Enter any address in Shelby County, Indiana to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from thunderstorms is a significant concern in Shelby County, Indiana. Over the past 30 years, NOAA Storm Events data shows 31 flood events and 20 flash flood events recorded in the county. For example, on April 4, 2025, heavy rainfall exacerbated existing creek and river flooding, leading to major flood stage conditions on some rivers. On June 19, 2021, a multi-day storm system resulted in significant flash flooding across portions of the region.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data indicates that properties in Zone A have experienced the most claims, with 143 claims filed. However, properties in Zone X_UNSHADED have seen higher average payouts ($19,972) compared to Zone A ($13,155), with similar average water depths. Homeowners in areas designated as Zone A or Zone X_UNSHADED, as well as those located near creeks and rivers, should pay particular attention to flood risk.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
19 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Shelby County, Indiana has recorded 51 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 20 flash floods and 31 river or area floods. The county has received 14 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 (1974–2026)
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, Flooding, And Tornadoes | Severe Storm | May 30, 2008 |
| Hurricane Katrina Evacuation | Hurricane | Aug 29, 2005 |
| Severe Winter Storms And Flooding | Severe Storm | Jan 1, 2005 |
| Snow | Snowstorm | Dec 21, 2004 |
| Severe Storms, Tornadoes, And Flooding | Severe Storm | May 25, 2004 |
| Severe Storms, Tornadoes, And Flooding | Severe Storm | Aug 26, 2003 |
| Severe Storms And Tornadoes | Severe Storm | Sep 20, 2002 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Flood | Apr 4, 2025 | 50.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 29, 2021 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Jul 29, 2021 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 19, 2021 | 5.00K |
| Flash Flood | Mar 20, 2020 | 5.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 3, 2019 | 0.50K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 3, 2019 | 35.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 3, 2015 | 8.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 3, 2015 | 0.50K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 30, 2013 | 2.00K |
Flash Flood — Apr 4, 2025
The final round of rain in a stretch of 4 days brought rain amounts of 2-4.5 inches of rain to central Indiana in addition to the 3-5 inches that had fallen. This led to additional widespread flash flooding and exacerbated ongoing creek and river flooding to a point that many main stem rivers ended up reaching major flood stage.
Flash Flood — Jul 29, 2021
A very warm and humid air mass combined with a slowly-approaching west-to-east cold front to initiate scattered evening thunderstorms. Severe weather occurred in the most favorable environment, to the southeast of Indianapolis, wherein 3000-4000 MLCAPE, 125-175 0-3 km MLCAPE, and 100-200 effective storm relative helicity combined to form an intense, nearly-stationary QLCS. Two EF-1 tornadoes,...
Flood — Jul 29, 2021
A very warm and humid air mass combined with a slowly-approaching west-to-east cold front to initiate scattered evening thunderstorms. Severe weather occurred in the most favorable environment, to the southeast of Indianapolis, wherein 3000-4000 MLCAPE, 125-175 0-3 km MLCAPE, and 100-200 effective storm relative helicity combined to form an intense, nearly-stationary QLCS. Two EF-1 tornadoes,...
Flash Flood — Jun 19, 2021
A long lasting and multi faceted storm system moved through central Indiana beginning during the late afternoon hours of June 18th and continued through the evening hours with widespread damaging winds and very large hail before transitioning into a flash flooding event during the overnight hours with significant flash flooding occurring across portions of Owen and Monroe counties. Unfortunate...
Flash Flood — Mar 20, 2020
During the overnight hours of March 19th, a strong low pressure system brought heavy rain and thunderstorms to central Indiana. The heaviest rain fell across south central Indiana with 2 to 3 inches of rain. Decatur county was the heaviest hit area with numerous state and local roads closed.
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 Shelby 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 Shelby 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.