Enter any address in Vermilion County, Illinois to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from heavy rainfall events dominates Vermilion County's flood history. Over the past 30 years, the NOAA Storm Events Database has recorded 53 flash flood events compared to 6 general flood events. For example, in July 2021, excessive rainfall rates contributed to flash flooding in portions of the county. Similarly, in June 2020, slow-moving thunderstorms caused localized flash flooding west of Potomac, requiring road closures.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data indicates that properties designated as Zone A have experienced the most claims, with an average payout of $25,475 and an average water depth of 9.3 feet. Properties in Zone X also show a notable number of claims, though with lower average payouts and water depths. Homeowners in Zone A, and those in other flood zones with documented claims, should pay particular attention to flood risk.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
15 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Vermilion County, Illinois has recorded 59 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 53 flash floods and 6 river or area floods. The county has received 12 federal disaster declarations. 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 Storms, Straight-line Winds, And Tornadoes | Tornado | Nov 17, 2013 |
| Hurricane Katrina Evacuation | Hurricane | Aug 29, 2005 |
| Severe Storms, Tornadoes And Flooding | Tornado | Apr 21, 2002 |
| Winter Storm 1/1/99 | Snowstorm | Jan 1, 1999 |
| Severe Storms And Flooding | Severe Storm | Apr 28, 1996 |
| Severe Storms And Flooding | Severe Storm | Apr 9, 1994 |
| Severe Ice Storm | Severe Ice Storm | Feb 14, 1990 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Flood | Jul 11, 2021 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 27, 2020 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 29, 2019 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Feb 21, 2018 | 3.00M |
| Flash Flood | Feb 20, 2018 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 10, 2018 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 5, 2018 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Apr 29, 2017 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Apr 29, 2017 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | May 26, 2017 | 0.00K |
Flash Flood — Jul 11, 2021
Waves of low pressure tracking along a nearly stationary frontal boundary draped across south-central Illinois triggered numerous thunderstorms during the afternoon and evening of July 11th. Some of the storms dropped locally heavy rainfall, with as much as 3.77 being reported in Mount Pulaski in southern Logan County. Due to excessive rainfall rates and already moist soil conditions, flash f...
Flash Flood — Jun 27, 2020
Slow-moving thunderstorms dropped 2 to 3 inches of rain across portions of Vermilion County during the late evening of June 27th. Localized flash flooding occurred west of Potomac where Route 49 had to be barricaded.
Flash Flood — Jun 29, 2019
Scattered thunderstorms developed ahead of a cold front draped along the I-80 corridor during the evening of June 29th. One of the strongest cells dropped southeastward into Vermilion County, producing wind gusts of around 60mph and hail as large as quarters. In addition, excessive rainfall rates caused localized flash flooding west of Alvin where IL-119 was impassible due to flowing water.
Flood — Feb 21, 2018
A slow-moving frontal boundary brought very heavy rainfall to central Illinois from Monday, February 19th through Tuesday, February 20th. Many locations east of I-55 and north of I-70 picked up 3 to 5 inches of rain...with locally higher amounts in excess of 6 inches. The heavy rain occurring on top of the frozen ground led to significant run-off and widespread flooding along area creeks and ...
Flash Flood — Feb 20, 2018
A slow-moving frontal boundary brought very heavy rainfall to central Illinois from Monday, February 19th through Tuesday, February 20th. Many locations east of I-55 and north of I-70 picked up 3 to 5 inches of rain...with locally higher amounts in excess of 6 inches. The heavy rain occurring on top of the frozen ground led to significant run-off and widespread flooding along area creeks and ...
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 Vermilion 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 Vermilion 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.