Enter any address in Montgomery County, Illinois to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from intense rainfall events is the primary flood hazard in Montgomery County. Over the past 30 years, the NOAA Storm Events Database has recorded 20 flash flood events, compared to one general flood event. For example, flash flooding occurred in September 2022 due to localized heavy rainfall from a stalled weather system, and in June 2020 as showers and storms developed ahead of a cold front.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data indicates that properties with unknown flood zone designations have experienced claims with an average payout of $9,214 and an average water depth of 1.3 feet. Properties designated as Zone A have seen higher average payouts of $17,181 with an average water depth of 22.7 feet. Homeowners in areas prone to flash flooding, particularly those near drainage paths or in lower-lying areas, should pay close attention to their flood risk.
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.
Montgomery County, Illinois has recorded 21 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 20 flash floods and 1 river or area floods. The county has received 7 federal disaster declarations. Enter any address above to check its FEMA flood zone designation.
FEMA Disaster Declarations (2002–2021)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, And Tornadoes | Tornado | Dec 10, 2021 |
| Covid-19 | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Covid-19 Pandemic | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Severe Storms And Flooding | Severe Storm | Sep 13, 2008 |
| 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 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Flood | Sep 4, 2022 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Sep 1, 2021 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 22, 2020 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 10, 2018 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 1, 2018 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Apr 29, 2017 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 4, 2016 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Dec 28, 2015 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Dec 27, 2015 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 8, 2015 | 0.00K |
Flash Flood — Sep 4, 2022
An upper level system stalled out over the region with plenty of low level moisture convergence on the nose of a modest low level jet. The forcing was focused over south central Illinois, so this is the area that got the most rainfall. A couple of isolated areas had over 4 inches of rain in a short amount of time, causing flash flooding.
Flash Flood — Sep 1, 2021
As an outflow boundary moved south across the forecast area, scattered showers and storms developed along it. Some of the storms produced heavy rain causing flash flooding.
Flash Flood — Jun 22, 2020
Showers and storms developed ahead of a cold front. Some of the storms produced very heavy rainfall that caused flash flooding.
Flash Flood — Jun 10, 2018
Scattered thunderstorms developed along a frontal boundary as well as old outflow boundaries. Some of the storms produced large hail and flash flooding.
Flash Flood — Jul 1, 2018
Showers and thunderstorms developed along a cold front. Some of the storms produced damaging winds and flash flooding.
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 Montgomery 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 Montgomery 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.