Enter any address in Dade County, Georgia to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from thunderstorms is the dominant flood character in Dade County, GA. Between 1993 and 2023, NOAA Storm Events data recorded 19 flash flood events, alongside 13 tropical storms and 3 hurricanes. Recent examples include isolated river flooding on Lookout Creek in February 2022, following heavy rainfall from a stalled cold front, and widespread flooding in March 2021 due to strong thunderstorms producing 2 to 3.5 inches of rain.
While flood events are less frequent, NFIP claims data indicates that properties in Zone A, which typically have higher flood risk, have experienced deeper water on average (3.7 ft) compared to Zone X (0.2 ft). However, Zone X properties have had more claims, with an average payout of $5,679. Homeowners in areas prone to rapid river rises, such as along Lookout Creek, and those in designated flood zones should pay particular attention to flood risk.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
19 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Dade County, Georgia has recorded 37 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 19 flash floods and 2 river or area floods. The county has received 20 federal disaster declarations. Enter any address above to check its FEMA flood zone designation.
FEMA Disaster Declarations (1973–2026)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Severe Winter Storm | Winter Storm | Jan 22, 2026 |
| Hurricane Helene | Tropical Storm | Sep 24, 2024 |
| Covid-19 | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Covid-19 Pandemic | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Hurricane Irma | Hurricane | Sep 7, 2017 |
| Tatum Gulf Fire | Fire | Nov 13, 2016 |
| Severe Storms And Flooding | Severe Storm | Dec 22, 2015 |
| Severe Winter Storm | Severe Ice Storm | Feb 10, 2014 |
| Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, And Associated Flooding | Severe Storm | Apr 27, 2011 |
| Hurricane Katrina Evacuation | Hurricane | Aug 27, 2005 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Flood | Feb 23, 2022 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Mar 31, 2021 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Mar 17, 2021 | 0.00K |
| Tropical Storm | Oct 28, 2020 | — |
| Flash Flood | Jul 12, 2019 | 0.00K |
| Tropical Storm | Sep 11, 2017 | 15.00K |
| Flash Flood | Dec 25, 2015 | 1.00M |
| Flash Flood | Dec 25, 2015 | 800.00K |
| Flash Flood | Dec 25, 2015 | 35.00K |
| Flash Flood | Oct 14, 2014 | 3.00K |
Flash Flood — Feb 23, 2022
A stalled cold front moved into northwest Georgia late on February 22, 2022. This front combined with anomalously moist and unstable conditions to produce training showers and thunderstorms that resulted in heavy rainfall over northwest Georgia. A Flood Watch was issued for north Georgia, and while widespread flash flooding was not observed, isolated river flooding occurred in Dade and Catoosa ...
Flash Flood — Mar 31, 2021
Strong thunderstorms ahead of a cold front produced numerous reports of flooding across portions of north Georgia and scattered reports of damaging winds across parts of north and central Georgia. Rainfall was highest over far northwest Georgia where totals ranged from 2 to 3.5 inches with locally higher amounts.
Flood — Mar 17, 2021
A deep upper-level low and associated surface cold front swept through north and central Georgia. Heavy rainfall produced a few reports of flooding in north Georgia with a severe thunderstorm producing hail the size of quarters in central Georgia.
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 — Jul 12, 2019
Summertime thunderstorms fired along a stalled frontal boundary in north Georgia. The high atmospheric moisture content over the area resulted in periods of heavy rainfall, and quickly accumulating precipitation. Rainfall amounts of 2 to 3 inches occurred over some areas, with locally higher amounts to 3.5 inches, producing localized flash flooding.
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 Dade 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 Dade 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.