Enter any address in Howard County, Indiana to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from thunderstorms is a notable flood hazard in Howard County, Indiana. Over the past 30 years, the NOAA Storm Events Database has recorded 16 flood events and 16 flash flood events in the county. For example, on June 14th, multiple rounds of storms brought up to 6 inches of rain, causing road closures and severe flooding on the south side of Kokomo, with minor flooding reported along the Wildcat Creek basin and the upper Wabash and White rivers. Another instance on May 28th saw storms produce flash flooding across northern central Indiana.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data indicates that properties in Zone A have experienced the highest number of claims, with an average payout of $21,113 and an average water depth of 7.9 feet. Properties in Zone X_SHADED also saw significant water depth, averaging 7.9 feet, though with fewer claims. Homeowners in Zone A, and those in areas with documented high water depths, should pay particular attention to flood risk.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
6 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Howard County, Indiana has recorded 32 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 16 flash floods and 16 river or area floods. The county has received 15 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 (1965–2026)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Severe Winter Storm | Winter Storm | Jan 23, 2026 |
| Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, And Tornadoes | Severe Storm | Mar 31, 2023 |
| Covid-19 | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Covid-19 Pandemic | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Snow | Snowstorm | Feb 12, 2007 |
| Hurricane Katrina Evacuation | Hurricane | Aug 29, 2005 |
| Severe Winter Storms And Flooding | Severe Storm | Jan 1, 2005 |
| Severe Storms, Tornadoes, And Flooding | Severe Storm | May 25, 2004 |
| Severe Storms, Tornadoes, And Flooding | Severe Storm | Jul 4, 2003 |
| Snow | Snowstorm | Dec 11, 2000 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Flood | Jun 14, 2025 | 150.00K |
| Flash Flood | May 28, 2019 | 10.00K |
| Flash Flood | May 28, 2019 | 25.00K |
| Flash Flood | May 28, 2019 | 2.00K |
| Flood | Jun 19, 2019 | 1.00K |
| Flash Flood | May 20, 2017 | 100.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 11, 2017 | 200.00K |
| Flood | Jun 18, 2014 | 0.50K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 21, 2010 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Jun 14, 2010 | 0.50K |
Flash Flood — Jun 14, 2025
Multiple rounds of slow-moving storms impacted much of north central Indiana during the late overnight and morning hours of June 14th with rain totals as high as 6 inches. Numerous roads were closed with the most severe flooding noted on the south side of Kokomo. This flooding led to minor flooding along the Wildcat creek basin and the upper Wabash and upper White rivers.
Flash Flood — May 28, 2019
A band of showers and thunderstorms developed and pushed across northern portions of central Indiana during the late afternoon and evening of May the 28th. These storms produced large hail, damaging thunderstorms wind gusts, and flash flooding.
Flood — Jun 19, 2019
A wide band of showers and thunderstorms pushed northeast across central Indiana during the afternoon of June 19th. Some of the heavier storms impacted Hamilton County on the north side of Indianapolis. Water rescues occurred.
Flash Flood — May 20, 2017
Scattered thunderstorms developed over west central and north central Indiana Saturday evening along a northward-moving warm front. A couple of the storms became severe with numerous wall clouds and funnel clouds. One storm produced a brief tornado in the town of Forest in northeast Clinton County, causing significant damage to a fire station and a pole barn. Another storm produced a brief torn...
Flash Flood — Jul 11, 2017
Northwest flow in the upper atmosphere allowed multiple waves to move across the area. The atmosphere had a high moisture content and was unstable. The waves interacted with the moisture and instability to produce the severe weather and heavy rain. Multiple rounds of thunderstorms moved over the same locations, creating the flooding problems. Several rounds of thunderstorms, from July 10th thro...
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 Howard County, Indiana:
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 Howard County, Indiana 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.