Enter any address in Sumter County, Georgia to see its FEMA flood zone
Tropical storms and associated heavy rainfall are the dominant flood character in Sumter County. Over the past 30 years, NOAA Storm Events data shows 14 tropical storm events, 7 flood events, 7 flash flood events, and 3 hurricane events impacting the area. For example, Hurricane Helene brought widespread rainfall between 6 and 14 inches to central Georgia in September 2024. More recently, in March 2020, heavy rainfall of 3 to 6 inches caused flash flooding and numerous road closures.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data indicates that properties in Zone X have experienced the most claims, with an average payout of $13,967 for 0.6 feet of water depth. Properties in Zone A have also seen claims, averaging $3,008 with 0.5 feet of water depth. Residents in areas designated as Zone A, as well as those in Zone X, should pay close attention to flood risk.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
11 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Sumter County, Georgia has recorded 31 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 7 flash floods and 7 river or area floods. The county has received 14 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 Storms And Tornadoes | Severe Storm | Mar 1, 2007 |
| Hurricane Katrina Evacuation | Hurricane | Aug 27, 2005 |
| Tropical Storm Frances | Hurricane | Sep 3, 2004 |
| Severe Storms And Flooding | Severe Storm | Feb 14, 1998 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Tropical Storm | Sep 27, 2024 | 3.00K |
| Flash Flood | Mar 4, 2020 | 0.00K |
| Hurricane (Typhoon) | Oct 10, 2018 | 0.00K |
| Tropical Storm | Oct 10, 2018 | 0.00K |
| Tropical Storm | Sep 11, 2017 | 150.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 7, 2017 | 12.00K |
| Flash Flood | Sep 22, 2015 | 80.00K |
| Tropical Storm | Sep 4, 2011 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Dec 14, 2009 | 10.00K |
| Flood | Dec 14, 2009 | 3.00K |
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...
Flash Flood — Mar 4, 2020
During the day on March 4, enhanced moisture over the state produced a swath of heavy rainfall over portions of south and central Georgia. An area of 3 to 6 inches of rain fell over an area stretching from Stewart County eastward to Toombs County. Isolated higher amounts of up to 8 inches, particularly over Stewart County. This heavy rainfall fell on already wet soils, exacerbating the impact. ...
Hurricane (Typhoon) — 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...
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...
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...
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 Sumter 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 Sumter 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.