Enter any address in Oneida County, Idaho to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from heavy rainfall is the primary flood hazard in Oneida County. Between 2003 and 2023, the NOAA Storm Events Database recorded 14 flash flood events and 4 general flood events. Recent examples include water running across Old Highway 191 in September 2023 due to heavy rain, and widespread flash flooding across southeastern Idaho in August 2022 following intense rainfall. In May 2018, a strong thunderstorm dropped over 2 inches of rain in 30 minutes, causing flooded basements and street flooding in Malad City.
Homeowners in low-lying areas should be particularly aware of flood risk. While the National Flood Insurance Program has recorded only one claim in Zone A in this county with no reported water depth or payout, this does not negate the potential for future flooding. Residents with properties located near waterways or in areas prone to rapid runoff from heavy rainfall should pay close attention to flood advisories and consider flood preparedness measures.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
2 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Oneida County, Idaho has recorded 18 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 14 flash floods and 4 river or area floods. The county has received 3 federal disaster declarations. Enter any address above to check its FEMA flood zone designation.
FEMA Disaster Declarations (2005–2020)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Covid-19 | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Covid-19 Pandemic | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Hurricane Katrina | Hurricane | Aug 29, 2005 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Flood | Sep 3, 2023 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 13, 2022 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 31, 2021 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | May 28, 2018 | 5.00K |
| Flood | Feb 5, 2017 | 278.00K |
| Flood | Mar 1, 2017 | 45.00K |
| Flood | Feb 22, 2012 | 10.00K |
| Flood | Jan 21, 2012 | 8.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 24, 2009 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 17, 2009 | 0.00K |
Flash Flood — Sep 3, 2023
Water ran across Old Highway 191 at several locations between Idaho 36 and Devil Creek Reservoir due to heavy rain.
Flash Flood — Aug 13, 2022
Extremely heavy rain fell with several reports of 1 to 3 inches falling. Flash flooding was widespread across southeasy Idaho.
Flash Flood — Jul 31, 2021
Sustained monsoonal flow brought more flooding to southeast Idaho on July 31st.
Flash Flood — May 28, 2018
A very heavy rainfall of over 2 inches in 30 minutes from a strong thunderstorm caused basements to flood and street flooding in Malad City.
Flood — Feb 5, 2017
A trend toward above normal temperatures in February after extreme snowfall amounts in both December and January led to extensive flooding issues during the entirety of the month. The brunt of the flooding occurred in Cassia, Minidoka, Jefferson, Lincoln and Bingham Counties but all counties did receive at least minor flooding. The floding began February 4th and continued to affect low lying...
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 Oneida County, Idaho:
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 Oneida County, Idaho 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.