Enter any address in Power County, Idaho to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from heavy rainfall is the dominant flood character in Power County. Between 2003 and 2023, NOAA Storm Events data recorded 28 flash flood events compared to 4 general flood events. Recent examples include widespread flash flooding across southeast Idaho in August 2022 following heavy rainfall, and flash flooding in the American Falls area in August 2023 due to intense rainfall.
While general flooding has also occurred, such as the extensive river flooding in February 2017 following above-normal temperatures and heavy snowfall, the frequency of flash flood events is notably higher. Residents in Power County should be aware of their specific flood risk, particularly those in low-lying areas or properties situated near waterways that could be affected by rapid rainfall runoff.
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.
Power County, Idaho has recorded 32 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 28 flash floods and 4 river or area floods. The county has received 5 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 (1964–2020)
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 |
| Wildfires | Fire | Jul 27, 2000 |
| Heavy Rains & Flooding | Flood | Dec 31, 1964 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Flood | Jun 9, 2024 | 0.10K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 9, 2024 | 0.30K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 9, 2024 | 1.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 17, 2023 | 15.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 13, 2022 | 4.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 31, 2021 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 30, 2021 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 1, 2021 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Feb 14, 2019 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Feb 5, 2017 | 329.00K |
Flash Flood — Jun 9, 2024
Several reports of severe weather were received through the afternoon.
Flash Flood — Aug 17, 2023
Extremely heavy rainfall caused some flash flooding in the Pocatello area and American Falls. One to 2.5 inches of rain fell in a 3 hour time span.
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 — Jul 30, 2021
Sustained monsoonal flow brought heavy rains and several areas with flash flooding.
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
FEMA assigns flood zone designations to areas in Power 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 Power 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.