Enter any address in De Witt County, Illinois to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from thunderstorms is the dominant flood character in De Witt County. In the last 30 years, NOAA Storm Events data shows 18 flash flood events compared to 2 general flood events. For example, on July 28, 2016, an isolated thunderstorm dropped over 2 inches of rain in 30 minutes in Farmer City, flooding a street. More widespread flooding occurred on May 1, 2019, when heavy rainfall led to areal flooding and closed numerous roads across central Illinois, including in De Witt County.
NFIP claims data indicates that properties in Zone A and Zone X have experienced significant flood damage, with average payouts of $9,649 and $7,663 respectively, and substantial average water depths. Homeowners in these zones, as well as those in Zone X_UNSHADED, should pay particular attention to flood risk. Properties with unknown flood zone designations also show a high number of claims, suggesting a need for awareness across various areas of the county.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
4 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
De Witt County, Illinois has recorded 20 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 18 flash floods and 2 river or area floods. The county has received 11 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 (1968–2023)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Severe Storms And Flooding | Severe Storm | Jun 29, 2023 |
| Covid-19 | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Covid-19 Pandemic | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Severe Winter Storm | Severe Ice Storm | Nov 30, 2006 |
| Hurricane Katrina Evacuation | Hurricane | Aug 29, 2005 |
| Severe Storms, Tornadoes And Flooding | Tornado | Apr 21, 2002 |
| Illinois Winter Snow Storms | Snowstorm | Dec 11, 2000 |
| Winter Storm 1/1/99 | Snowstorm | Jan 1, 1999 |
| Severe Storms And Flooding | Severe Storm | Apr 9, 1994 |
| Severe Storms & Flooding | Flood | Apr 30, 1979 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Flood | Apr 2, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flood | May 1, 2019 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 28, 2016 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | May 29, 2014 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 26, 2014 | 5.00M |
| Flash Flood | Feb 20, 2014 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 22, 2013 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 15, 2010 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Oct 23, 2009 | 50.00K |
| Flash Flood | May 15, 2009 | 0.00K |
Flash Flood — Apr 2, 2025
An area of low pressure tracked from southeastern Nebraska during the morning of April 2nd to western Wisconsin by evening, triggering two rounds of convection across central Illinois.||Round 1 occurred during the morning when a line of thunderstorms along the trailing cold front pushed into the Illinois River Valley. These storms were generally sub-severe, but one cell produced a downburst wi...
Flood — May 1, 2019
Heavy rainfall on April 30th led to areal flooding of many central Illinois communities from Morgan County northeastward to DeWitt County on May 1st. Overflowing creeks and water flowing out of farm fields caused the closure of numerous roads. IL-78 just south of the Jacksonville Airport in Morgan County was closed for a time, as were several county roads in Menard and Logan counties.
Flash Flood — Jul 28, 2016
An isolated slow-moving thunderstorm dropped over 2 inches of rain in just 30 minutes in the town of Farmer City in DeWitt County. As a result of the heavy rain, a street in town became flooded and impassible.
Flash Flood — May 29, 2014
A nearly stationary front draped across central Illinois provided the focus for afternoon showers and thunderstorms. The strongest storms produced heavy rainfall and localized flash flooding in eastern DeWitt County.
Flash Flood — Aug 26, 2014
An approaching cold front triggered strong to severe thunderstorms across portions of central Illinois during the late afternoon and evening of August 26th. Hail up to the size of quarters was reported in a few locations, while gusty winds of around 60 mph downed trees in Macon and Edgar counties. In addition, high rainfall rates with the strongest storms led to localized flash flooding, part...
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 De Witt County, Illinois:
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 De Witt County, Illinois 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.