Enter any address in Hancock County, Georgia to see its FEMA flood zone
Tropical storm activity is the dominant flood character in Hancock County. Over the past 30 years, NOAA Storm Events data shows 16 tropical storm events and 2 hurricane events impacting the area. Recent examples include Hurricane Helene in September 2024, which brought widespread rainfall of 6 to 14 inches to central Georgia, and Tropical Storm Zeta in October 2020, which caused isolated flooding. Flash flooding has also occurred, such as in November 2020 and December 2019, following periods of heavy precipitation.
Residents in Hancock County should be aware of their specific flood risk. Properties located in flood zones, particularly those near rivers or in areas prone to flash flooding, may face a higher risk. Homeowners should consult detailed flood maps to understand their property's elevation relative to the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) and consider flood insurance.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
6 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Hancock County, Georgia has recorded 22 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 2 flash floods and 2 river or area floods. The county has received 15 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 |
| Covid-19 | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Covid-19 Pandemic | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Hurricane Michael | Hurricane | Oct 9, 2018 |
| Hurricane Irma | Hurricane | Sep 7, 2017 |
| Severe Winter Storm | Severe Ice Storm | Feb 10, 2014 |
| Severe Storms And Tornadoes | Severe Storm | Mar 1, 2007 |
| Hurricane Katrina Evacuation | Hurricane | Aug 27, 2005 |
| Tropical Storm Frances | Hurricane | Sep 3, 2004 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Tropical Storm | Sep 27, 2024 | — |
| Tropical Storm | Oct 29, 2020 | — |
| Flash Flood | Nov 12, 2020 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Dec 13, 2019 | 15.00K |
| Tropical Storm | Oct 10, 2018 | 0.00K |
| Tropical Storm | Sep 11, 2017 | 50.00K |
| Tropical Storm | Sep 4, 2011 | 0.00K |
| Tropical Storm | Nov 10, 2009 | 0.00K |
| Tropical Storm | Aug 21, 2008 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Mar 1, 2007 | 300.00K |
Tropical Storm — Sep 27, 2024
Hurricane Helene made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane in the Big Bend region of Florida at 11 PM EDT. Helene moved quickly inland bringing wind gusts between 50 and 100 mph to portions of east and central Georgia. Widespread rainfall totals between 6 and 14 inches were observed in association with Helene across north and central Georgia. The highest rainfall amounts were primarily observed i...
Tropical Storm — Oct 29, 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 — Nov 12, 2020
Ample moisture from Tropical Storm/Hurricane Eta to the south over the Gulf of Mexico, marginal instability and moderate shear combined to produce isolated wind damage and flooding across portions of north and central Georgia ahead of a cold front sweeping through the region.
Flash Flood — Dec 13, 2019
A wet and active weather pattern persisted through mid-December, greatly reducing the rainfall deficits from the fall drought. On the afternoon of December 13th, following several days of precipitation, another weather system moved through the area, producing widespread rainfall and periods of heavy downpours. High rainfall totals over portions of central Georgia caused isolated flash flooding.
Tropical Storm — Oct 10, 2018
Hurricane Michael made landfall along the Florida panhandle at Mexico beach (just southeast of Panama City) on the afternoon of October 10, 2018 as a high-end Category 4 hurricane (max winds of 155 MPH). Michael then moved rapidly inland, causing widespread wind damage along its path as it swept northeast across south and central Georgia. Hurricane Michael was the first major hurricane, categor...
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
FEMA assigns flood zone designations to areas in Hancock 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 Hancock 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.