Enter any address in Newton County, Indiana to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from heavy rainfall events is the dominant flood character in Newton County. In June 2020, two rounds of thunderstorms brought 1 to 2 inches of rain to areas including Kentland, leading to flash flooding. Similar heavy rain events in February 2018 caused areal flooding and major river flooding.
Over the last 30 years, NOAA Storm Events data shows 14 flash flood events and 9 flood events, with 3 associated fatalities. National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data indicates that properties in Zone A have experienced 27 claims with an average payout of $3,911 and an average water depth of 0.6 feet. Properties in Zone X have had fewer claims (4), but with a higher average payout of $75,329 and an average water depth of 0.5 feet.
Homeowners in Zone A and Zone X, as well as those near rivers or in areas prone to heavy rainfall, should pay close attention to flood risk.
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.
Newton County, Indiana has recorded 23 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 14 flash floods and 9 river or area floods. The county has received 18 federal disaster declarations, 2 of which involved flooding or coastal storms. Enter any address above to check its FEMA flood zone designation.
FEMA Disaster Declarations (1977–2026)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Severe Winter Storm | Winter Storm | Jan 23, 2026 |
| Covid-19 | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Covid-19 Pandemic | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Severe Storms And Flooding | Flood | Feb 14, 2018 |
| Severe Winter Storm And Snowstorm | Severe Storm | Jan 5, 2014 |
| Severe Storms And Flooding | Severe Storm | Sep 12, 2008 |
| Severe Storms And Flooding | Severe Storm | Jan 7, 2008 |
| Snow | Snowstorm | Feb 12, 2007 |
| Hurricane Katrina Evacuation | Hurricane | Aug 29, 2005 |
| Severe Winter Storms And Flooding | Severe Storm | Jan 1, 2005 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flood | Jun 27, 2020 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 27, 2020 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Feb 20, 2018 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 13, 2016 | 1.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 18, 2015 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 11, 2015 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 23, 2014 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | May 31, 2013 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 1, 2013 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | May 7, 2012 | 0.00K |
Flood — Jun 27, 2020
Two rounds of thunderstorms moved across portions of northwest Indiana during the early morning hours of June 27th. Many areas received 1 to 2 inches of rain. The highest totals were near Kentland. Scattered thunderstorms developed during the afternoon of June 27th producing very heavy rain over these same areas, including Kentland, producing flash flooding.
Flash Flood — Jun 27, 2020
Two rounds of thunderstorms moved across portions of northwest Indiana during the early morning hours of June 27th. Many areas received 1 to 2 inches of rain. The highest totals were near Kentland. Scattered thunderstorms developed during the afternoon of June 27th producing very heavy rain over these same areas, including Kentland, producing flash flooding.
Flood — Feb 20, 2018
Very heavy rain fell across northwest Indiana on February 19th and February 20th which caused areal flooding across some areas and major flooding on some rivers.
Flash Flood — Jul 13, 2016
A well-organized complex of thunderstorms progressed from west to east across northern Illinois and northwest Indiana, bringing scattered wind damage to mainly areas along and south of the I-80 corridor. In addition, heavy rainfall occurred causing patchy minor flooding.
Flash Flood — Jun 18, 2015
Thunderstorms produced torrential rain across portions of northwest Indiana.
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 Newton 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 Newton 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.