Enter any address in Polk County, Georgia to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from thunderstorms is the most frequent flood event in Polk County, GA, with 25 such events recorded in the last 30 years. Other flood-related events include tropical storms and hurricanes. Recent flash flooding occurred in August 2021, when rainfall on saturated soils led to flooding, and again in January 2023, associated with severe thunderstorms.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) data indicates that properties in Zone A have experienced the highest number of claims, with an average payout of $9,321 and an average water depth of 2.3 feet. Properties in Zone UNKNOWN also show a significant number of claims. Homeowners in these zones, as well as those in Zone X, X_UNSHADED, and X_SHADED, should pay close attention to flood risk.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
23 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Polk County, Georgia has recorded 47 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 25 flash floods and 6 river or area floods. The county has received 17 federal disaster declarations, 1 of which involved flooding or coastal storms. Enter any address above to check its FEMA flood zone designation.
FEMA Disaster Declarations (1974–2026)
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 |
| 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 Tornadoes | Severe Storm | Mar 14, 2008 |
| Hurricane Katrina Evacuation | Hurricane | Aug 27, 2005 |
| Hurricane Opal | Hurricane | Oct 4, 1995 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Flood | Jan 4, 2023 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 19, 2021 | 20.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 19, 2021 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 19, 2021 | 50.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 19, 2021 | 40.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 19, 2021 | 30.00K |
| Tropical Storm | Oct 28, 2020 | — |
| Flash Flood | Apr 9, 2019 | 5000.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 31, 2018 | 30.00K |
| Tropical Storm | Sep 11, 2017 | 15.00K |
Flash Flood — Jan 4, 2023
A strong developing system over brought moist southerly winds across the north and central Georgia, creating isolated severe thunderstorms and flash flooding on the afternoon and evening of January 3rd. The severe weather threat continued into Wednesday, January 4th, as the storm progressed eastward and brought a cold front across the area, producing isolated damaging wind gusts.
Flash Flood — Aug 19, 2021
A weak mid-level short wave moving through the region, combined with strong daytime heating isolated strong to severe thunderstorms across north Georgia during the afternoon. Although rainfall totals were generally 1.5 inches or less, portions of the greater Atlanta metropolitan area received 2 to 3 inches of rain. These amounts, falling on already saturated soils, cause flash flooding in Polk ...
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 — Apr 9, 2019
A surface low associated with a deep upper-level trough swept across north and central Georgia bringing widespread showers and thunderstorms, accompanied by heavy rain. Despite somewhat limited instability, the strong dynamics and moderate shear resulted in isolated reports of damaging thunderstorm winds and large hail. Rainfall amounts of 2 to 3 inches quickly fell over portions of northern Ge...
Flash Flood — Jul 31, 2018
Persistent, strong southwesterly upper-level flow over the region combined with a very moist atmosphere to produce widespread thunderstorms with very heavy rainfall, and an isolated report of thunderstorm wind damage.
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 Polk 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 Polk 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.