feb 6, 2020 | 0.00K |
| Tropical Storm | Sep 11, 2017 | 150.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jan 4, 2015 | 3.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 7, 2013 | 60.00K |
| Tropical Storm | Sep 4, 2011 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 20, 2010 | 15.00K |
| Flood | Sep 21, 2009 | 8.48M |
| Flood | Sep 21, 2009 | 44.52M |
| Flash Flood | Sep 21, 2009 | 42.40K |
Tropical Storm — Oct 28, 2020
During the late evening of October 28th through the morning of October 29th, Tropical Storm Zeta swept rapidly across north Georgia producing widespread wind damage and isolated flooding across north and portions of central Georgia. Around 1.5 million customers lost electricity for some period of time, some for several days.
Flash Flood — Feb 6, 2020
A line of thunderstorms ahead of a strong cold front moved into northwest Georgia in the pre-dawn hours and swept across north and central Georgia through the morning into the afternoon producing numerous reports of damaging thunderstorm winds and an isolated tornado. Storms along the front also produced heavy rainfall, ranging from 1.5 to 4 inches, with higher amounts up to 6 inches, particula...
Tropical Storm — Sep 11, 2017
On the morning of August 30th Tropical Storm Irma developed rapidly over the eastern Atlantic Ocean, just west of the Cape Verde Islands. Tropical Irma quickly strengthened as it moved west, reaching hurricane strength by the morning of August 31st. Hurricane Irma continued to move steadily westward across the Atlantic Ocean, intensifying to category 4 storm on the Saffir-Simpson scale as it ap...
Flash Flood — Jan 4, 2015
A strong surface low associated with a deep upper-level trough lifted out of the lower Mississippi Valley and swept across the southern Appalachians the evening of January 3rd through the morning of January 4th producing heavy rain and flash flooding, severe thunderstorms and isolated tornadoes.
Flash Flood — Aug 7, 2013
The Southeast remained in an active northwest flow pattern on the 7th, with yet another upper level disturbance moving through the area. Similar to what happened on August 1st, showers and thunderstorms developed early in the morning on the 7th as a result of the disturbance, with anywhere from 5 to 10 inches of rain leading to significant flash flooding across portions of north Georgia, in so...
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 Cherokee County, Georgia:
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 Cherokee County, Georgia 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.